Legal Officer

Join our team as a Legal Officer! We are seeking a skilled professional to assist in the preparation and review of legal documents, represent the company in court and out-of-court matters, and provide expert guidance to safeguard our business interests.

                             Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of                                      

Legal Officer

(Based in Kingston)

Reporting to the Senior Legal & Compliance Officer, the Legal Officer will be responsible for assisting in the preparation and review of legal documents, representing the National Water Commission (NWC) in court and out of court matters and providing guidance and other legal services that will safeguard the entity’s interests.

OTHER Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting with the preparation of legal advice and opinions by researching legal issues and preparing opinions.
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents (Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding, and Policies, etc.) on behalf of the entity including vetting, amending and interpreting legal contracts to be entered into and also assisting in preparing advice on their legal effects and implications
• Assisting in the analysis, assessment and review of the legislative and regulatory framework within which NWC operates.
• Monitoring the progress of legal actions filed against or by the organization. • Representing the NWC in court and out of court matters and liaising with external Attorneys as necessary.
• Pursuing recovery against third parties to secure the NWC’s interest.
• Representing the company in commercial transactions and arrangements to ensure that its interest is protected.
• Assisting in ensuring that actions/decisions taken by the entity comply with local and international laws and regulations and liaising with government agencies and statutory bodies accordingly.
• Assisting with various complex commercial negotiations involving public or private stakeholders.
• Providing legal representation on various committees established to effectively carry out the functions of the organization.
• Keeping abreast of changes in local and international laws and regulations that may impact the NWC’s operations and making recommendations regarding appropriate changes to the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Providing instructions to external Counsels representing the entity.

Ideally, the successful applicant should possess:

• Bachelors of Law Degree;
• Legal Education Certificate;
• Practising Certificate;
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a legal department in the areas of contract, litigation and tort;
• Sound knowledge of company law;
• Sound knowledge of relevant statutory requirements including the NWC Act, Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act, the Public Procurement Act and other related acts or legislations;
• Sound knowledge of legal drafting and interpretation;
• Sound knowledge of court and civil processes and procedures;
• Excellent knowledge of contract law, commercial law, procurement law, labour laws and environmental laws;
• Thorough knowledge of conveyancing rules and legislation;
• Thorough knowledge of litigation practices and procedures;
• Sound analytical skills and good judgment;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to interpret, understand and explain legal terms.