Ministry Of Homeland Security
Port of Spain
Job Description
The incumbent is required to manage and direct the activities of the&nbsp;<div>Legal Services Unit or Division of a Ministry/Department and render legal services. Duties include planning, directing and coordinating the work of professional legal staff and legal support staff. Duties also include providing legal advice, representing the Ministry/Department in Court, at Tribunals and meetings, drafting and reviewing legal agreements and other legal documents and participating in negotiations, mediation and arbitration.</div><div><br></div>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
Plans, directs and co-ordinates the activities of the professional legal staff and other support staff engaged in the provision of legal services to a Ministry/Department.<div> Plans, organises and directs the development of the work programme of the Legal Services Unit.&nbsp;</div><div> Directs, co-ordinates and reviews the work of professional legal staff performing duties such as:</div><div>o Appearing in court and before other tribunals;</div><div>o Providing advice on legal issues related to the administration, interpretation and enforcement of laws pertinent to the Ministry/Departments operations;</div><div>o Drafting legal documents such as contracts, leases and agreements;</div><div>o Preparing draft pleadings for filing;</div><div>o Reviewing legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy;</div><div>o Preparing legal opinions; and&nbsp;</div><div>o Researching and analysing legal matters/ issues.</div><div><br></div><div> Provides advice and interpretation to senior management and staff on very complex legal matters/ issues.</div><div> Drafts or leads the drafting of very complex legal documents/instruments.</div><div> Directs and participates in the review of existing laws and regulations pertinent to the Ministry/Department and in the recommendation of or the formulation of appropriate amendments.</div><div> Represents the Ministry/Department in court and before other tribunals in very complex legal matters.</div><div> Plans, directs and co-ordinates the review of systems and procedures and the development of strategies/ mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of legal services delivery.</div><div> Drafts budgetary estimates of the Legal Services Unit/Division.</div><div> Identifies and makes recommendations for staff training and development.</div><div> Serves as a resource in the training and development of legal staff.</div><div> Leads or participates in consultations and negotiations with external parties.</div><div> Prepares Cabinet/ Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents.</div><div> Represents the Ministry/ Department on committees, meetings and other fora.</div><div> Performs other related work as necessary.</div><div><br></div>
Key Competencies
Extensive knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.<div> Extensive knowledge of legal principles and practices.</div><div> Extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations pertinent to the operations of the Ministry/Department</div><div> Extensive knowledge of the court procedures and practices and of rules of evidence.</div><div> Considerable knowledge of legal drafting principles and practices, legal research skills and techniques.</div><div> Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.</div><div> Skill in the use of personal computers.</div><div> Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.</div><div> Ability to use the internet for research purposes.</div><div> Skill in drafting legal documents/ instruments.</div><div> Skill in negotiation, mediation and arbitration.</div><div> Ability to plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities of a division providing legal services.</div><div> Ability to analyse and interpret laws and regulations.</div><div> Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law logically, orally and in writing.</div><div> Ability to maintain confidentiality.</div><div> Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and members of the public.</div><div><br></div><div>Minimum experience and training</div><div> Minimum of ten (10) years' experience as a practicing Attorney at Law.</div><div> Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognised institution.</div><div> Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution.</div><div> Admission to practice law in Trinidad and Tobago.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>