Legal Officer

To be responsible for assisting the Director of Legal Services in the execution of all matters pertaining to the Commission’s legal responsibilities and having the conduct of wide ranging legal and extra legal work as allocated by the Senior Legal Officer

LEGAL OFFICER

ROLE & CORE FUNCTIONS OF JOB

To be responsible for assisting the Director of Legal Services in the execution of all matters pertaining to the Commission’s legal responsibilities and having the conduct of wide ranging legal and extra legal work as allocated by the Senior Legal Officer

Technical/Professional Responsibilities:

1. Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions on:

a)     Betting Gaming and Lotteries Legislation

b)    Casino Gaming Legislation

c)     Proceeds of Crime, Terrorism Finance and UNCRIA Legislation

d)    Administrative Law

e)     Employment Law

f) Revenue/ Commercial Law

g)    Any other relevant area of law

1. To draft, advise on and implement work patterns and procedures, taking account of changing requirements under the Betting Gaming and Lottery Act and Subsidiary Legislation.

1. To develop and maintain case files for legal matters or cases which are led by internal legal counsel from instructions provided by other divisions within the Commission, ensuring that all background and draft documents are properly prepared and promptly served on all parties within required deadlines and coordinate Court proceedings.

1. To prepare and maintain files for various legal matters or cases which are led by external legal counsel representing the Commission, based on instructions provided to the legal division from other divisions within the Commission, so that the external counsel may be properly instructed.

1. To employ a pro-active approach to legal complexities and to make all necessary requisitions for the acquisition of information sufficient enough to prepare advice, opinions, reports, and legal documents.

1. To keep abreast of developments in relevant areas of law pertaining to the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act and Subsidiary Legislation, as well as other legislation relevant to the functioning of the Commission and keep the relevant departments well informed of such developments. To attend conferences for the purposes of updating the legal division and for the better performance of duties relating to regulating betting and gaming.

1. To assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, matters for presentation to Commissioners, ED, Committees, Sub-Committees, panels and Working Parties and attend such meetings if required by the Director of Legal Services.

1. To assist in the responsibility for the drafting of legal instruments, proof reading of documents and clauses for accuracy and with minimal supervision to research, review and amend documents for any special schemes and circumstances.

1. To assist in providing advice and support in preparing cases for first instance hearing before the Commission including researching case law and taking proofs of evidence where required.

1. To provide, at the behest of the Director of Legal Services and the Senior Legal Officer legal advice and assistance to all divisional staff of all departments within the Commission.

1. To monitor the progress of all cases or matters within the Legal Department, liaising with other departments where necessary, ensuring accuracy of information given.

1. To deal with telephone, personal and written enquiries for legal advice and assistance and draft correspondence.

1. To carry out a wide range of legal and extra-legal duties including providing advice and support and attending hearings of the Commission’s Tribunal as directed by the Director of Legal Services.

1. To attend and participate in meetings for various committees or working groups to which they may be appointed or for which they may be selected.

Other Responsibilities

1. To undertake other temporary duties consistent with the basic objectives/duties of the post.

1. To employ the use and effectiveness of information technology in the performance of duties.

1. To ensure that all duties are carried out with due regard to the provisions of the Ministry of Finance Directives and Circulars, Procurement Policies and Procedures and any other relevant regulations or policy guidelines governing the Commission.

LIAISE WITH:

Internally

               Senior Legal Officer, Director of Legal Services, Deputy Executive Director, Board of Commissioners

Externally

Government entities                                                                      

AUTHORITY

The degree of authority within the scope of the job as delegated and approved by the Director of Legal Services

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE              

• Bachelor of Laws Degree from an accredited institution
• Legal Education Certificate awarded by the Council of Legal Education
• Two (2) years’ working experience as an Attorney-At-Law, working in a legal department of government would be an asset

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

The competencies listed are those that the incumbent should have brought to the job or have acquired within six months of operating in the job.

• Knowledge of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Legislation, Administrative and Employment Law
• Knowledge of the policies, methods and procedures of the Commission
• Knowledge of procurement policies and procedures would be an asset
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats
• Excellent planning, prioritising and organizing skills.
• Ability to perform legal research
• Ability to draft legal documents accurately
• Ability to draft legal opinions
• Ability to demonstrative initiative and creativity in the execution of duties.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Performance is considered satisfactory when:

• Personal targets are consistently achieved.
• Accuracy and timeliness are consistently achieved in the execution of duties.
• Effective working relationship exists with internal and external associates.
• Honesty and integrity are consistently displayed in the execution of personal and professional duties
• Strict adherence to confidentiality

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical office environment, no adverse working conditions.