Crown Counsel (JLG/LO 3)

Summary

Under the general direction and management of the Senior Assistant Attorney General, the Crown Counsel provides advice and guidance on a range of legal matters to support the work of Cabinet Secretary in the strategic management the Ministry. 💰Salary: $6,333,301 – $8,517,586 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• Technical/Professional:

  • • Conducts a range of legal research to provide legal guidance and support in furtherance of the mission critical functions of the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies;
  • • Provides legal support to the Ministry during all aspects of the legislative process commencing at the development of the policy;
  • • Assists in the preparation of Bills for tabling and provides legal support in the preparation of the Minister’s Briefs;
  • • Provides legal advice on draft legislation and draft policy papers submitted by other Ministries or Departments;
  • • Prepares, assists, reviews and amends legal documents or instruments required by the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies;
  • • Drafts or reviews Agreements, Contracts or Memoranda of Understanding;
  • • Prepares briefs to the Senior Assistant Attorney-General to support the escalation of nuanced or highly complex legal matters or matters of national importance to obtain legal advice from the Attorney-General’s Chambers;
  • • Prepares briefs for the review of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General for the attention of the Legal Reform Department requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions or on law reform matters;
  • • Prepares briefs for the review of the Senior Assistant Attorney-General for the attention of Office of the Parliamentary Counsel requesting comments on draft Cabinet Submissions, requesting the preparation of draft legislation, and providing feedback on draft legislation;
  • • Assists in preparing, collating and executing Affidavits and other evidentiary matters in litigation involving the Ministry or its Departments and Agencies;
  • • Follows-up and provides updates on legal matters and attends hearings on behalf of the Ministry;
  • • Responds to queries or provide information as necessary or required;
  • • Reviews and advises on legal implications for any proposed policies and procedures;
  • • Represents the Ministry by participating on inter-ministerial or inter-agency committees in relation to legislation or policy in which the Ministry has an interest;
  • • Remains current on GOJ policies/initiatives in an effort to add value and inform decision making;
  • • Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, maintaining membership in professional organizations, and participating in training and other initiatives of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

• Management/Administrative:

  • • Contributes to the development of the Legal Services Unit Strategic and Operational Plan and Budget;
  • • Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the Division’s Plan;
  • • Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences, as required;
  • • Prepares reports and project documents, as required;
  • • Prepares and delivers legal presentations, as needed.

• Human Resources:

  • • Participates in preparation and implementation of presentations on role of Division/Unit for the Orientation/On-boarding programme;
  • • Contributes and maintains a harmonious working environment;
  • • Performs all other related duties and functions as may be required from time to time by Senior Assistant Attorney-General and respective senior executives in the Ministry.

Required Skills

• Core:

  • • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • • Sound knowledge of legal standards and procedures
  • • Good interpersonal and teamwork skills
  • • Good customer relations skills
  • • Good planning and organizing skills
  • • Good judgment and decision-making skills

• Technical:

  • • Excellent knowledge of the Laws of Jamaica and sound knowledge of the basic principles of Public Law
  • • Knowledge of the mandate, objectives, strategies, policies, and environment of the Office of the Cabinet
  • • Sound research and analytical skills
  • • Excellent communication skills including presentation skills and the ability to communicate legal information in a manner which can be understood by decision makers and users
  • • Ability to exercise sound judgement and conviction of purpose in unfavourable or unpopular situations
  • • Problem solving and negotiation/facilitation skills and experience
  • • Knowledge of the machinery of government and the current challenges facing the GOJ
  • • Proficient in Microsoft 365 and relevant computer applications

Qualifications

• • Bachelor of Laws (LLB);
• • Legal Education Certificate;
• • Three (3) years progressive experience as an attorney-at-law.

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software, with the possibility of being able to work off-site with appropriate approvals;
  • • The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions;
  • • Extended hours may be required to meet deadlines;
  • • May be required to travel locally and internationally on work related matters.

Applications accompanied by Résumés should be submitted no later than Tuesday, 15th April, 2025 to: Senior Director Human Resource Development and Management Division Office of the Prime Minister 1 Devon Road Kingston 10 📧 Email: jobs@opm.gov.jm 📜 N.B. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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