Legal Counsel & Policy Officer (JLG/LO 3)

Public Procurement Commission

 On April 1, 2019, the Public Procurement Act came into effect establishing the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) as a Public Body Corporate replacing the National Contracts Commission.

The PPC has responsibility for endorsing recommendations for the award of Government Contracts, making recommendations to Cabinet for the award of Government Contracts as well as registering companies/businesses desirous of participating in the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) Procurement Process. The PPC also oversees the implementation of the GOJ Contractor and Consultant Performance Evaluation Programme (CCPEP).

The PPC invites applications from suitably qualified professionals to fill the following career opportunity at our location in Kingston:

Legal Counsel & Policy Officer (JLG/LO 3)
Executive Office
Salary Range: $6,333,301.00 – 8,517,586.00 per annum + any allowances attached to the post.

Job Purpose:

The Legal Counsel and Policy Officer is the chief legal advisor to the PPC, its Board of Commissioners and the Executive Director (ED) on all legal matters in the discharge of the mandate under the Public Procurement Act, 2015; the attendant Regulations and other relevant legislation. The position is situated in the Executive Office of the PPC.

The Legal Counsel and Policy Officer ensures that the PPC and its members of staff, in the execution of their respective functions, comply with all relevant laws, regulations and Government procedures. He/she also provides policy support through the interpretation of the Act and/or operational conditions to inform the drafting or amending of relevant policies in support of the execution of the PPC’s mandate.

Key Outputs:

• Legal opinions
• Legal advice on administrative matters
• Legal briefs/instructions for the Attorney General Chambers, the office of the DPP
• Legal submissions to the Appeals Board and/or the Integrity Commission
• Legal briefs/instructions to external counsel engaged by the PPC
• Cabinet Submissions
• Reports
• Draft policy documents
• Prosecuted cases

Key Responsibility Areas:

A. Technical/Professional Responsibilities

1. Provides legal advice, counsel and guidance to the ED and the officers of the PPC on all matters relating to the discharge of the PPC’s functions and mandates to enable effective and efficient operations of the PPC in conformance with the law.
2. Provides legal advice, counsel and guidance on administrative and operational matters through the interpretation of relevant laws in areas such as: employment contracts, discipline, procurement of works, goods and services.
3. Provides advice to members of the public and stakeholders of the PPC on various aspects of the operations, mandates and functions of the PPC.
4. Liaises with the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers and other Government and State Authorities on matters of law which affect or impact the functions and work of the PPC.
5. Liaises with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on matters to be referred by the PPC or matters to become the subject of any proceedings in any court of law to which the PPC is a party or in which it may have an interest. Prepares/reviews, approves and/or submits all requisite documentation, instructions, briefs on the respective matters and ensures the PPC is available as required to provide any additional support.
6. Instructs, briefs and/or liaises with the Integrity Commission on criminal prosecution matters which have been referred or instituted by the PPC.
7. Prepares and makes submissions to the Appeals Board where the matter under consideration involves the PPC.
8. Manages the process of identifying and engaging external counsel to represent the PPC in legal matters in which it is a party or in which it has an interest; supervises and ensures Counsel is adequately briefed/instructed and the necessary internal supported provided.
9. Attends court to conduct legal proceedings and/or observe proceedings on behalf of the PPC.
10. Attends Parliament as required on behalf of the PPC.
11. Conducts legal research and reviews legal documents, literature and legislations for use by the PPC, and provides advice thereon, inter alia, as to their legal implications.
12. Collaborates with the technical branches to formulate new polices and/or amend existing policies to enable the effective administration of the functions of the PPC.
13. Drafts Cabinet Submissions and/or other relevant reports or communications in connection with or in furtherance of the policies, work or recommendations of the PPC.

B. Administrative Responsibilities

1. Participates in the preparation of the Commission’s corporate plans and budget as well as the development/review of operating policies, procedures and standards.
2. Provides support to the Public Relations & Public Education Unit in the delivery of publications and programmes through facilitation of sessions to engage key stakeholders and potential licensee groups, to promote and facilitate understanding of the operations of the Commission and associated legal matters.
3. Prepares routine reports and assists the ED in the preparation of special reports/documents as required.
4. Participates in internal meetings and represents the Commission externally at meetings/conferences and other functions as required.
5. Establishes and maintains effective professional network within the public and private sectors’ legal fraternity to advance the work of the Commission and maintain personal/professional currency.