The key focus for this role is to assist in providing timely, practical and quality legal advice to a range of Treasury staff.

Transcription

1 Job Description Job Title: Graduate/Junior Solicitor 1 Portfolio: Reports to: Location: Strategy and Performance Treasury Solicitor and Manager, Legal Group Wellington Date: October 2010 Treasury s Purpose The Treasury s purpose is to help achieve higher living standards for all New Zealanders. As the Government s lead economic, financial and regulatory advisor, we provide Credible innovative and practical strategic advice on economic performance, macroeconomic stability and sustainability, and state sector performance (including as a lead advisor in certain areas, second opinion advice, and monitoring the performance of other State agencies). Efficient core operational services financial market operations, management of the Crown accounts and ministerial servicing. Practical leadership of the public sector by helping the broader public sector lift its performance and working with agencies to tackle significant issues for Ministers (a fix-it role). Organisational excellence exemplary management of ourselves as a business. As one of the New Zealand Government s three central agencies (which also includes The State Services Commission & The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet), The Treasury provides leadership, context and direction to public sector agencies. Role Purpose The Graduate/Junior Solicitor is an entry level role, working very closely with the legal team to provide legal services for the Treasury. The Legal team contributes to the optimal achievement of the Treasury s results by helping to ensure operations are carried out in accordance with law. The key focus for this role is to assist in providing timely, practical and quality legal advice to a range of Treasury staff. 1 It is important that legal staff do not hold themselves out as a Solicitor or Lawyer unless they hold a current practising certificate. Depending on the business needs a practising certificate will be issued and staff can be titled solicitors; otherwise their job title will be discussed and confirmed with the manager. Page 1 of 5

2 Key Accountabilities Key Result Areas: Opinions New Legislation Key accountabilities/expectations: Provision of oral and written opinions to members of the legal team or under their guidance on various matters, in particular, relating to the Public Finance Act 1989, the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, the Crown Entities Act 2004, Official Information Act 1982 and to the activities and statutory obligations of the Minister of Finance, the Minister for State- Owned Enterprises, the Treasury, Crown-owned companies and Crown entities. Assistance with the preparation and introduction to Parliament of draft Bills and promulgation of Regulations and Statutory Instruments promoted by Treasury, including assistance with preparation of drafting instructions and assistance with Cabinet Legislation Committee papers. Attendance, with other members of the Legal team, at Cabinet and Select Committees considering Bills promoted by Treasury. Perusal of draft Bills and Regulations promoted by other departments which are referred to Treasury for comment or regulatory review. Discussion of such draft legislation with the relevant Treasury teams and departments concerned and Parliamentary Counsel Office. Assistance with the review of new legislation to assess the impact on Treasury and issue guidance if necessary. Contracts Preparation and assistance with the preparation of various contracts and other documents relating to guarantees, indemnities, acquisitions, DMO work, consultants services and other miscellaneous matters. Advising on general contracting processes and procurement. Crown-Owned Companies and Crown entities Assistance with the preparation of documents relating to the incorporation/establishment of Crown companies and Crown entities. Assistance in providing miscellaneous advice to the Crown Ownership Monitoring Unit, Ministers, other departments and officials, including advice on corporate structuring/form and appointment processes. Assisting with statutory and regulatory approvals. Page 2 of 5

3 Key Result Areas: Miscellaneous Key accountabilities/expectations: Assisting the Legal team on various miscellaneous legal matters related to the statutory and other legal obligations of the Minister of Finance, the Minister for State-Owned Enterprises and the Treasury, including: o litigation management; o bona vacantia matters; o issues relating to the Crown s financial assets and liabilities; o Official Information Act requests; o public sector processes; o legislative bids; o unclaimed money; o Treaty review; and o regulatory planning and scanning. Contribute to Treasury Contribute to Treasury as a good Treasury citizen e.g. member of the Treasury Crisis team, Surfdale committee or EEO committee etc. Contribute across government Assisting with advice on and contributions to cross-government legal initiatives. Role Scope Key Dimensions of Resources Controlled: Revenue: Expenditure: Capital Assets: Direct reports: Key Relationships Key relationships: Legal Team Treasury Managers HPT Staff General Public (bona vacantia/enquiries) Liaison Team Qualifications/Experience Law degree achieved at a high standard. Page 3 of 5

4 Hold, or eligible to hold, a practising certificate. Up to 2 years experience as a lawyer. Experience working within and contributing to a team. Ability to meet the criteria required to hold a NZ Government security clearance. Familiarity with government processes, the parliamentary system and passing of legislation. Competencies Approachability Customer Focus Ethics & Values Integrity & Trust Listening Written Communications Page 4 of 5

5 Organisational Chart Deputy Secretary, Strategy and Performance Treasury Solicitor Senior Solicitors Solicitor Grad Solicitor Senior DGS Solicitor DGS Solicitor Legal Intern Treasury Behaviours The three Treasury behaviours explain the way we do things at Treasury Accountability One Treasury Influence