22nd May, 2026
About the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI)
The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) is a charitable trust dedicated to making a positive difference through the application and improvement of environmental law.
Working across oceans and coasts, freshwater, biodiversity and conservation, climate change, and environmental pollution, ELI uses litigation and advocacy to drive meaningful environmental outcomes.
About the role
Reporting to the Trustees, the Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership at a key transition point, enabling the founders to step back from any day-to-day involvement.
This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for the overall management and development of ELI and its programmes. You will work closely with the Trustees to shape organisational direction and oversee the delivery of impactful legal and research work.
Key areas of focus include:
- Leading organisational strategy, including development and delivery of a 5-year plan
- Financial management, budgeting and funding oversight
- Supporting and guiding research, litigation and advocacy priorities
- Building and maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders
- Leading and supporting a small, high-performing team
- Facilitate the development of an advisory board
About you
The ideal candidate will offer:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB), with a current New Zealand practising certificate or eligibility to obtain one
- A background in litigation or strong familiarity with legal processes
- Proven leadership experience in a not-for-profit, advocacy, policy, or similar environment
- Sound financial and organisational management capability
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, inclusive leadership style
- A genuine commitment to environmental outcomes and public interest work
ELI uses the power of the law to protect the natural taonga of Aotearoa, holding polluters, corporate interests, and regulators to account.
If you want to make a difference, and this opportunity aligns with your values and experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV by
Friday, 12 June 2026.
For a confidential discussion, contact Moana Temel, Director, Niche Recruitment on 021 499 902 or email moana.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz.
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