Legal Officer - Kingston

JOB PURPOSE

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, the Legal Officer will be required to provide a full range of legal support and advisory services to the TPDCo, to enable it to carry out its strategic mandate and business operating functions effectively and efficiently; and to ensure that the TPDCo and its members of staff, in the execution of their respective functions, are fully compliant with all relevant laws, regulations, and Government and administrative requirements, policies and procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Corporate Strategist to ensure that the Operational Plan is in alignment with the strategic objectives and priority programmes of the organization;
• Provides accurate legal advice to the Executive Director and other relevant personnel on specialized and routine legal matters;
• Represents TPDCo at local and international meetings, conferences and other for a as required;
• Participates in negotiations with stakeholders as required;
• Prepares and submits performance and other reports as required and ensures timely submission of all documents/information requested from the Executive Director;
• Represents the Executive Director on such committees as assigned;
• Participates in negotiations and assesses MOUs, service agreement, commercial agreements, engagement and other contracts on behalf of the TPDCo and ensure conformity with the related laws and policies and the interest of the organization;
• Assist with coordinating the drafting of new policies relating to subjects and departments assigned to the organization;
• Coordinates the preparation for the filing of actions on behalf of the TPDCo;
• Coordinates civil proceedings on behalf of the organization;
• Take initial instructions for matters relating to commercial property;
• Coordinates the making of applications to the Supreme Court for the modification of restrictive covenants if necessary;
• Follows-up and provides updates on legal matters and attends hearings on behalf of the TPDCo as required;
• Reviews and advises on legal implications of internal policies and procedures;
• Remains current on GOJ policies/initiatives in an effort to add value and inform decision making;
• Develops Individual Work Plan based on alignment to the TPDCo’s Plan;
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required;
• Prepares reports and project documents as required;
• Prepares and delivers legal presentation as needed, internally and externally;
• Contributes and maintains a harmonious working environment;
• Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the Executive Director from time to time.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Required Competencies

The post-holder will be able to demonstrate:

Functional/Occupational Competence

• Good legal research and analytical skills;
• Good knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of public law;
• Good knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies and environment of the TPDCo;
• Strong 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;
• 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;
• Sound IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and associated legal software;
• Knowledge of the legal framework of government;
• Knowledge of contract negotiations and drafting;
• Knowledge of Conveyancing, Commercial Law, Telecommunications Laws and Regulations and Intellectual Property Law;
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications.

SPECIAL 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 approval.
• 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.

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• An LLB Degree
• A professional Certificate of Legal Education (CLE) would be favourable
• At least 3 years’ experience as a practicing Attorney in the Corporate, Business, Commercial and/or Conveyancing law in the private or public sector
• A Master’s Degree or equivalent qualifications would be an asset

OR

• Any equivalent Combination of Qualifications and Experience