Careers with PCO

Job description

Position:

Parliamentary Counsel or

Assistant Parliamentary Counsel

Location:

Parliamentary Counsel Office

Level 13

Reserve Bank Building

No. 2 The Terrace

WELLINGTON

Responsible to:

Chief Parliamentary Counsel

Relationships with:

Ministers of the Crown

Officials from Government Departments and other Government agencies

Select Committees

Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives

Cabinet Office

Parliamentary Printer

Parliamentary Counsel

Parliamentary Counsel Office support staff

Objective:

To provide law drafting services in relation to Bills and Statutory Regulations

Tasks relating to achievement of objective:

Undertake drafting assignments requested by or on behalf of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel

Provide drafting advice as appropriate

Provide advice to Ministers and Cabinet Committees

Provide advice to Select Committees

Liaise with Cabinet Office, Office of the Clerk, Gazette Clerk, and Parliamentary Printer in relation to drafting assignments

Contribute to the ongoing improvement of drafting practices and procedures

Contribute to the ongoing improvement of Office practices and procedures

As agreed between the counsel concerned and the Chief Parliamentary Counsel:

To be a leader of a drafting group

To be a supervisor or consultant to one or more less experienced drafters

To lead or participate in special projects (drafting and non-drafting)

To undertake particular management functions

Competencies/Skills

Technical Qualification:

New Zealand or overseas degree in law (essential)

Technical Skills:

Sound knowledge of the law

Ability to express legal propositions clearly

Ability to carry out legal research

Knowledge of the process of Government and legislative process

Communication Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Conceptual/Analytical Skills:

Ability to understand concepts

Ability to apply legal knowledge and the results of legal research in a practical and effective manner

Ability to analyse issues and to develop concepts and synthesise elements into realistic solutions

Ability to suggest solutions to problems and to devise new approaches

Interpersonal Skills:

Ability to deal sensibly and sensitively with people and issues

Ability to co-operate with people

Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Ability to build positive work relationships (both internal and external)

Ability to identify and respond to client needs

Ability to mediate

Personal Skills:

Ability to work under pressure

Adaptability and flexibility

Ability to acquire and maintain proficiency in the use of Office technology and procedures

Attention to detail

Ability to apply sound judgement

Initiative

Commitment to achievement and excellence

Ability to represent the Office

Organisational Skills:

Ability to organise time and work so as to manage priorities effectively and meet deadlines

Ability to make effective and efficient use of the Office's resources

Skills for Senior Drafters:

Ability to act as supervisor, trainer and advisor

Ability to co-ordinate, plan, delegate, monitor and report

Ability to manage the Office's resources effectively and efficiently

Ability to contribute to the development and maintenance of the Office's corporate and strategic planning

Ability to take a leadership role