Assistant Attorney - General (JLG/LO 4) - International Affairs Division

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts research, prepares and renders legal opinions to MDAs on a wide range of International Law issues; 
• Interprets Statutes, Treaties, Protocols, and provides comments on draft Bills or draft Policy Papers submitted by MDAs; 
• Provides legal advice on all areas of International Law including trade (WTO, CSM, FTAs), Environment, Human Rights, Air Policy and Law, Law of the Sea (Maritime Delimitation, International Seabed Authority), International Security issues (Extradition, Mutual Legal Assistance, Drug/Arms and Human Trafficking, Terrorism, Corruption) Intellectual Property Law, and the Law of International Organizations; 
• Oversees the review, negotiation, drafting and implementation of Bilateral, Regional and International Agreements; 
• Liaises with Ministries, Departments. Agencies, Regional and International Organizations in relation to various International Law matters; 
• Vets and comments on Cabinet Submissions, Bills and draft Legislation relating to International Law matters; 
• Represents the Government on local Committees, working groups and task forces and at overseas meetings of Regional and International Organizations;
• Serves as Instructing Counsel when so required by the Litigation Division in matters for which the support of the International Affairs Division is required; 
• Responds to queries or provide information as necessary or required; 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. 

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 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good 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 Public International Law and legislative Affairs 
• Highly developed knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the AGC and assigned LSUs 
• 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 enable them 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 
• 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) Degree; 
• Legal Education Certificate; 
• Five (5) years’ experience at the Bar.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.