Assistant Attorney-General (JLG/LO 4) – Commercial Affairs Division

Job Purpose

Under the general direction and leadership of the Deputy Solicitor-General (Commercial Affairs Division), the Assistant Attorney-General is responsible for: 

• providing advice and guidance on a wide range of legal matters relating to Commercial Law and International Financial Law to MDAs; 
• providing advice on legal matters relating to the drafting and enactment of Government legislation to manage and regulate commercial transactions; 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional 

• Issues opinions and advises Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Government Companies on commercial matters 
• Represents the Government in negotiating commercial transactions 
• Advises on the sale/divestment and acquisition of Government Assets
• Reviews commercial agreements and other commercial documents 
• Negotiates settlements 
• Reviews loan agreements 
• Represents the Government at meetings on Boards and other Bodies 

Management/Administrative 

• Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the Division’s Plan;
• Contributes to teambuilding exercises for the Division; 
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required;
• Prepares reports and other documents as required; 
• Prepares and delivers legal presentations as needed. 

Human Resources 

• Participates in the evaluation and monitoring of staff performance 
• Participates in the co-ordination of Work Plans; 
• Participates in the recruitment and training of staff of the Unit; 
• Identifies skills/competencies gaps and contributes to the development and succession planning for the Division to ensure adequate staff capacity; 
• Participates in preparation and implementation of presentations on role of Division/Unit for the Orientation/On boarding Programme; 
• Contributes and maintains a harmonious working environment. 
• Performs all other related duties and functions as may be required from time to time by the DSG and respective senior executives in the AGC. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Excellent interpersonal and team management skills 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Sound leadership skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent planning, organizing and time management skills 
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills 
• Ability to influence and motivate others 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Technical 

• Excellent legal research and analytical skills; 
• In-depth and extensive knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of law or practice relating to Commercial Affairs; 
• Highly developed knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the AGC-HQ and Ministry; 
• Excellent knowledge of the English Legal System and the legal framework of Government;
• Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills and the ability to communicate legal information in a manner which can be understood by decision makers and users; 
• 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; 
• Good strategic and analytical skills to enable them to advise on complex issues;
• Good organisational and personal leadership: the ability to orchestrate strategic outcomes; the ability to lead collaboratively and manage significant change in large and complex organisations; the ability to manage and engage high performing top teams that deliver within a budget, in a complex environment; 
• Ability to create commitment to a strong and consistent customer service philosophy;
• Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project and associated legal software. 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree; 
• Legal Education Certificate; 
• Five (5) years experience at the Bar

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.