Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of LEGAL OFFICER III, DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

A.  RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS

1. To provide expert legal opinions and advice in the assessment, interpretation and application of relevant statutes, case law and regulations, to support policy formulation and implementation and foster conformity with legislative requirements, to ensure that legal risks are mitigated.
2. Responds to the Deputy Permanent Secretary and liaises with the Public Service Commission, Heads of Departments and Public Officers, on matters relating to work-in progress.
3. Reports to the Permanent Secretary, Department of the Public Service.

B.  DUTIES AND TASKS

1. Provides legal advice and recommends solutions to administrative matters by assessing and interpreting legal situations and information, policies and procedures, to promote decision-making practices in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
2. Supports the review of relevant legislation, policies and procedures through consultation with stakeholders and making recommendations that are constitutionally sound, to enable legal reform and decision-making.
3. Supports the development of institutional capacity by designing and facilitating training to assist Public Officers, in the interpretation and application of relevant legislation to promote good governance.
4. Co-ordinates mediation processes within the Public Service including the facilitation of training for mediators to minimise conflict and to create an avenue for disputing officers to resolve their differences.
5. Serves as a member of the Government Negotiating Team to provide legal advice on matters relating to industrial relations to promote due diligence in deliberations, towards maintaining a harmonious industrial relations climate.
6. Contributes to the disciplinary process through review of relevant documentation, conducting legal research and assisting the investigating officer to ensure the preparation of accurate and comprehensive documentation in the interest of good governance.
7. Prepares contract documents and reviews Terms of Reference by outlining specifications that comply with legislative requirements and established policies and procedures, to ensure accountability and congruence between parties.
8. Assists with the review of contracts with service providers by examining/scrutinising same with a view to developing guidelines that are constitutionally sound and to secure the interests of the Government and support programme implementation and decision-making.
9. Prepares submissions to the Cabinet of Ministers on legal matters through research and analysis, dialogue and consultation with line agencies and other key stakeholders, to enable the formulation of proposals.
10. Reviews submissions to the Cabinet of Ministers by verifying and analysing related documents for accuracy and relevance of recommendations and to ensure adherence to established standards.
11. Prepares reports outlining achievements and challenges to keep stakeholders informed, facilitate assessment of the Department’s performance and decision-making and to contribute to the Department’s annual report.
12. Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.

C.  CONDITIONS

1. Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office.
2. Institutional support is provided through the appropriate Civil Service Rules and Regulations; Departmental Guidelines; Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure; Saint Lucia Constitution; Finance (Administration) Act, Collective Agreements and other supporting regulations.
3. Opportunities exist for personal development and career advancement through established orientation and in-service training, as outlined in the Public Service Training and Development Policy.
4. Required to be punctual and present for work, meetings, and other official appointments and activities.
5. May be required to work beyond the normal working hours.
6. Required to remain current on practices and developments in Public and Case Law.
7. Required to exercise integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
8. Required to demonstrate political acuity.
9. Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
10. Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties and to possess a valid driver’s license
11. Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.

D.  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Advanced knowledge of the structure of the Public Service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
2. Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the Constitution of Saint Lucia, Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Labour Act (Occupational Safety and Health), collective agreements and other relevant regulations and policy documents.
3. Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue and Finance (Administration) Act.
4. Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply Public and Case Law.
5. Expert analytical and conceptualisation skills.
6. Expert negotiation and mediation skills.
7. Expert oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
8. Advanced business process management and organisational skills.
9. Expert interpersonal skills and consistently demonstrates emotional intelligence.
10. Intermediate computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets and presentation programmes.
11. Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.  
12. Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
13. Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
14. Ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality, tact and diplomacy in the conduct of duties.
15. Ability to conduct research and interpret laws and regulations.
16. Ability to adapt to organisational change.

E.     EVALUATION METHOD

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the structure of the Public Service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply the Constitution of Saint Lucia, Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Finance (Administration) Act, Labour Act (Occupational Safety and Health), collective agreements and other relevant regulations and policy documents.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply Public and Case Law.
4. Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.
5. Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.
6. Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
7. Demonstrated business process management and organisational skills.
8. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
9. Demonstrated political acuity.
10. Demonstrated computer literacy skills.
11. Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
12. Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.
13. Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
14. Demonstrated ability to be punctual and present for work, meetings and other official appointments and activities.
15. Demonstrated ability to remain current on developments and practices in Public and Case Law.
16. Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality, tact and diplomacy in the conduct of duties.
17. Demonstrated ability to adapt to organisational change.

F.     QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Law Degree (LLB) plus successful completion of Bar Vocational Course (BVC); plus 3 years’ experience in a post at grade 15 and above; or 3 years’ post qualifying experience;

OR

2. Law Degree (LLB) plus successful completion of the Legal Education Certificate (LEC), plus three (3) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above; or 3 years’ post qualifying experience.

G.    SALARY

Salary is at the rate of EC$75,011.86 per annum (Grade 17, Step 1).

Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form, and addressed to:

To reach her no later than October 11, 2019.

Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.

Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.