Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Job Summary

The Legal Counsel, under the supervision of the Executive Director, will have general responsibility for the effective and efficient legal and policy support functions for the Commission. The Legal Counsel will be required to provide legal advice to the Executive Director, and by extension, the Commission, in carrying out the mandates of the Commission, and ensures that the Commission complies with all relevant laws, regulations and Government procedures, subject to the provisions of Section 34 of the Integrity Commission Act.

Major Responsibilities

1. Gives accurate and timely counsel to the Executive Director on a variety of matters.
2. Briefs and provides legal advice, counsel and guidance to the Commission on all matters which are related to the discharge of the its functions and mandates under the Integrity Commission Act.
3. Provides advice to members of the public and stakeholders of the Commission on various aspects of the organization’s operations, mandates and functions of the Commission.
4. Liaises with the Attorney General’s Chambers and other Government and State Authorities on matters of law which affect or impact the functions and work of the Commission.
5. Instructs, briefs and/or liaises with external counsel in respect of any legal matter to which the Commission is a party or in which it has an interest, in keeping with the provisions of the Act.
6. Attends court and/or conduct legal proceedings for and on behalf of the Commission.
7. Observes and/or participates in proceedings in Court and/or in Parliament for and on behalf of the Commission.
8. Prepares Submissions or other relevant reports or communications in connection with or in furtherance of the Act, policies, work or recommendations of the Commission.
9. Drafts and solidifies all contracts, agreements and other legal documents for and on behalf of the Commission.
10. Advises the Commission on all areas and aspects of labour and employment laws.
11. Reviews legislation, Regulations, and other legal instruments, that are related to the Commission, make recommendations, where necessary, to maintain their relevance to the industry and effectiveness in achieving its strategic objectives.
12. Performs such other tasks, functions and duties as may, from time to time, be assigned by the Executive Director.

Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
• Certificate of Legal Education (CLE)
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience, in a similar position, preferably in a Public Sector Organisation.
• Practicing Attorney with at least seven (7) years’ experience in general legal practice.

Other Desirable Qualifications & Experience that would be an asset

• Master of Laws (LL.M) in a relevant discipline.
• Formal Training in the Government Procurement Policies and Guidelines.
• Specialized training in Negotiations.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Shares the Commission’s values, mission and vision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good problem solving skills and tenacity.
• Sound judgment and legal acumen
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats and to deal effectively with people at all levels.
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills.
• High level of confidentiality, honesty and integrity.

Specific Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Integrity Commission Act and all other applicable laws, regulations and policies that are associated with the discharge of the Commission’s mandate.
• Knowledge of the Integrity Commission’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Jamaican laws.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of contract law, employment law and corporate law and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Willingness to work beyond normal working hours as the situation may require.

Reporting Relationships Contacts

• Works under the general supervision of the Executive Director.
• Liaises with:

1. Internally:            
   1. The Executive Director and all Divisional Directors.
   2. Other Members of Staff.

1. Externally:           
   1. Staff at all levels in Government Ministries/Departments/Agencies, Statutory Organizations and the general public.

Authority To

• Offer legal advice to the Commission.
• Negotiate on behalf of the Integrity Commission within agreed parameters.
• Sign documents on behalf of the Commission in keeping with the Organization’s Policy.
• Represent the Integrity Commission in Local and International Fora.

Basic Performance Criteria

This job is satisfactorily performed, inter alia, when:

• All assigned tasks are completed according to instructions/guidelines given and finished within agreed deadlines 98% of the time.
  • Other scheduled and ad hoc reporting requirements fulfilled to meet specified deadlines.
  • There is evidence that appropriate information was always conveyed to others from own knowledge base or that, when prudent to do so, good judgement was exercised in seeking prior management advice and authorization before responses were given.
    • No breaches of confidentiality, honesty and integrity occurred. 
    • No breaches of the Commission’s policies occurred.
    • Pleasant, courteous and professional disposition demonstrated at all times.

Validation and Commitment

This document is validated as an accurate and true description of the job when agreement and commitment are signified below.

I commit to provide the necessary support to achieve the requirements outlined.