Legal Officer (JLG / LO3)

The incumbent is to support JSEZA’s strategic objectives by providing analytical, objective and independent legal advice to assist in decision making, investigation and successful prosecution of JSEZA cases, trend identification and policy development.

We invite all suitably qualified candidates to apply for the post of Legal Officer (JLO/LO3).

Salary Range: $6,333,301.00- $8,517,586.00 per annum.

Job Purpose

The incumbent is to support JSEZA’s strategic objectives by providing analytical, objective and independent legal advice to assist in decision making, investigation and successful prosecution of JSEZA cases, trend identification and policy development.

Strategic Focus

• The effective engagement of the Legal Services Division in supporting the execution of JSEZA’s core business processes.
• Todevelop and maintain a partnership and collaborate with other legal departments and organisations mandated to support Jamaica’s economic development.
• To support the development of a strong and capable Legal Services Division.
• To support the engagement direction and support of persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the quality management system.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from a recognized University.
• Qualification to practice as an Attorney-at-Law in Jamaica.
• 3-5 Years’ experience at the Jamaican Bar with significant practice particularly in Corporate Law.
• Previous experience in legislative drafting would be an asset.

Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge and significant experience in Contract Law, Litigation, Tort, Labour Law and Intellectual Property Law.
• The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of the SEZ laws and other laws of Jamaica that affect his/her areas of work and the Authority in general. The role holds a strategic position at the heart of governance operations within the Authority and acts as the main advisor on legislative and regulatory information to the Chief Executive Office and Senior Leadership Team.
• Thoroughly computer literate and skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Skilled in the use of JSEZA’s Document Management and workflow application and the associated reporting tools.
• Sound legal writing skills.
• Ability to draft legal documents.
• Knowledge of Court Practice and Procedure.
• Knowledge of Government of Jamaica (GOJ) Procurement Rules, Governance and Risk Management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The effective engagement of the Legal Services Division in supporting the execution of JSEZA’s core business processes.

• Prepare and render legal advice on matters relating to interpreting law, directives, rights and liabilities  that may affect the Authority and its personnel.
• Part of team that administers the transfer of property to be vested on behalf of the Authority.
• Prepares correspondence to the JSEZA’s client, their agents, attorneys and organizations involved in the transfer of property.
• Assists with the coordination of resources to ensure that the Unit’s staff have sufficient and appreciate physical tools to enable them to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.
• Supervises assigned functions of the Unit.
• Recommends the development of standard operational procedures.
• Contributes as and when required, advises members on the legal, and governance policies.
• Up to the level of authority delegated, legally endorses documents issued by JSEZA to include concession agreement, license agreement, master concession, sub-concession, operating certificate and site lease agreements any other legal contracts.
• Attends Court and representing the Authority in matters arising under the relevant laws, if necessary.
• Recommends instituting legal proceedings for breaches of the SEZ Act and  regulations; analysing and formulating legal strategies and agreements to employ in the prosecution and defence of cases.
• Provides general legal services and reviews all documents related to contracts, leases, etc. of External Vendors/Service Providers and Consultants.
• Provides general legal services and reviews all documents related to contracts, leases, etc. of External Vendors/Service Providers and Consultants.

To develop partnership and collaborate with other legal departments and organisations involved in Jamaica’s economic development.

• Liaises with the Legal components of local, regional, and international Partner Agencies.
• Liaison with Office of the DPP and Attorney General’s Chambers.
• Represent the Legal Unit/JSEZA at national, regional, and international forums.

Develop a Strong & Capable Team

• Signs of on the Performance Commitments cascaded from the Agency’s Strategic Plan and Strategy Map.
• Designs develop and implements a professional development programme for Legal Services staff.
• Supports the Agency’s internal Training and Staff Development programme.
• Recommends the Branch’s training needs and design/source the appropriate modules.
• Conducts own performance self-assessment.

Demonstrate Leadership and Commitment to the Quality Management Systems Policy

• Committing to continual improvement and updating of the Quality Management Systems Policy
• Communicates the Quality Management Systems Policy and ensuring it is maintained as documented information, understood, and applied within the Authority, whilst enabling its availability to relevant interested parties, as deemed appropriate.
• Ensuring that the integrity of the quality management system is maintained when changes to the quality management system are planned and implemented.

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Tuesday, 31st March, 2026 to:

Director, Human Resource Management

Special Economic Zone Authority

Unit 42B, New Kingston Business Center

30 Dominica Drive

Kingston 5

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted