Employment

1. CONTEXT

The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) is a regional Inter-Governmental Organisation that was established by virtue of the Convention establishing the Association of Caribbean States done in Cartagena de Indias in July 1994. Article III of the Convention defines the organisation as one of “consultation, cooperation and concerted action” whose purpose is “to identify and promote the implementation of policies and programmes”.  The organisation’s work is focussed on - cooperation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable tourism, trade, transport and external economic relations, and the protection of the Caribbean Sea.  The ACS has 25 Member States, 10 Associate Members, 6 Founding Observers and 29 Observer Countries.

ACS engages external consultants to provide services to fulfil its mandate vis-à-vis its Member States and Associate Members. As a result, the ACS is seeking to engage a Legal Consultant to provide support to the Office of the Secretary-General.

2. OBJECTIVE

Under the general guidance of the Secretary-General, the incumbent is responsible for providing legal advice and opinions, as well as drafting legal documents on matters involving the Secretariat as well as administrative functions as they relate to the legal work of the organisation.

3. REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Consultant will report to the Secretary-General.

4. DELIVERABLES

• Conducting legal research and analysis to support the organisation’s legal position and strategy;
• Providing advice, using as a general reference the provisions set out in the Convention Establishing the ACS, the Agreements emanating from the Ministerial Council, and other relevant regulations in order to maintain, within the Secretariat and the Association as a whole, uniformity in the interpretation and application of rules, norms and regulations governing the Association; in the preparation of meetings within the portfolio of the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Prepare legal instruments and other documents as determined by the Secretary-General for all Meetings of the Ministerial Council;
• Drafting Ministerial Agreements or any other Agreements or MOUs, as directed by the Office of the Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Preparing extensive legal research, analysis and prepare legal opinions, briefs and reports on legal matters;
• Providing advice relating to the interpretation and application of international law, international treaties, conventions and agreements;
• Providing assistance in the review and update of the Staff Policy Manual;
• Procedures Handbook and Financial Regulations and any other instruments as so instructed by the Office of Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Providing advice relating to the interpretation of international trade law, including the norms, policy documents, regulatory documents of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other multilateral and bilateral trade agreements in which the ACS Member States and/ or Associate Members are involved;
• Supporting the ACS in the execution of official meetings, as requested;
• Submitting Official Travel Reports to the Secretary-General upon return from official missions;
• Identifying and mitigating legal risks and issues that may affect the organisation; in particular related to money laundering, compliance, or risk management;
• Preparing legal documents and other correspondence (reports; briefs; letters; circular notes; verbal notes etc.) to be issued from the Office of the Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General;
• Providing any other assistance and support as requested by the Office of the Legal Advisor, or the Office of the Secretary-General.

5. DURATION

The Consultancy would be for an initial period of six (6) months and may be renewed.

6. REMUNERATION

The Consultant shall be paid a monthly sum of Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Dollars and Twenty Cents United States currency (US$3,830.20), tax free.

7. QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• A Post Graduate Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields related to International Relations, International Law, Law or other relevant areas.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Law.
• Legal Education Certificate* or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Ability to practice law in Trinidad & Tobago.

• Work Experience - At least five (5) years’ experience, preferably with experience at International or regional levels in areas such as legal research, dispute resolution as well as working with the privileges and immunities of international organisations; background in anti-money laundering, compliance, or risk management, supported by certifications such as CAMS or ICA will be at an advantage. 

  * Certificates acquired at foreign universities MUST be supported by certified transcripts as well as evidence that the completed programme is accredited in Trinidad and Tobago.

   

8. COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in two (2) of the official languages of the ACS;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Sound knowledge of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago;
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills;
• Tact and diplomatic acumen;
• Ability to work independently;
• Strong research, analysis and writing skills;
• Knowledge of International Law and Law related to International Organisations;
• High Level of Integrity and ability to treat confidential information with discretion;
• High degree of professionalism and accountability;
• Ability to plan, organise and supervise the work of support staff;
• Ability to work under pressure in a multi-cultural environment;

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

   

9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Consultant is expected to travel in the course of his/her duties.

10. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS:
Candidates must present the following documents for consideration:
1) Full Curriculum vitae;
2) University degree certificate;
3) Language Proficiency certificates (not native tongue);
4) Names and contact information of three (3) referees.

Applicants must complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form included with the website vacancy. Failure to complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form will result in automatic rejection of the application. This form must be completed using either Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Do not attempt to complete this document using any web browser.

Applications must be addressed to:

H.E. Noemí Espinoza Madrid
Secretary-General
Association of Caribbean States
5-7 Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair
PO Box 660, PORT OF SPAIN
Tel: 868-622-9575
Fax: 868-622-1653
    

Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months of the deadline should consider their application as unsuccessful.