The following is a brief outline providing information as an Armed Forces Legal Officer.

The successful applicant will be employed initially at Headquarters, New Zealand Defence Force, Wellington, as part of the Directorate of Legal Services. The Directorate is required to provide advice to the Chief of Defence Force, single Service Chiefs of Staff and any Officer, military or civilian of the New Zealand Defence Force. The range of subjects on which advice may be sought is wide. It includes: proposed legislative changes, the assessment of legislation that may impact on the activities or resources of the New Zealand Defence Force, the Armed Forces disciplinary system, administration of Armed Forces law, commercial matters, industrial matters (the Chief of Defence Force is responsible for determining conditions of employment for civilian staff of the New Zealand Defence Force), international agreements and arrangements affecting the Armed Forces, administrative acts or omissions and last, but not least, Armed Forces operations.

There is an emphasis in the duties of an Armed Forces Legal Officer on Armed Forces and criminal law. In these areas, advice may be required on: the constitution, command and organisation of the three services, courts-martial, including setting charges and other pre-trial aspects, Armed Forces legal aid and post-trial, in relation to petitions and review, the legality of summary findings and sentences, terms of reference of courts of inquiry and formal inquiries, their legality and whether the evidence recorded discloses the commission of offences, international law, especially the laws of war, the law of the sea, air law and status of forces, complaints by members of the Armed Forces and the executive and administrative acts affecting the conditions of service of members of the Armed Forces.

Officers of the Directorate may be required to prosecute from time to time at courts-martial, appear on behalf of the Chief of Defence Force in the Courts Martial Appeal Court, formulate and implement policy on legal matters and assist with training the Armed Forces in Armed Forces law.

A barrister and/or solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand who has a service background, some years legal practice and is ready to make an early start is likely to be preferred. Full consideration will be given however, to any person who believes that he or she can make a strong commitment to be an Officer of the New Zealand Army Legal Service for at least three years.

Remuneration will vary according to rank on appointment.

Recruitment

You will need to initiate recruitment using the Army's web based recruitment system. Following initial interview and testing by recruiters and a review of your curriculum vitae by the Director of Legal Services or a senior Legal Officer, you may be invited to undertake an Officer Selection Board (OSB).

Officer Selection Board

An OSB is convened two or three times a year, and is conducted by senior military officers and military psychologists to determine your suitability and aptitude to undertake officer training in the New Zealand Army. This is a week-long process assessing leadership ability and potential, and the offer of a commission is not automatic. If you are selected for training as an officer you will receive an Offer of Service which will detail the rank, seniority, length of initial engagement, remuneration, and the unit to which you will be posted.

Initial Officer Training

Upon commissioning you will attend the Officer Cadet School (NZ) for your initial military training on the Specialist Officer Induction Course (SOIC), in which you are introduced to life in the Army. You will learn the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the service. The SOIC includes a rigorous programme of fitness training.

Upon completion of the SOIC, you will be introduced to the organisational structure and history of the NZDF Directorate of Legal Services and the NZALS. Your training will include instructional techniques to prepare you to participate in the training of your colleagues.

You will undertake the Junior Staff Officers (JSO) course on which you will be taught the duties of a junior officer in a unit, and familiarise you with the various aspects of military administration.

Applications

Applicants wishing to apply for these positions are to Apply Online. Your application will need to be supported by a current curriculum vitae and should be forwarded to your local Recruiting Office when requested.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence and place the applicant under no obligation.