Legal Officer

Key and Critical Responsibilities

1.<b> Legal Advisory Services</b><div>a. Provide legal advice and opinions to Management on matters affecting the Institute.</div><div>b. Conduct legal research and analyse legislation, regulations, case law and legal precedents relevant to the Institutes operations.   </div><div>c. Prepare legal memoranda, reports, briefing papers and recommendations.</div><div>d. Monitor changes in legislation and advise Management on emerging legal obligations and risks.</div><div>e. Provide guidance on corporate governance matters and regulatory compliance.</div><div><br></div><div>2. <b>Industrial Relations and Employment Matters</b></div><div>a. Advise Management on industrial relations, labour relations and employment law matters.</div><div>b. Assist in the investigation and resolution of employee grievances, disciplinary matters and workplace disputes.</div><div>c. Participate in meetings with recognised majority union and employee representatives.</div><div>d. Prepare responses, submissions and supporting documentation for trade disputes and conciliation proceedings.</div><div>e. Assist in the development and review of employment policies, procedures and collective agreement provisions.</div><div>f. Monitor developments in labour legislation and industrial relations practices and advise accordingly.</div><div>g. Represent the Institute at meetings before the Ministry of Labour, the Industrial Court and other dispute resolution forums where appropriate.</div><div><br></div><div>3. <b>Contracts and Legal Documentation</b></div><div>a. Draft, review and vet contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, service-level agreements and related legal instruments.</div><div>b. Ensure contractual arrangements to adequately protect the Institute's interests and comply with legal requirements.</div><div>c. Maintain a register of legal agreements and monitor contractual obligations and renewal dates.</div><div>d. Provide advice on procurement-related contracts and commercial arrangements.</div><div>e. Periodically review NIHERSTs standard form agreements.</div><div><br></div><div>4. <b>Governance, Compliance and Risk Management</b></div><div>a. Assist in the development and implementation of compliance and governance frameworks.</div><div>b. Review institutional policies and procedures to ensure consistency with legislative and regulatory requirements.</div><div>c. Identify legal and regulatory risks and recommend mitigation measures.</div><div>d. Support internal investigations, audits and fact-finding exercises where legal guidance is required.</div><div>e. Assist in ensuring compliance with statutory reporting and filing obligations.</div><div>f. Create/design institutional policies in collaboration with other departments and committees.</div><div><br></div><div>5<b>. Litigation and External Counsel Management</b></div><div>a. Prepare briefs and instructions for, and liaise with, external counsel.</div><div>b. Assist in preparing documentation and evidence required for litigation, arbitration, mediation and other legal proceedings.</div><div>c. Monitor the progress of legal matters and maintain appropriate records.</div><div>d. Prepare status reports on ongoing legal and industrial relations matters for Management and the Board.</div><div>e. Coordinate among internal departments, to prepare comprehensive instructions in litigation-based matters.</div><div>f. Attend court proceedings to advocate for and/or represent the Institute, as necessary.</div><div><br></div><div>6. <b>Administrative Responsibilities</b></div><div>a. Maintain confidential legal files, records and databases.</div><div>b. Prepare periodic reports on legal and industrial relations activities.</div><div>c. Contribute to strategic projects and special assignments as directed.</div><div>d. Attendance at meetings, hearings, conciliation, mediations and tribunals. </div><div><br></div><div>7. <b>Other related duties</b></div><div>Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position, as assigned.</div><div><br></div>