Legal Officer

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Senior Director, Legal Services, the Legal Officer is responsible for providing advice on legal issues of various administrative and internal functions of the organisation, and the relationship of the organisation with third parties. The incumbent provides guidance to support the Forestry Department compliance with the obligations under the enabling statutes and all other pertinent legislation. 

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Legal opinions and research papers provided 
• Legal notices reviewed 
• Enforcement case files reviewed, and clear recommendations provided
• Cases files for prosecution of offences prepared 
• Prosecution of offences under Forest Act and Forest Regulations conducted
• Research and technical advice provided 
• Contracts, Leases, MOUs and other legal instruments thoroughly prepared, vetted and/or reviewed 
• Database of laws, legal precedents and prior advice relevant to Agency developed and maintained 
• Applications for licences and / or permits thoroughly vetted and recommendations provided
• Training sessions conducted 
• Monthly Progress Reports prepared and submitted 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Contributes to the Agency’s Corporate, Operational and Strategic Plans. 
• Participates in seminars and training programmes to educate enforcement officers of the Agency and other Government Agencies. 
• Represents the Agency at local, regional and international meetings, conferences and other fora as required and prepares summary reports. 
• Prepares monthly reports on activities during the relevant period. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Undertakes legal research and drafts legal opinions and position papers.
• Reviews legal notices and description of land to be declared under the Forest Act or to be assigned to the Forestry Department for management responsibility. 
• Provides support in preparing notices for gazetting. 
• Prepares legal documents to facilitate the transfer of land and other transactions relevant to the Agency’s mandate. 
• Analyses and prepares case files for the prosecution of offences under the Forest Act, Forest Regulations, 2001 or other legislation. 
• Advises on the negotiation of settlements on behalf of the Agency. 
• Represents the Agency in Court and other tribunals as necessary. 
• Provides and interprets legal documentation on company issues and recommends solutions.
• Reviews enforcement files and investigation reports and provides recommendations
• Reviews information submitted by Enforcement Officers and Investigators and recommends/implements action in keeping with the guidelines and regulations of the Agency. 
• Drafts and reviews legal documents including contracts, leases and memoranda of understanding. 
• Provides advice on contracts and tender documents to ensure compliance with procurement legislation and guidelines and other legal requirements 
• Reviews applications in respect of permits and licences to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. 
• Drafts and reviews conditions of permits and licences. 
• Develops and maintains database of legal information, precedents and prior advice relevant to Agency. 
• Assists in providing training to staff of the Agency and other relevant organisations in enforcement and compliance, contract negotiations and service level agreements to ensure full competence to undertake the tasks assigned. 
• Review draft legislations and policy documents from entities external to the Agency;
• Collate information on identified areas of interest to the Agency for use in promotional activities. 
• Draft and review legal documents used by the Forestry Department 
• Participate in workshops and community meetings 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Legal opinions and research papers are timely, clear, thorough, and supported by appropriate authorities 
• Legal notices are reviewed in accordance with established guidelines 
• Enforcement case files reviewed in accordance with established guidelines and clear recommendations provided 
• Cases files for prosecution of offences are comprehensive, evidence based and prepared within the required timeframe 
• Research and technical advice is sound and provided within the required timeframe
• Contracts, Leases and other legal instruments are thoroughly vetted and prepared in accordance with established guidelines 
• Investigation reports are thoroughly reviewed and advice provided in keeping with established laws, policies and guidelines 
• Database of legal information, precedents and prior advice is up to date and maintained in accordance with established guidelines 
• Applications for licences and / or permits thoroughly vetted against established guidelines and completed within the required timeframe 
• Training is developed and executed according to established standards and within agreed timeframes 
• Reports are thorough, error free and delivered on time 
• Confidentiality, integrity, professionalism and decorum are displayed in the execution of duties 
• Work Plan identifying outputs, measures, standards and required resources completed within the established timeline 
• Key deliverables are produced within agreed timeframes to required standards

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

Technical 

• Excellent knowledge of the English Legal System and the Legal Framework of Government
• Good knowledge of public sector laws, rules and guidelines 
• Proficiency in relevant software applications, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources 
• Working knowledge of office productivity tools 

Behavioural 

• Excellent problem solving and analytic skills 
• Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentational) 
• Ability to present difficult issues and positions with clarity 
• Excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills
• The highest level of personal and professional integrity 
• Strong leadership skills 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines 
• Excellent customer orientation skills 
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders 
• Ability to build partnerships in achieving operational goals 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree 
• Certificate of Legal Education 
• Experience or qualifications in environmental law or Forestry law is a distinct asset
• Experience in Criminal and/or Civil Litigation is an asset 
• Experience in Conveyancing is an asset 
• Experience in Employment Law, International Law, Administrative Law, Arbitration and Negotiation Techniques, Legal Drafting and/or Company Law are desirable 

OR 

• Any other acceptable combination of academic qualifications and experience 

We thank all persons who express an interest; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.