by email to: eoc@equalopportunity.gov.tt or it can be delivered to

ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED.

LEGAL OFFICER IIJob Summary

The incumbent is required to do professional legal work and provide legal advice and services at the Equal Opportunity Commission (‘the Commission’). The incumbent will report to the Head of the Legal Unit.

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

Depending on the assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform any or all of the following:

• Research, prepare and submit Legal Advice and Opinions, and source legal reference material, as and when requested;

• Review and process complaints of discrimination, victimisation or offensive behaviour lodged with the Commission;

• Provide advice, guidance and assistance to the Investigating Officers in the conduct of their investigations at the Commission;

• Review documents and reports submitted by Investigating Officers and provide guidance;

• Draft Reports and Notes for consideration by the Commissioners and Officers of the Commission;

• Interview witnesses re: discriminatory matters.

• Prepare summaries and draft indictments;

• Organize legal documents intended to be used in trial proceedings;

• Prosecute discrimination matters before the Equal Opportunity Tribunal and at Courts throughout Trinidad and Tobago, as and when required;

• Prepare letters and documents for disclosure in relevant matters to hand over to Complainants, Respondents, or their Counsel;

• Attend meetings, public awareness/ education sessions, and interact with and provide guidance to members of the public and persons seeking information;

• Advise Government Departments and any requesting Agency or on legal issues pertaining to discrimination matters;

• Correspond with clients of the Equal Opportunity Commission and keep them informed on the status of matters in which they are involved;

• Perform related duties as may be assigned.

CONDUCT REQUIRED

The incumbent is required to be guided and to follow all general and departmental rules, regulations and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The incumbent should have and/or should be able to do the following:

• Considerable knowledge of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago (including the laws and regulations applicable to the civil service).• Considerable experience in legal research and in drafting legal documents/instruments.• Ability to research, analyse and interpret laws and legal issues. • Ability to analyse and present statements of facts and the law and to argue clearly and logically, both orally and in writing.• Ability and willingness to perform work within defined timelines.• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.• Ability to use personal computers and e-Government technology platforms.• Ability to use the internet for research purposes.• Ability to develop creative strategies and solutions and to use initiative to accomplish objectives.• Ability to work independently as well as to lead and work as part of a team.• Ability to maintain confidentiality.• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, other Attorneys-at-Law, other public officers and members of the public.• Skill in negotiation and mediation/conciliation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEThe incumbent should have:• Training as evidenced by the possession of a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) or equivalent from a recognised institution. • Admission to practice Law in Trinidad and Tobago.• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience as an Attorney-at-Law in active practice.• Experience in litigation and trial advocacy would be an asset.