Crown Counsel (JLG/LO 3)

Key Responsibility Areas:

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Conducts a range of legal research to provide legal guidance and support in furtherance of the mission critical functions of the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies; 
• Prepares written opinions and advice on a range of legal matters impacting the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies; 
• Provides legal support to the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies during all aspects of the legislative process commencing at the development of the policy; 
• Assists in the preparation of Bills for tabling and provide legal support in the preparation of the Minister’s Briefs; 
• Prepares, assists, reviews and amends legal documents or instruments required by the Ministry and its subjects; 
• Drafts or reviews Agreements, Contracts or Memoranda of Understanding; 
• Prepares legal briefs to the Senior Assistant Attorney-General to support the escalation of nuance or highly complex legal matters or matters of national importance to obtain legal advice from the DSG; 
• Prepares briefs for the review of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General for the attention of the Legal Reform Department requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions or otherwise on law reform matters; 
• Prepares briefs for the review of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General for the attention of Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions, to prepare draft legislation and providing feedback on draft legislation; 
• Provides legal advice on draft legislation and draft policy papers submitted by other Ministries or Departments; 
• Responds to queries or provide information as necessary or required; 
• Assists in preparing, collating and executing Affidavits and other evidentiary matters in litigation involving the Ministry or its subjects; 
• Follows-up and provides updates on legal matters and attends hearings on behalf of the Ministry;
• Reviews and advises on legal implications of internal policies and procedures; 
• Represents the Ministry by participating on inter-ministerial committees or teams in relation to legislation or policy in which the Ministry has an interest; 
• Remains current on GOJ policies/initiatives in an effort to add value and inform decision making;
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, maintaining membership in professional organizations and participating in AGC initiatives. 

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Contributes to the development of the LSU’s Strategic and Operational Plan and Budget;
• Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the Division’s Plan; 
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required; 
• Prepares reports and project documents as required; 
• Prepares and delivers legal presentations as needed. 

Human Resources Responsibilities 

• 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. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs all other related duties and functions as may be required from time to time by Senior Assistant Attorney-General and respective senior executives in the ministry. 

Performance Standards:

• Legal research and provision of legal advice, opinions and reports conducted and provided according to evidence-based legal methodologies and agreed timeframes; 
• Legal documents prepared in keeping with agreed standards and timeframes; 
• Cabinet Submissions and draft Bills reviewed, and comments provided accords with legal principles and practices, as well completed in the agreed timeframes; 
• Legal advice provided are supported by evidence, rule of law and agreed timeframes;
• Individual workplan developed in accordance with agreed standards, formats and timeframes;
• Confidentiality, integrity and sensitivity displayed in the execution of duties.

Required Competencies:

Core Competencies

• Adaptability 
• Compliance 
• Customer and Quality Focus 
• Initiative 
• Integrity 
• Interpersonal 
• Oral Communication 
• Team Work & Cooperation 
• Time Management 
• Written Communication 

Technical/Functional Competencies 

• Accountability 
• Analytical Thinking 
• Attention to Detail 
• Coaching and Mentoring 
• Flexibility 
• Goal/Results Oriented 
• Legislation Policies, Procedures and Standards
• Methodical 
• Planning and Organising 
• Presentation and Reporting 
• Problem Solving and Decision-making 
• Resilience 
• Strategic Vision 
• Stress Tolerance 
• Technical Skills 
• Training and Development 
• Use of Technology 

Other Key Competencies

• Good legal research skills
• Good knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of law or practice relating to Constitutional and legislative Affairs
• Good knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the AGC-HQ and assigned LSUs
• Good knowledge of the English 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 GOJ
• Ability to communicate legal information in a manner which can be understood by decision makers and users
• A good 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

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB); 
• Legal Education Certificate; 
• Three (3) years progressive experience at the Bar. 

Authority

• Develops legal opinions under the guidance of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General. 

Specific Conditions associated with the job

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software, with the possibility of being able to work off-site with appropriate approvals.
• The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions. 
• Extended hours may be required to meet deadlines. 
• May be required to travel locally and internationally on work related matters.

The Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.