Director of Public Prosecutions

The role of Director of Public Prosecutions serves as the principal prosecutor in the Virgin Islands as established in accordance with section 59 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, 2007.

Opening Date: 8 January 2020

Closing Date: 8 February, 2020

Location: Tortola

Vacancy Notice No. JLSC 01 of 2020

Job Classification: Grade 19 Ministry/Department/Unit: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Position Details: Contractual or Probationary period Established position Employment Type: Full-time Remuneration/Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range $78,043 – $107,071 and applicable allowances. A tax-free gratuity, housing allowance and reallocation allowance applicable to contracted candidates.

ROLE SUMMARY The role of Director of Public Prosecutions serves as the principal prosecutor in the Virgin Islands as established in accordance with section 59 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, 2007. The role has the overall responsibility for all aspects of criminal proceedings and is the lead manager of the daily administration and activities of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any civil court in respect of any offence against any law in force in the Virgin Islands.

2. Take over and continues any such criminal proceedings that have been instituted by any other person or authority.

3. Discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by himself or herself or any other person or authority.

4. Prepare cases, draft charges and arguments, letters, opinions and legal documents as well as manage the preparation, filing and service of documents.

5. Provide written legal advice to Commissions, Government Ministries and Departments, and attend meetings to provide immediate advice on legal matters as required in order to provide timely and professional information.

6. Research, identify and recommend necessary amendments to modernise and improve criminal laws and procedures and the legal framework for the prosecution of matters.

7. Prepare and implement the necessary standards and codes of practice for relevant staff for the effective and efficient discharge of duties under the law.

8. Attend/Participate in relevant workshops and seminars and presents when requested in order to represent the Department and ensure awareness of up-to-date legislation, knowledge and information both locally and internationally.

9. Undertake general legal assignments including the vetting of legal matters.

10. Manage all summary court, High Court, Court of Appeal, Privy Council.

11. Serve on various committees as required.

12. Assume responsibility for the full range of legal decisions taken by Prosecution staff.

13. Liaise with the Governor, Commissioner of Police and other institutions on criminal matters.

14. Advise the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and other institutions/agencies on matters of criminal law, policy and practice; including reviewing files submitted by the police and deciding charges to be brought in all case.

15. Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Department and the supervision of staff.

16. Serve as the Accounting Officer and prepare and manage the Department’s Annual Budget.

17. Ensure the preparation and submission of Performance Planning and Appraisal Report for all staff.

18. Ensure the development and maintenance of staff’s capacity which includes the implementation of succession plans and the development of senior staff.

19. Develop and implement strategic plans for the development of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

20. Identify job specific and environmental factors, develop/enforce health and safety policies and mitigate and minimise hazards to promote health and safety of officers.

21. Liaise with external stakeholders a clear and consistent understanding of the mandates of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and increase community engagement to raise public confidence in the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE PREFERRED ABILITY

 Bachelor of Laws Degree, Master of Laws preferable or equivalent.

 Bar Professional Training Course Certificate (BPTC)

 Admitted to the BVI Bar or imminent Call or other common law Bar qualifications

 Seven (7) years minimum post qualification experience, ten (10) years experience preferred

 Five (5) years’ experience supervising prosecutors or leading in a complex criminal litigation  Expert knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures

 Expert knowledge of the Criminal Law of the BVI jurisdiction

 Expert knowledge of and experience in Court proceedings

 Expert knowledge of applicable statutes and statutory interpretation

 Ability to master and interpret legislation

 Expert legal research skills

 Expert analytical, negotiating, interpersonal and organisational skills

 Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment and computer applications

 Sound oral and written communication skills

 Ability to work well under pressure

 Excellent leadership and management skills

 Sound knowledge of Government budget and accounting procedures

 Qualification or extensive proven experience in financial crime litigation, including money laundering offences, and also in prosecuting criminal confiscation cases; and

 Extensive knowledge in extradition and mutual legal assistance matters.

HOW TO APPLY All applications for employment to the Public Service, including applications for transfer under the Employee Mobility Programme must be submitted to the address provided below by the job closing date. Agency: Judicial and Legal Services Commission c/o Department of Human Resources Simms Building Road Town, Tortola VG 1110 British Virgin Islands.

Applicants should submit the Employment Application (available at: www.bvi.gov.vg); a Résumé/Curriculum Vitae of their relevant experience and qualifications; with two personal reference letters; certified copies of identification, citizenship, and academic certifications/diplomas/licenses, along with a police certificate from your place of residency. Applying through the Employee Mobility Programme: Applicants interested in transferring to the Public Service through the Employee Mobility Programme must submit the standard Employment Application (see above) along with the Employee Mobility Application (available at: www.bvi.gov.vg/services/emp. All sections of both forms must be thoroughly completed in order to prevent delays in processing applications. For more information about the Employee Mobility Programme, click www.bvi.gov.vg/services/emp. Important Notice: Qualified candidates who are considered for potential employment with the Government of the Virgin Islands may be requested to provide further criminal history record information. Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Government of the Virgin Islands.