Senior Legal Officer

Senior Legal Officer

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is an integrated financial services supervisor/regulator. Our mission is to regulate and supervise the securities, insurance, trust and corporate service providers and private pensions industries, for the protection of their customers, thereby enhancing public confidence in the financial sector of Jamaica.

The FSC has an immediate opening for the position of Senior Legal Officer.  

 Position Summary: 

Broadly, the  Senior Legal Officer will provide support to the Deputy Executive Director (General Counsel) and his/her delegates, in providing legal advice (a) in respect of the application and development of the laws of Jamaica which are relevant to the operations and responsibilities of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) as a statutory body, regulator of the non-deposit taking financial institutions, and Competent Authority under the Proceeds of Crime Act, (b) to provide corporate secretarial and governance support to the Board of Commissioners and (c) in respect of the conduct of litigation.    

 Key Responsibilities: 

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director (General Counsel) (or his/her delegate): 

• Provide legal advice in the areas of securities, insurance, pensions, trust and corporate services as well as the FSC’s operational matters by the interpretation and application of relevant laws. 

•  Prepare legal opinions as assigned based on requests/referrals from internal stakeholders on all matters affecting the responsibilities and operations of the FSC. 

•  Represent the FSC in legal proceedings or monitor the progress of legal action filed by or against the FSC as directed by the Deputy Executive Director (General Counsel) or his/her delegate. 

• Analyse, assess and review the existing legislative and regulatory framework within which the FSC operates and make recommendations for amendments to the acts and regulations as may be required from time to time. 

• Oversee/monitor the drafting of legislative changes and providing instructions as needed to external stakeholders in furtherance of such efforts. 

• Advise on AML/CFT/CPF obligations and enforcement matters. 

• Draft submissions relating to risk action items and quarterly reports on performance targets along with analysis of forces enabling and inhibiting progress. 

• Participate in committees external to the FSC that examine legislative and supervisory  issues. 

• Attend and participate in meetings and sittings of the Legislation Committee of Cabinet and Parliament and other external meetings. 

• Prepare submissions and other work material for court and external meetings. 

• Draft, review and revise contractual arrangements on behalf of the FSC, and appropriately advising to secure the inclusion of provisions that protect the FSC’s interests. 

Education, Knowledge and Skills: 

• LLB Degree and a Council of Legal Education Certificate 

• A minimum of seven (7) years post qualification experience preferably as in-house counsel for a financial sector regulator, in the financial services industry and/or within departments of Government which represent the state. 

• Knowledge of the FSC Act and the Acts and Regulations governing the securities, insurance, and private pensions industries, as well as trust & corporate services providers and the FSC’s role as Competent Authority. 

• Knowledge of the legislative process leading relative to the development and passing of legislation relevant to the mandate of the FSC. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in both oral and written format.