Legal Officer

Key Duties

Supervisory/Management:  

• Leads the development of the Department’s annual work plan and budget. Assigns and monitors the execution of tasks accordingly.  
• Contributes to the development of related Corporate Policy, legal and governance operating standards, and procedures.     
• Sets and reviews work unit performance standards and targets, in alignment with the good corporate governance and compliance.   
• Administers HR policies for staffing, leave, training and development, performance, and disciplinary action, as required. 

Functional 

• Develops and deploys corporate compliance systems, standards and procedures in accordance with legal, regulatory and corporate requirements.
• Develops templates and boiler plate documents for routine legal documents and communications for Line Users to facility timely, agile and legal sound operations.  
• Provides timely and cogent opinions and advice on regulatory and legal matters affecting the Company. Researches and analyses issues; drafts and issues legal documents and reports, accordingly.    
• Represents the Company at and/or instructs and monitors the performance of external counsel for legal proceedings.     
• Oversees the contract administration process.  Issues guidelines and templates; reviews, tracks and finalizes contracts; and takes/recommends remedial action to avoid or mitigate risks.    
• Partners with the Document Control Unit to identify, create, and verify vital and legal records per statutory requirements and corporate retention standards.    
• Advises Management on the design of governance systems and internal controls.   
• Leads /participates in consultations and negotiations with external parties.  

Job Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Law Degree from an accredited institution.
• Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Admission to practice law in Trinidad and Tobago
• Certification in Corporate Governance and/or Industrial Relations would be an asset.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a practicing Attorney at Law.
• Or any equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago, including the Companies Act, the Procurement Act, contract laws, and other related laws.
• Extensive knowledge of Corporate Governance principles and practices, including the requirements under the State Enterprise Monitoring Manual.
• Skilled at negotiations, mediation, and arbitration.
• Excellent critical and creative thinking skills. Ability to analyze and interpret laws and regulations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to use emotional intelligence to self-manage and influence positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication (oral and written).

Attributes

• Courteous and tactful
• Vigilant
• Methodical
• Responsive and adaptive   
• Collaborative   
• Assertive 
• Judicious 
• Works with professionalism and integrity    
• Independent thinker