Crown Counsel (JLG/LO 3) - Commercial Affairs Division

Job Purpose

Under the general direction and management of the Deputy Solicitor-General (DSG), the Crown Counsel provides advice and guidance on a range of Commercial Law matters to Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Government Companies, including: 

• Providing advice and guidance on a wide range of legal matters relating to International Financial Law; 
• Providing advice on legal matters relating to the drafting and enactment of Legislation relating to commercial matters; 
• Representing the Government in Court on commercial matters.

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Issues opinions and advises Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Government Companies on commercial matters; 
• Represents the Government in negotiating commercial transactions; 
• Advises on the sale/divestment and acquisition of government assets;
• Reviews commercial agreements and other commercial documents; 
• Negotiates settlements; 
• Reviews loan agreements; 
• Represents the Government at meetings on Boards and other Bodies;
• Conducts a range of legal research to provide legal guidance; 
• Prepares legal opinions relating to Commercial Law. 

Management/Administrative: 

• Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the Division’s Plan;
• Contributes to teambuilding exercises for the Division; 
• 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 preparation and implementation of presentations on role of Division/Unit for the Orientation/On-boarding Programme; 
• 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 AGC. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Sound planning, organizing and time management skill 
• Ability to influence and motivate others 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

Technical: 

• Good legal research and analytical skills 
• Sound knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and the broad field of Law or practice relating to Commercial matters; 
• Sound knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the AGC-HQ and assigned LSUs; 
• Sound 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; 
• A good understanding of the machinery of Government, including particularly the Jamaican context and the current challenges facing the GOJ; 
• Sound IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Project and associated legal software. 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

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

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software and where possible, allow for a flexible work schedule that may include working from home. 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.