Legal Officer

Reporting to the Director General the incumbent is responsible for providing legal services to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in order to assist in the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Agency and in the implementation of policies and legislations

JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Director General the incumbent is responsible for providing legal services to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in order to assist in the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Agency and in the implementation of policies and legislations.

MAIN FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in the development of the Strategic Business Plan, operation and work plans, and policies and procedure in the organisation.

• Liaises with technical and managerial staff within the Agency to implement changes in legislation and/or regulations;

• Participates in the research and revision of outdated laws and legislation in order to propose amendments, re-writing or repealing. 

• Participates in drafting/amending by-Laws and regulations;

• Follows-up and expedites proposed amendments through the various stages of the legislative process;

• Participates in the preparation of Cabinet Submissions, Board Submissions and similar documents.

• Participates in finding solutions for legal problems affecting the ODPEM.

• Prepares briefs for the Director General

• Prepares submissions on behalf of staff.

• Communicates with the Legal Department in the Ministry of Local Government regarding issues that may legally affect the ODPEM. 

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Mastery in written and oral communication skills
• Good administrative, analytical and organizational skills
• A proactive, flexible work attitude
• Highly developed problem solving and decision making skills        
• Excellent integrity/ethics exercised in the performance of duties;
• Negotiating skills

• Managing external relationships
• Customer and quality focused      

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Excellent knowledge of Laws and Statutes;
• The ability to develop policies
• Knowledge in preparing Cabinet Submissions
• knowledge of Strategic Planning
• Proficient in the relevant computer applications;

REQUIRED EDUCATION /EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor of Law Degree and Certificate in Legal Education, Practicing Certificate from the General Legal Council;
• Three (3) years experience in Contract Law and Government of Jamaica matters.