Job description
Parliamentary Counsel or Associate Parliamentary Counsel
Job Description
Person Specification
Position Information
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position:
Parliamentary Counsel or Associate Parliamentary Counsel
Workplace:
Parliamentary Counsel Office
Level 12
Reserve Bank Building
2 The Terrace
Wellington 6160
Reports to:
Drafting Team Leader
Liaises 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
Other Parliamentary Counsel Office staff
Primary purpose
The primary purpose of the position is to draft Government Bills and Statutory Regulations.
Key accountabilities
The Parliamentary Counsel will:
- undertake the drafting of Government and other legislation as assigned by the Team Leader, in a timely, responsive, and professional manner; in addition the Parliamentary Counsel may also be required to provide drafting assistance on private Bills, local Bills, and approved Members’ Bills, and prepare some consultation drafts to accompany Law Commission reports
- positively contribute to the achievement of the goals and objectives set out in the PCO’s Statement of Intent, in particular, by drafting legislation that is clearly expressed and legally effective, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of drafting practices
- draft legislation by effectively and efficiently using a customised authoring tool developed for the PCO
- liaise with Cabinet Office, Office of the Clerk, and Gazette Clerk in relation to drafting assignments
- establish and maintain good relations with clients
- provide advice to Ministers, Cabinet Committees, and select committees as required
- provide other legislative advisory services as required
- acquire, maintain, and develop drafting and other professional skills by participating fully in training and development programmes, actively seeking to acquire, maintain, and develop drafting and other professional skills
- as required, peer review the work of colleagues and supervise one or more less experienced drafters
- participate in and positively contribute to team work and special projects.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Parliamentary Counsel or Associate Parliamentary Counsel
Qualifications
A New Zealand or overseas degree or professional qualification in law is essential and the applicant should be eligible to practise as a lawyer in New Zealand. The work requires a sound knowledge of the law, initiative, and the ability to analyse complex ideas and policies.
Experience
The position requires an experienced lawyer with post-qualifications experience in private practice, the public service, or another legal environment.
Competencies
The ideal applicant will:
Technical
1. have a sound knowledge of the law
2. communicate legal propositions clearly
3. successfully carry out legal research
4. have a good knowledge of the process of Government and the legislative process
Communication
5. communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Conceptual/analytical
6. understand concepts and apply legal knowledge and the results of legal research in a practical and effective manner
7. analyse issues and develop concepts and synthesise elements into realistic solutions
8. recommend solutions to problems and devise new approaches
Interpersonal
9. deal sensibly and sensitively with people and issues
10. work cooperatively with people
11. work both as part of a team and independently
12. build positive work relationships (both internal and external)
13. identify and respond to client needs
14. mediate when required
Personal
15. work under pressure
16. be adaptable and flexible
17. maintain proficiency in the use of office technology and procedures
18. pay attention to detail
19. apply sound judgement
20. use initiative
21. have a commitment to achievement and excellence
22. represent the PCO in a professional manner
Organisational
23. organise time and work to manage priorities effectively and meet deadline
24. make effective and efficient use of the PCO’s resources.
Additional competencies for a senior drafter
A senior drafter will:
25. have sound supervision, training, and advisory skills
26. successfully coordinate, plan, delegate, monitor, and report
27. ensure that resources are managed effectively and efficiently
28. positively contribute to the development and maintenance of the PCO’s corporate and strategic planning.
POSITION INFORMATION
Parliamentary Counsel or Associate Parliamentary Counsel
Organisational environment
The PCO is constituted as a separate office of Parliament under the Statutes Drafting and Compilation Act 1920. The responsible Minister is the Attorney-General. The PCO is an office of about 85 staff.
The role of the PCO is to:
- draft the changes in the law that are necessary to implement Government policies
- make the law accessible to the public.
To this end, the work of the PCO is to:
- draft Government Bills (including amendments) and Statutory Regulations, and to examine and report on local Bills and private Bills and draft amendments to them
- supply printed copies of Government Bills and Government Supplementary Order Papers to the House and, on a selective basis, copies of Acts with proposed amendments incorporated
- publish printed copies of Bills and Supplementary Order Papers, pamphlet copies of Acts and Statutory Regulations, and annual volumes of Acts and Statutory Regulations
- compile reprints of Acts and Statutory Regulations with their amendments incorporated and publish them
- provide the above for sale at designated bookshops and by subscription
- publish the Tables of New Zealand Acts and Ordinances and Statutory Regulations in Force
- provide free public access via the internet to an electronic database of legislation, including Bills and Supplementary Order Papers, and maintain the electronic database of legislation in an up-to-date form.
Employment status
The Parliamentary Counsel is a statutorily appointed drafter working in the Parliamentary Counsel Office. For the purpose of salary payment and the application of conditions whilst working in the PCO, conditions of engagement (or employment) are outlined in a Conditions of Engagement Agreement which is offered to the Parliamentary Counsel when being offered an appointment subject to the Attorney-General’s approval. (See also the Statutes Drafting and Compilation Act 1920.)
Employment conditions
The PCO maintains a manual of personnel policies setting out the policies and processes applicable to all PCO personnel including Parliamentary Counsel. Such policies include the Health and Safety Policy, Computer User Policy, Disciplinary Policy, Employment Policy, EEO Policy, Internet and Email Use Policy, Leave Policy, and Remuneration Policy.
Salary
The salary on appointment for a Parliamentary Counsel or Associate Parliamentary Counsel is determined in accordance with relevant skills and experience.
PCO holidays
In addition to four weeks’ annual holidays, conditions of employment include three days’ PCO holidays to be taken between Christmas and New Year, Easter Tuesday, and two days after each general election to be taken during the Christmas/New Year period.
Further information
Further information about the PCO, including the PCO Annual Report and Statement of Intent, are available on the PCO website.
