Senior Legal Officer

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Fiscal Commissioner, the Senior Legal Officer coordinates the legislation programme of the Commission and provides legal support to assist the organization in the achievement of its strategic objectives. 

The Legal Officer is also responsible for ensuring compliance with all relatable legislation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management and Administrative 

• Provides legal advice to the Fiscal Commissioner within the portfolio purview of the organization; 
• Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of policies and procedures to guide the operations of the organization; 
• Prepares technical Briefs for the Commissioner as required; 
• Prepares and submits reports as required and ensures timely submission of all documents/information; 
• Represents the Commission at meetings, conferences, seminars; 
• Keeps abreast of international conventions related to the Organization’s activities and interprets and advises on their implications for the Commission. 

Technical 

• Conducts legal research to provide legal guidance and support in furtherance of the mission-critical functions of the Commission; 
• Prepares written opinions and advice on legal matters impacting the Commission;
• Provides legal input as required for the preparation of Cabinet Submissions and Drafting Instructions in respect of items on the legislative programme; 
• Assists in the preparation of Bills for tabling and provide legal support in the preparation of Briefs; 
• Attends sittings of Parliament including Committees of Parliament, and provides clarification on Bills as required; 
• Prepares, reviews and amends legal documents or instruments required by the Commission; 
• Drafts or reviews Agreements, Contracts, Memoranda of Understanding and other documents; 
• Prepares legal briefs to support the escalation of nuanced or highly-complex legal matters or matters of national importance;
• Prepares briefs to the Department of Legal Reform or the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel regarding draft Cabinet Submissions; 
• Provides comments on draft Bills or draft policy papers; 
• Reviews material to be provided by the organization in response to queries by the Integrity Commission, Requests under the ATI1 Act, and other appeals;
• Serves as Instructing Counsel on matters being pursued, 
• Follows up and provides updates on legal matters and attend hearings on behalf of the Commission; 
• Reviews and advise on legal implications of internal policies and procedures;
• Represents the Commission by participating on committees or teams in relation to legislation or policy in which the Organization has an interest; 
• Remains current on GOJ policies/initiatives in an effort to add value and inform decision making; 
• Keeps abreast of other legislation that may influence the organization directly or indirectly and ensure the organization’s compliance with these legislations;
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, maintaining membership in professional organizations and participating in AGC initiatives. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills; 
• Excellent communication skills; 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; 
• Strong leadership skills; 
• Strong customer relations skills; 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills; 
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills; 
• Ability to influence and motivate others; 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications. 
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills; 
• In-depth and extensive knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of Public Law and Public International Law; 
• Highly developed knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the Fiscal Commission; 
• Excellent knowledge of the legal system and the legal framework of Government;
• Ability to analyse and interpret changes in the economic, political and social environment and the legal implications to the operations of the Commission; 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and convictions of purpose in unfavourable or unpopular situations; 
• Problem solving and negotiation/facilitation skills and experience; 
• An excellent understanding of the machinery of government, including particularly the Jamaican context and the current challenges facing the GOJ; 
• Energy and resilience; the personal capacity to see the bigger picture and be able to navigate obstacles, ambiguity and change.

QUALIFICATION/ EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Laws Degree; 
• Legal Education Certificate; 
• Diploma in Management or Public Administration would be an asset;
• At least eight (8) years’ experience as a practicing Attorney in the private or public sector, at least three (3) years of which should be in the public sector. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB:

• Extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines; 
• Ability to travel overseas and locally on work related business; 
• Ability to work under pressure.

We thank all applicants for the interest expressed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.