Director Legal Services (JLG/LO 4)

JOB PURPOSE

To monitor all legal affairs within their organization and provide legal advice in respect of the OIC's regulatory and supervisory activities, defending its interests in legal matters and advising the Commissioners and organizational units on matters of a legal nature.



KEY OUTPUTS

• Operational Plan;
• Quarterly Legislation Programme;
• Legal advice, opinions, briefs;
• Legal representation;
• Contracts;
• Cabinet Submissions;
• Drafting instructions and orders;
• Comprehensive reports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AREAS

MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures legal advice to the Commissioners and organizational units is provided, namely in issuing opinions and drafting contracts and other legal documents requested, which are assumed as working tools and support decision making;
• Ensures legal support is provided in the preparation of drafting instructions for legislation and regulations applicable to data protection, data privacy and access to information as well as in amending them;
• Ensures legal support in the analysis of administrative processes;
• Ensures legal intervention in processes, actions and resources in which the OIC or members of its organs are intervening as such;
• Monitors draft agreements, protocols, or contracts to be concluded by the OIC with other entities;
• Organizes and oversee the update of a database on Jamaican and international legislation, relevant to the OIC's activity;
• Monitors that up-to-date information is provided to the organization concerning the legal framework of data protection, data privacy and access to information;
• Analyses and issue an opinion on legislative measures submitted to it by the Commissioner;
• Supports the Complaints Resolution Branch and the Compliance Branch in the verification of the fulfillment of the obligations of the respective data controllers or data processors;
• Instructs and organizes cases instituted as a result of violation of rules provided for in the legal regime applicable to data protection, data privacy and access to information areas and, in the same context, to investigate;
• Ensures the judicial support of OIC and the follow-up of the proceedings in court, as well as to promote judicial enforcement of the decisions handed down in them;
• Informs and issue legal advice on actions or situations that involve matters within its attributions.
• Participates in various negotiations and meetings that call for legal expertise;
• Litigates civil cases and other claims involving the OIC;
• Manages implementation of laws, regulations, rules, contracts, agreements and other legal instruments;
• Vets all legal documents and contracts emanating from outside the Commission to determine their legal implications on the OIC and participate in and witness all contracts;
• Indicates any future legal risks;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Established Unit and personal targets area achieved;
• The Unit’s Operational Plan is completed within the agreed timeframe and supports the strategic objectives of the OIC;
• The Annual Legislation Programme is comprehensive and well presented. Adequate monitoring mechanism is in place and reports submitted to Cabinet Office within agreed timeframe;
• Legal opinions/advice, briefs are provided within agreed timeframes, are sound and reflect strong forensic skills and research;
• Drafting Instructions and Orders meet the requirements of the client and are submitted within the agreed timeframe;
• Contracts are comprehensive and conform with related laws and government policies and as far as possible in the interest of the Ministry;
• Feedback on Cabinet Submissions are provided within agreed timeframe and include all critical elements of the Submissions and are technically accurate;
• High ethical standards are maintained in the conduct of professional and personal business;
• Reports are accurate and submitted within established timeframe.

COMPETENCIES

Core

• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Customer and quality focus
• Team work and
• cooperation
• Interpersonal skills
• Compliance
• Integrity
• Change management

Functional

• Initiative
• Use of technology (relevant computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook)
• Managing external relationships
• Strategic vision
• Problem solving and decision making
• Analytical thinking
• Impact and Influence
• People Management
• Goal/result oriented
• Planning and organizing
• Managing external relationships
• Good management skills;
• Good research and analytical skills;
• Good interpersonal skills and people management skills;
• Knowledge of the legal framework of Government;
• Knowledge of Contract negotiations and drafting;
• Ability to analyse and interpret changes in the economic, political and social environment and the legal implications to the operations of the OIC;
• Sound knowledge of Conveyance, Commercial Law;
• Organizational awareness;

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

• Typical office environment, no adverse working condition;
• Extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines;
• Ability to travel overseas and locally on work related business;
• Ability to work under pressure.

AUTHORITY

• Recommends disciplinary action in keeping with human resources policies and procedures;
• Recommends leave;
• Recommends staffing arrangements.