The Junior Legal Officer is responsible for advising and representing the Company in all legal matters through prudent management and ensuring consistent and just applications of the law. The role also requires the preparation of contracts, review of third-party contracts and lease agreements, conducting of legal research and preparation of legal memoranda; prepare court documents; assist the Department in handling litigation matters, prepare legal opinions for the Board.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Head of Legal, Governance and Compliance with regard to all legal matters pertaining to the Company and its Subsidiaries to ensure efficient operation of the Legal, Governance & Compliance Department
• Conduct legal research and due diligence checks with outside entities such as Bank of Jamaica, Companies Office, JIPO, among others, to ensure smooth running of Legal, Governance & Compliance Department.
• Assist in developing and updating policies, procedures, and programmes related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Counter-Proliferation Financing (CPF) compliance.
• Manage the registration of mortgage interest on behalf of the company which requires visits to NLA and Stamp Office, to conduct legal/title research, administer mortgage registrations, assist with review of loan documents, lease and contracts, maintain filings with the Companies Office and maintenance of the company’s Intellectual Property portfolio.
• Provide general legal support to the Head of Legal, Governance and Compliance as well as other Departments.

 Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB)
• Legal Education Certificate (LEC)
• 2 -3 years legal experience with litigation experience being an asset.
• Strong working knowledge with understanding and interpreting regulations and legislation
• Sound knowledge of regulatory reporting requirements of a Microfinance Institution
• Working knowledge of various regulations governing AML/CFT/CPF
• Experience with working with Executive-level.
• Confidential and of the highest integrity with the discretion of the Company
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent research, record keeping, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work without supervision and to take the initiative on multiple matters.
• Knowledge of the Microcredit Act, Data Protection Act, BOJ Regulation, JSE Compliance requirements and all other relevant acts