Assistant Attorney-General (JLG/LO 4)

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts a range of complex legal research to provide legal guidance and support in furtherance of the mission critical functions of the Ministry and its subjects; 
• Prepares written opinions and advice on a range of complex legal matters impacting the Ministry and its subjects; 
• Provides legal support to the Ministry and its subjects in the preparation of Cabinet Submissions and Drafting Instructions, in respect of items on the legislative programme; 
• Provides legal support to Ministry during policy development in relation to matters which form part of the legislative programme; 
• Assists in the preparation of Bills for tabling and provides 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 to the Department of Legal Reform or the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions; 
• Provides comments on draft Bills or draft policy papers submitted by other Ministries or Departments; 
• Responds to queries or provides 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; 
• Provides legal advice to the Ministry on all areas of law; 
• Represents the Ministry by participating on Inter-Ministerial Committees or teams, in relation to legislation or policy in which the Ministry has an interest; 
• 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. 

Management/Administrative: 

• 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: 

• Participates in the evaluation and monitoring of staff performance and implements appropriate strategies; 
• Participates in the co-ordination of Work Plans and recommends performance targets for the staff assigned; 
• Participates in the recruitment and training of staff of the Unit; 
• Identifies skill/competency gaps and contributes to the development and Succession Planning for the LSU, 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. 

Other: 

• 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. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent interpersonal and team management skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Strong leadership skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing 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 Constitutional and Legislative 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
• Ability to analyse and interpret changes in the economic, political and social environment and the legal implications to the operations of the GOJ 
• 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 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
• 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 Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB); 
• Legal Education Certificate; 
• Six (6) years progressive experience at the Bar. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• 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;
• May be required to travel locally and internationally to attend conferences, seminars and meetings.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted