Job opening - Senior Legal/Policy/Environmental Researcher
Do you have a background in law, policy, or science and are you wanting to make a difference for Aotearoa's environment and biodiversity?
If this sounds like you, then the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) is looking to recruit 2 new senior researchers to join our existing team.
We are looking for people who have inquisitive minds, are prepared to go looking into legal, policy and scientific issues to improve the ways our natural taonga are cherished and managed.
ELI is a New Zealand charitable trust, established to make a positive difference to Te Taiao, through the application and improvement of New Zealand environmental law.
We advocate for a better environment using policy, legal and scientific research. Where necessary, we take legal action to ensure the application of our existing environmental laws. We recognise that tangata whenua exercise kaitiakitanga within their rohe. We are committed to working in partnership with iwi and hapū to achieve a healthier environment.
We have a small team with legal, policy and communication skills. Our team members examine environmental issues and associated law in depth, and seek external advice from legal, policy, and scientific consultants. This enables us to look at a wide range of opportunities to test matters in court or develop strong advocacy positions.
Currently our areas of interest include freshwater, wetlands, sustainable marine environments and fisheries, pesticides, biodiversity and ecosystem protection. Climate change and current proposals to review environmental and conservation law are also part of our mandate.
ELI seek to accurately build Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori in our everyday work. Therefore, knowledge and experience of tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori, or enthusiasm for continued professional development in these areas is desirable.
The actual job description will be fine-tuned to suit the skills and experience of the preferred applicants. But it is essentially a research position, investigating issues and law relating to the priority areas. In addition to research, suitably qualified legal professionals may also take on a role as in-house counsel.
ELI has a small office in central Wellington, but location is flexible, and the positions could be filled on either a full or part time basis. Secondments or contracts would also be possible.
Read a full job description below:
