Senior Legal and Governance Advisor

He kōrero mō mātou | About Watercare

Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata

When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy

There's never been a better time to join Watercare. We're delivering a $15.2 billion, 10-year capital investment programme, the largest in our history, creating opportunities to work on transformative infrastructure, sustainability and digital projects that will shape Auckland's future. With more than $4 million invested every day, you'll be part of work that makes a lasting difference to our communities and environment.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Legal and Governance Advisor to join our Legal and Governance team. This is a 12-month fixed-term role.

In this varied and influential role, you’ll help lead Watercare’s governance function and support the effective operation of our Board and committees. Working closely with the Head of Legal and Governance, Executive team, Board members and senior leaders, you’ll provide trusted governance advice and ensure key processes, deadlines and reporting requirements are managed effectively.

You’ll manage Board and committee processes from end to end, including preparing agendas, coordinating meeting schedules, reviewing and collating Board papers, distributing Board packs, attending meetings and producing high-quality minutes. You’ll also oversee official information requests under LGOIMA, responding to Ombudsman matters and providing practical legal research and advice across the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing governance and secretariat support for Watercare and its administered companies
• Coordinating Board and committee agendas, meetings, papers, packs and minutes
• Advising on governance matters including directors’ duties, conflicts of interest, policies, charters and terms of reference
• Supporting statutory and governance reporting requirements
• Working with the Executive team to prepare and finalise Board reports and papers
• Supporting reporting and presentations to Auckland Council
• Managing LGOIMA requests and Ombudsman matters
• Conducting legal research and providing legal support across the business

Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | About you

You’ll be an experienced legal or governance professional who is comfortable working with senior leaders, executives and Board members. You’ll bring sound judgement, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive information calmly and professionally.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• At least 5 years company secretarial experience including drafting of board meeting minutes
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver to deadlines
• A resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused approach
• A commitment to integrity, collaboration and high-quality work

Experience in LGOIMA, the Official Information Act, Privacy Act or Ombudsman matters would be highly regarded.

Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you

We offer a competitive salary and staff benefits package including:

• Training and development opportunities
• Employee discounts at a range of large retailers

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

Come and join our team! If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity with a fantastic team then please apply online today - careers.watercare.co.nz.