Chief Parliamentary Counsel

The role of Chief Parliamentary Counsel is to provide advice to Senior Officers on legislation, the impact of international and regional policies on the Territory and Parliamentary procedures.

Opening Date: 21 May 2020

Closing Date: 11 June 2020

Location: Tortola

Vacancy Notice No. JLSC 03 of 2019

Job Classification: Grade 18

Ministry/Department/Unit: Attorney General’s Chambers

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 $68,764 – $100,744 and applicable allowances. A tax-free gratuity, housing allowance and reallocation allowance applicable to contracted candidates.

ROLE SUMMARY

The role of Chief Parliamentary Counsel is to provide advice to Senior Officers on legislation, the impact of international and regional policies on the Territory and Parliamentary procedures, as well as supervise the drafting of legislation in order to ensure the legality and accuracy of proposed and existing legislation.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage the Parliamentary division, supervise staff and advise the Attorney General to ensure effective and efficient department management.

2. Research relevant topics in order to draft all primary, subsidiary and imperial legislation.

3. Ensure consistency and harmonization between proposed and existing legislation in order to make recommendations for updating legislation.

4. Keep abreast of Government policies and prioritise in order to advise on what legislation and mechanisms are necessary to implement policies as well advice on the legality of existing and proposed legislation.

5. Remain current in developments in the areas of law commonly practices and with international and regional Treaties and Protocols in order to monitor the impact that these may have to the Territory.

6. Represent the British Virgin Islands at meetings and critique the resulting draft legislation resulting to facilitate the harmonization and interpretation of such draft legislation under the laws of British Virgin Islands.

7. Accompany the Attorney General or lead meetings with officials and Ministers in order to explain the policies informing draft legislation and to initiate advice wherever necessary.

8. Attend sittings of the House of Assembly in order to advise on draft legislation being presented for debate, advise on Parliamentary procedure and prepare amendments to Bills to facilitate their enactment.

9. Prepare written opinions on the interpretation of legislation as requested in order to assist in the implementation of legislation.

10. Collaborate on related projects in particular with the Law Reform Commission to discuss the legality and harmonization, reform, and revision of legislation.

11. Perform any other related duties as requiredby Supervisor or any other senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

1. Manage relationships across the organization

2. Provide leadership for the organization

3. Encourage innovation in the organization

4. Take critical decisions

5. Communicate and influence effectively

6. Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements

7. Manage your own resources, development and networks

WORKING CONDITIONS/ ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

 Normal office environment

 Extended working hours

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE PREFERRED ABILITY

 Bachelor’s Degree in Law or equivalent from a Common Law jurisdiction

 Advanced training in legislative drafting

 Ten (10) years’ experience in drafting of legislation in a relevant jurisdiction

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

 Experience of assisting a Parliamentary/Legislative Body with a passage of legislation

 Expert knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures

 Expert knowledge of law reform, statute revision and consolidation procedures

 Expert knowledge of regional and international laws

 Demonstrated ability to understand Government policies and to draft the legislation needed to implement those policies

 Demonstrated ability to analyse legal situations and propose legislative solutions

 Demonstrated ability to implement policy instructions with integrity

 Strong interpersonal and organisational skills

 Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment

 Expert oral and written communication skills

 Expert research and analytical skills

 Excellent leadership and managerial skills

 Ability to work under pressure

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.