JOB SUMMARY:
The incumbent is required to perform work involving the conduct of research related to the laws and legal issues pertinent to the operations of the Ministry/Department. Duties include preparing legal documents and developing and maintaining a repository of documents on legal matters. Dependent on assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform the full range or some of the duties listed.
REPORTS TO: Designated officer
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conducts research on legal issues relating to the Ministry’s/Department’s operations and prepares written opinions, working papers and reports thereon.
- Undertakes extensive review of legal documents, instruments and other material identifies issues and proposes amendments.
- Prepares briefs and preliminary drafts of legislative legal material pertaining to the Ministry’s/Department’s portfolio.
- Develops and maintains an up-to-date repository of laws, judgments, contract precedents and other related material pertinent to the Ministry’s/Department’s operations.
- Contributes to the review and formulation of recommendations to amend legislation pertinent to the Ministry/Department.
- Assists in the drafting of Cabinet/Ministerial Notes on legal matters.
- Assists in the drafting of legal documents such as contracts, agreements, opinion and briefs; and prepares memoranda, letters and other documents.
- Represents the Ministry/Department on committees and at meetings, conferences and workshops.
- Liaises with other divisions and external agencies regarding the work of the Division.
- Copies and collates relevant documents.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Considerable knowledge of legal research principles and techniques.
- Knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertinent to the Ministry’s/Department’s operations.
- Knowledge of legal drafting principles and practices.
- Knowledge of the court procedures of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Skill in the use of personal computers.
- Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
- Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
- Ability to conduct legal research work of varying complexity.
- Ability to analyse and interpret law and legal issues.
- Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law orally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and members of the public.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in legal research.
- Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognized institution.