Senior Legal Officer

Candidates will join the Commission’s cadre of professionals to provide advisory, drafting and litigation services for the Commission.

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

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:

Legal:

• Draft (including assisting attorneys with drafting), edit and proofread legal documents such as contracts, Memoranda of Understanding, and other correspondence.
• Conduct legal and other forms of research.
• Organise and maintain legal files, ensuring all legal documents are filed and stored in accordance with company policies.
• Communicate with internal clients and external parties, including scheduling meetings and preparing meeting agendas and materials.
• Assign matters and prepare and manage calendars, schedules, and deadlines for legal matters, staff training and other relevant matters.
• Monitor and track legal documents to ensure compliance with deadlines, service standards and company policies.
• Develop and deliver presentations on subject areas relevant to the Unit.

Operations:

• Assist with the management of the day-to-day operations of the Unit, ensuring smooth functioning.
• Organise and schedule meetings, followed by transcription of meeting notes and the development of action points.
• Coordinate and manage office supplies.
• Review internal databases, filing systems, and tracking systems to ensure operational efficiency and maintain and update or liaise with legal counsels to maintain and update as appropriate.
• Assist in the onboarding and training of new staff members in the use of the electronic filing system, productivity tool, other legal technology and functions as assigned.
• Assist in the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to enhance workflow and productivity within the team.
• Maintain and monitor the Unit’s Departmental Scorecard, initiatives and budget on an ongoing basis.
• Liaise with other departments to streamline processes and ensure cross-departmental collaboration for operational efficiencies.
• Prepare and analyse operational reports identifying trends, inefficiencies and data-driven areas for improvement (workflow and productivity) or cost-saving opportunities.
• Assist with the assessment and optimisation of business processes, including technology and resource utilisation, to drive efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve unit performance, streamline workflows, and optimise resource allocation.
• Oversee the execution of daily operational tasks, ensuring adherence to company policies, legal requirements, and organisational goals.
• Act as the point of contact for operational issues and resolve or assist in resolving challenges.
• Monitor and bring any issues of non-compliance with internal policies, regulations, and quality standards to the attention of the Supervisor.

General:

• Assist in the compilation of information to support and draft (as needed) the Unit’s annual report submission.
• Any other duties assigned from time to time in accordance with the functions and objectives of the Commission.

Qualifications/Knowledge and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Operations Management, or a related field.
•  At least 5 years of proven experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or in a similar legal support role.
• At least 5 years experience in operations coordination or analysis, with a focus on process improvement.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology, procedures, research and document management.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience working with data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, etc.).
• Ability to implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Strong 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.
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Productivity Tools) and legal software and technological tools.

Competencies:

• Professionalism – complies with Commission’s code of conduct, acts with integrity and shows respect;
• Quality of Work – consistently produces work that is thorough, accurate, relevant, timely, and in accordance with Commission’s policies, procedures and best practices; 

• Communication – effectively, professionally and comprehensively communicates, both orally and in writing, with colleagues, licensees and a large cross-section of industry representatives, in a timely and helpful manner; 

• Team Success - is a cooperative, helpful, and constructive member of the team who willingly shares opinions and ideas and makes suggestions on how to improve processes and service; 

• Time Management - effectively plans, coordinates, and seeks the most efficient methods to schedule, prioritize, and complete assignments within deadlines; 

• Customer Excellence - builds positive relationships with internal and external customers by determining their specific needs and responding in a timely, professional and courteous manner; 

• Continuous Improvement – constantly learning and developing skills and identifying and embracing changes to improve processes and practices within the organization; and 

• Confidentiality – protects and does not disclose any information relating to the affairs of the Commission to any unauthorized persons in or outside of the Commission, at all times.