Legal Counsel

The BVI Financial Services Commission (“the Commission”) is seeking a highly motivated financial services professional to join its Legal Division in the role of Legal Counsel. 

Candidates will join the Commission’s cadre of professionals to provide advisory, drafting and litigation services for the Commission. Key stakeholders include the Registrar of Corporate Affairs, the Regulatory Divisions, the Managing Director’s office, the Offices of the Deputy Managing Directors, Enforcement Division, Human Resources Division and Information Technology Division and Compliance Unit. 

Candidates must adhere to the Commission’s service standards and strict requirements for confidentiality, demonstrate an ability to prioritize and manage competing priorities while maintaining keen attention to details and accuracy in the quality of work produced. Candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria below and will be required to complete assessments as part of the interview process. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Contract Drafting and Contract Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, agreements and legal documents, including but not limited to vendor agreements, leases, licensing agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, employment agreements, and service agreements;
• Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations and company policies;
• Ensure that contracts accurately reflect the intentions of the parties involved and are legally enforceable;
• Identify and mitigate potential risks and liabilities associated with contractual agreements;
• Advise internal teams on contract interpretation and compliance issues;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, compliance, operations, and business development, to support contract drafting, organisational goals and objectives; and
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to explain legal concepts and negotiate terms. 

Policy Development and Policy Management:

• Develop, review and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards;
•  Advise on legal risks and liabilities associated with proposed policies and recommend strategies for mitigation;
• Analyse existing policies and regulations to identify areas for improvement or revision;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to facilitate policy drafting, ensuring policies are clear, practical and aligned with the Commission’s objectives), assess policy needs and the impact of proposed policies;
•  Periodic review and update of existing policies, procedures and processes to ensure they remain relevant and up to date;

• Ensure existing policies, procedures and processes are updated as necessary;
• Support various divisions to ensure business processes are documented and remain relevant through continuous improvements; and
• Communicate and liaise with relevant persons to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. 

General:

• Conduct legal research and analysis on relevant issues to support contract drafting and the development of policies;
• Conduct research to analyse policy implications and provide guidance on legal and regulatory compliance issues;
• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards and emerging legal trends and best practices affecting the organisation and, more specifically, those affecting policies and contracts with a view to internal policy development, updating contract drafting techniques and formats, procedures and regulatory compliance accordingly;
• Research legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to the organisation's operations;
• Document, review and communicate corporate compliance measures and any associated issues;
• Review legislation, regulations, external policies and other documents to determine their applicability to the Commission and their impact from a governance and compliance perspective;
• Assist with the monitoring of compliance measures/controls;
• Provide legal analysis and guidance on complex legal issues to internal and external stakeholders;
• Develop and deliver presentations and training and guidance to colleagues on legal and compliance matters as needed. Including but not limited to policy interpretation and contracts and contract management best practices; 
• Assist with the resolution of legal disputes related to policies and contracts through negotiations or collaborating with the Legal litigation team; and
• Any other duties assigned from time to time in accordance with the functions and objectives of the Commission. 

Qualifications/knowledge and Experience required:

• A Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent qualification;
• Successful completion of the English Bar or Law School exams or Legal Education Certificate
•  Admitted to the Bar of the Virgin Islands;
• At least five (5) years of practising experience as an attorney, at least one (3) of which should be in the financial services sector;
•  Holder of a valid practising certificate issued under the Legal Profession Act, 2015;
• Strong understanding of legal terminology, principles, procedures, and research;
• Excellent legal writing, research, interpretation and analytical skills;
• Expert knowledge of the Virgin Islands’ regulatory framework, legislation and policies relating to the supervision of financial institutions;
•  Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with the ability to interact professionally with clients, colleagues, and external parties
•  Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment;
•  Proven ability to deliver outputs in adherence to deadlines, service standards and company policies;
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage varied and multiple matters;
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Productivity Tools) and experience with contract management software and legal technology. 

Competencies

• Attention to Detail - The ability to complete tasks thoroughly and accurately by noticing and correcting small errors and ensuring all work meets required standards.
• Integrity & Respect for Others - Demonstrating ethical behavior, protecting confidential information, treating others fairly, and addressing unethical actions when necessary.
• Innovation - The ability to create and implement new ideas, improve processes, and embrace change by challenging the status quo.
• Drive for Excellent Results - Maintaining high standards, continuously seeking self-improvement, and monitoring the quality of work to achieve outstanding results.
• Team Oriented - Working cooperatively with others through trust, respect, adaptability, and a focus on shared goals.
• Planning & Organising - Effectively managing time, tasks, and resources by setting clear goals, prioritising, and adapting plans to achieve high-quality outcomes.
• Risk Management - Identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to protect projects and organisational objectives.
• Analytical Problem Solving - Breaking down complex problems, identifying root causes, and using evidence-based methods to find effective solutions.
• Investigative Thinking - Systematically gathering and analysing information to uncover hidden facts, patterns, and connections in unclear or complex situations. 

Applicants must submit the following: 

• Cover letter indicating the position being applied for;
• Resume;
• Two (2) professional reference letters;
• One (1) personal reference letter;
• Certified copies of identification; and 
• Certified copies of academic certification and or diplomas 

Notice: Applicants must upload all required documentation through BambooHR using the link in this advert. Please do not submit hard-copies unless directed to do so. Only potential candidates will be contacted.

Disclaimer

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work required for the position advertised. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The successful candidate will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested.

Closing Date: 12 May 2025