Crown Counsel (JLG/LO 3) – Constitutional & Legislative Affairs Division

Job Purpose

Under the general direction and management of the Deputy Solicitor-General, the incumbent is responsible for providing advice to Ministries, Departments and Agencies on a wide range of legal matters relating to the Constitution of Jamaica, the enactment of legislation and appearing as Counsel before Tribunals and other administrative bodies. 

Key Responsibility

Technical/Professional 

• Advises Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on a range of legal issues relating to Constitutional and legislative matters; 
• Conducts legal research to provide legal guidance and support to MDAs, Technical Working Groups and Parliamentary Committees; 
• Prepares written opinions on a range of legal matters impacting MDAs;
• Reviews and comments on Cabinet Submissions, Bills and draft Regulations or draft policy papers submitted by MDAs; 
• Prepares briefs for the review of the Deputy Solicitor-General for the attention of the Department of Legal Reform or the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel requesting comments on draft Submissions relating to legislation; 
• Attends subcommittee meetings of Cabinet considering legislative Submissions;
• Attends sittings of Parliament and Parliamentary Committees considering Bills, draft Regulations and other legal matters; 
• Provides legal advice to Parliament and Committees thereof on a range of legal issues;
• Represents the AGC on Working Groups considering the enactment of legislation and reviewing the related policy. 
• Represents the Government on Appeals before the Access to Information Appeals Tribunal and other Tribunals and administrative bodies; 
• Advises the responsible Minister and the Appeal Tribunal in respect of planning, development and environmental appeals under the Town and Country Planning Act, the Beach Control Act, the Local Improvements Act and the Natural Resources Conservation Act; 
• Responds to queries or provide information as necessary or required;
• Follows-up and provides updates on assigned legal matters; 
• Recommends remedies to rectify identified deficiencies and breaches;
• 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 

Administrative 

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

Human Resources 

• Contributes and maintains a harmonious working environment. 
• Performs all other related duties and functions as may be required from time to time by the Deputy Solicitor-General and respective senior executives in the Division. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Core 

• Excellent interpersonal and team management skills 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Good leadership skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Good judgement 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 Administrative and Constitutional Law; 
• Highly developed knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the AGC-HQ and assigned LSUs; 
• 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; 
• Ability to create commitment to a strong and consistent customer service philosophy;
• Energy and resilience; the personal capacity to see the bigger picture and be able to navigate obstacles, ambiguity and change; 
• Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project and associated legal software. 

Minimum Required Education and Experience

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

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.