The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is seeking a motivated legal professional to join our Land & Legal Team and contribute to the delivery of practical legal advice and support across the Corporation.
About the Role
The Legal Counsel provides legal advice and support across CIIC, with a particular focus on Crown land administration, commercial transactions, governance, statutory compliance, litigation management, policy development and legal projects. Working under the direction of the General Manager – Land & Legal, the role supports the effective delivery of legal services and the sound administration and management of Crown land interests.
The role provides an opportunity for a legal professional at the appropriate stage of their career to contribute across a broad range of matters, develop their legal practice and work with a range of internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate sound professional judgement, strong legal drafting and analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple matters and priorities.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide practical legal advice across Crown land, commercial, property, public and corporate matters
• Prepare, review and negotiate contracts, leases, licences, deeds, agreements and other legal documentation
• Support Crown land administration, including leases, licences, easements, land tenure and related obligations
• Assist with Board papers, governance documentation, Cabinet submissions, statutory compliance and procurement matters
• Assist with litigation, mediation, arbitration, judicial review and dispute resolution matters, including liaison with Crown Law and external counsel
• Identify legal risks and recommend practical, commercially sound solutions
• Contribute to legal policies, precedents, templates, knowledge management and continuous improvement
• Build effective working relationships with CIIC divisions, Government agencies, Crown entities, landowners, tenants and other stakeholders
About You
• Sound legal knowledge and a willingness to continue developing across commercial, property, public and corporate law
• Strong legal drafting, analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work independently with appropriate support
• Sound professional judgement, integrity and high ethical standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative, adaptable and solutions-focused
Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent recognised legal qualification
• Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of the Cook Islands, or eligible for admission
• Current practising certificate
• Post-admission legal experience, with the level of experience considered alongside the candidate’s skills, capability and potential
• Experience providing legal advice in a law firm, public sector, Crown entity or commercial environment
• Experience drafting legal documents and managing legal files
• Experience in Crown land, property law, litigation, dispute resolution or corporate governance would be an advantage
• Knowledge of the Cook Islands legal framework, including the Cook Islands Investment Corporation Act and related legislation, would be highly regarded
Why CIIC?
At CIIC, we are committed to delivering quality public assets that empower our people, our places, and our future. We value:
• Kia Orana – Cook Islands Pride
• Tu Rangatira – Professionalism
• Akairo – Legacy
• Ora’anga Matutu – Health & Wellbeing
Join a team that plays an important role in managing Crown assets and investments that support the people of the Cook Islands.
Applications close 12noon, Friday 2 October 2026 (CI time). CIIC reserves the right to extend the closing date if required.
All applications must be submitted electronically with a Cover Letter and a CV to: ciic.recruitment@cookislands.gov.ck
