Deputy Governor/General Counsel

Deputy Governor/General Counsel

Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) invites applications from suitably qualified senior professionals to join its Executive Management Team in the capacity of Deputy Governor/General Counsel.

The job holder will primarily be responsible for:

1. Providing effective leadership across the BOJ as a member of the Executive Management Team in the areas of change, risk and strategic programme management.
2. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with local, regional and international bodies and agencies which are necessary for the ongoing development, strengthening and effectiveness of the BOJ’s mandates and collective and shared responsibilities.
3. Leading and/or participating in high level meetings, committees and fora internally and externally, presenting and representing the Bank’s position on matters of significance.
4. Providing strong technical and managerial support to the Governor and other members of Executive management in matters relating to governance and legal compliance and taking a pro-active role in responding to the challenges and complexities of a dynamic financial landscape.
5. Providing leadership to the Corporate Secretariat to ensure the team remains motivated and focused on delivering strategic priorities the execution of activities and responsibilities to acceptable standards of professionalism, operational integrity and effectiveness.
6. Ensuring the effective coordinating of critical processes within and between portfolios under his or her purview and ensuring the efficient and synergistic execution of activities and responsibilities.
7. Promoting and maintaining an image of professionalism and stature in the eyes of the Government, the press and the public generally.
8. Advising the Board, Statutory Committees and Executive Management on the governance and compliance requirements necessary to enhance their decision-making.
9. Keeping informed of relevant legal developments as they occur, analyzing their applicability to the Bank’s activities and objectives and designing and implementing policies to maximize compliance, and to efficiently detect and correct any violations.
10. Establishing effective and best practice secretariat management for the Board, Statutory and Governance committees and ensure the efficient administration of committee meetings and similar bodies as appropriate including preparation of appropriate documents, minutes, resolutions, notices and agenda;
11. Ensuring effective records and knowledge management practices are in place for effectively maintaining and safeguarding of official corporate records, the Bank’s constitutive documents, policies, records and key decisions.
12. Ensuring effective governance of the Bank’s Boards and Statutory Committees including, but not limited to, the following:

• Advising on the composition of the Board and Statutory Committees;
• Supervising the publication of appointments;
• Arranging and leading appropriate orientation and training for Board and Statutory Committees;
• Ensuring the Annual Review of Terms of Reference for sub-committees;
• Ensuring the conduct of annual board assessments/evaluation;
• Managing the process for rotation of board memberships; and
• Overseeing the fit and proper processing for appointees to the Board of Directors and Statutory Committees. etc.

13. Overseeing and managing the receipt and administration of the Bank’s corporate donations.
14. Overseeing, developing, implementing and monitoring the Access to Information process and protocols for the Bank.
15. Ensuring an appropriate corporate governance framework for standards of accountability and transparency for all stakeholders, including but not limited implementation of the Bank’s Ethics Policy.
16.  Managing the process for the engagement of the Minister of Finance in matters concerning the appointment and remuneration of executive members of staff. 
17. Managing the Bank’s Policy Governance Framework to ensure that the standards and principles for policy development, approval, review and maintenance are adhered to and ensuring proposed policies and actions conform to compliance requirements.
18. Securing and advising on the use of the Bank’s Seal.
19. Overseeing the provision of all legal services to the Bank of Jamaica to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law.
20. Providing strategic guidance, consultation, and support to executive and senior management on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mandate of the Bank.
21. Leading the Bank’s legal team in the treatment of complex legal matters or lawsuits as appropriate, and providing authoritative risk-based advice for managing litigation in a manner that commands confidence of senior stakeholders.
22. Being aware of legal and regulatory trends and anticipating legal issues to support executive and senior management in developing legal strategies and solutions in situations of great political, public relations, or financial risk or significance.
23. Selecting, retaining and managing relationships with external counsel as required, to obtain legal opinions or to handle claims and litigation and ensure that delivery and resources are appropriate to the advice sought and is value for money.
24. Ensuring effective knowledge and information management systems are in place for the legal function.
25. Reviewing, researching, interpreting, and preparing both written and oral opinions on a wide variety of legal issues.
26. Keeping abreast of legislative changes and trends and ensuring appropriate education and awareness building is in place for staff.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must be attorneys-at-law admitted to practice law in the Courts of Jamaica with a minimum of fifteen (15) years post qualification experience in corporate governance, delivery of financial services or public and regulatory law, of which at least five (5) years should be at a senior level leading a complex legal function and building strong corporate governance systems.

KEY TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES      

• In-depth knowledge of local and international laws, regulations and standards applicable to Central Banking, Banking and Financial Institutions;
• In-depth knowledge of the litigation process and the legal system;
• Sound knowledge of governance and management principles and practices;
• Excellent analytical and advocacy skills as well as the ability to speak and write clearly, and interact with business and legal colleagues in a creative, collaborative and productive manner;
• High level of diplomacy and tact;
• Highly developed planning, decision-making, problem-solving and coordinating skills;
• Superior communication skills in both oral and written form; and
• Ability to inspire trust, influence others, promote collaboration and motivate.

Applications in writing summarizing evidence of a distinguished career which best demonstrates qualifications and experience for appointment to the position, together with current resume with at least two references, should be submitted no later than Tuesday, 03 January 2023 to: