Ministry of National Security
Port of Spain
Job Description
The incumbent is required to perform professional legal work in a Ministry/Department. Duties include appearing in court, providing legal advice and opinions, and drafting legal documents on matters involving the Ministry/Department. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform some or the full range of the duties of the position.
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<ul><li>Represents the Ministry/Department in court and before tribunals.</li><li>Advises on legal issues relating to the administration, interpretation and enforcement of laws relative to the Ministry's/Department's operations.</li><li>Drafts complex legal documents including contracts, leases and agreements.</li><li>Provides legal opinions and briefs in respect of complex legal issues.</li><li>Prepares instructions for submission to state central legal agencies on legal matters involving the state.</li><li>Performs court cases preparation work such as interviewing witnesses, taking depositions and preparing pre-trials briefs and draft pleadings for filing.</li><li>Assists in planning, directing, coordinating and formulating legal policies and programmes of the Ministry/Department.</li><li>Conducts research and analysis, and reports on legal matters pertinent to the Ministry's Department's operation.</li><li>Conducts or participates in negotiations/consultations with external/internal parties.</li><li>Participates in or conducts the review of existing legislation, rules and regulations related to the Ministry/Department and recommends/drafts appropriate amendments.</li><li>Represents the Ministry/Department on committees and meetings and other fora.</li><li>Prepares Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents on legal matters.</li><li>Performs other duties as required.</li></ul>
Key Competency
<ul><li>Considerable knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.</li><li>Knowledge of legal principles and practices.</li><li>Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertinent to the Ministry's/Department's operations.</li><li>Knowledge of legal drafting principles and practices.</li><li>Knowledge of legal research skills and techniques.</li><li>Knowledge of the court procedures and practices and of rules of evidence.</li><li>Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.</li><li>Skill in the use of personal computers.</li><li>Skill in drafting legal documents/instruments.</li><li>Skill in negotiation and mediation.</li><li>Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.</li><li>Ability to use the internet for research purposes.</li><li>Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal issues.</li><li>Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law, and to argue clearly and logically, orally and in writing.</li><li>Ability to maintain confidentiality.</li><li>Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and members of the public.</li></ul>