Legal Officer

Overview:

The Legal Officer plans and directs all general legal activities of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) in order to achieve its mission of promoting the international competitiveness of Jamaican producers, facilitating trade and protecting consumers and advises on Corporate Governance and Ethics Management issues. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advises the BSJ and the Standards Council on legal matters and/or ensure that required advice may be accessed; 
• Interprets and advises on laws, international conventions and agreements relevant to the BSJ. 
• Coordinates Court proceedings; 
• Represents BSJ in legal matters and/or identify & ensure appropriate legal representation for the BSJ; 
• Liaises with and instructs outside counsel from time to time; 
• Examines and comments on Bills emanating from Ministries that may be related to conformity assessment issues; 
• Analyzes and reviews existing legislations and make recommendations for changes as required; 
• Drafts necessary amendments to the existing laws related to the regulatory framework and administration of the BSJ for the attention of relevant parties;
• Coordinates with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, Attorney General’s Chambers and the Portfolio Ministry in the preparation of new laws and regulation relating to the BSJ; 
• Instructs the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to ensure that the policies of the BSJ are represented in Bills;
• Prepares and/or ensure that required advice can be accessed in preparing Cabinet submissions seeking approval for the enactment if laws or promulgation of standards;
• Attends meetings of the Legislation Committee, sittings of the House of Representative 
• and the Senate at which Bills relevant to the BSJ are being considered;
• Collaborates with the management of the BSJ to ensure that its operations are kept up-to-date and in keeping with international standards, guidelines, established policies and procedures and developments of the BSJ. 
• Provides legal advice on matters relating to the procurement of goods and services as required 
• Prepares cases for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General’s Chambers; determining the completeness of the information and the adequacy of any evidence 
• Prepares contracts for the acquisition of goods and services 
• Prepares cabinet submissions seeking approval for the enactment of laws or promulgation of standards and technical regulations 

Unusual requirements/working conditions:

• Uncertain hours for actual work 
• Office environment 

Minimum Educational Requirements:

• Certificate in Legal Education 
• Bachelors’ Degree in Law (LLB) 

Experience:

• At least five (5) years’ experience in a similar capacity 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Standards, Weights and Measures and the Processed Food Acts and Regulations. 
• Working knowledge of International Conventions relevant to the BSJ’s activities.
• Knowledge of the Contractor General Act and the Public Management & Accountability Act 
• Comprehensive knowledge of business laws, commercial and trade practices
• Knowledge of civil and criminal law procedures 
• Excellent interpersonal & communication (written & oral) skills.
• Excellent organizational skills. 
• Excellent customer service attitude. 
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to be able to independently handle, draft, current, modify all the legal documents. 
• Ability to take the initiative to identify and resolves problems.