Career Opportunity - Senior Legal Officer

The Financial Services Commission (FSC), is an integrated regulatory body established on April 1, 2011 by virtue of the Financial Services Commission Act (2010).  It is charged with the responsibility for supervising and regulating non-bank financial institutions in Barbados, particularly those entities in the insurance, credit union, securities and occupational pensions sectors.

Position Summary

The Senior Legal Officer, under the direction of the General Counsel, will be responsible for undertaking the functions and responsibilities of the Legal Services and Enforcement Department, including supervising Legal Officer(s), Enforcement Officer(s) and other staff as may be required. The Legal Services and Enforcement Department performs an advisory role to the core functionalregulatory streams (Credit Unions, Insurance, Pensions, and Securities). The Department also provides in-house legal advice and other support for Corporate and Board Secretarial services and assumes responsibility for the Financial Services Commission (the “Commission”) AML/CFT/CPF programme. It also manages the Commission’s litigation, either directly by appearing in court or indirectly through external legal counsel.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises Legal Officer(s), Enforcement Officer(s) and other staff, as may be assigned by the General Counsel.

• Assigns and reviews work of department staff, while providing training, advice, guidance and direction on legal and enforcement matters.

• Under the direction of the General Counsel, plans, organises and prepares work programme(s) in the Legal Services and Enforcement department.

• Represents the Commission in court and before other tribunals on complex legal matters,or as assigned.

• Reviews systems, policies and procedures and makes appropriate recommendations to improve productivity and service quality.

• Participates in and/or supervises the review of existing legislation, rules, and regulations pertaining to the Commission and recommends/formulates appropriate amendments.

• Under the direction of the General Counsel, confers with relevant officials of other regulatory authorities, Ministries or Departments and attends meetings to give professional legal advice.

• Provides legal support and interpretation services to the General Counsel, management team and Board to ensure statutory compliance with existing laws and regulatory requirements.

• Advises on complex legal issues related to the administration, interpretation and enforcement of laws pertaining to the operations of the Commission

• Drafts and prepares legal documents, including contracts, leases, and agreements.

• Undertakes legal research and provides and/or reviews legal advice

• Reviews legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy

• Prepares policy papers and instruments which have legal implications for consideration by appropriate authorities

• Participates in or supervises court case preparation work such as interviewing witnesses,taking depositions and preparing pre-trial briefs and preparing draft pleadings for filing.

• Manages and updates the General Counsel and management on court matters, including attending court hearings for and on behalf of the Commission, as required

• Supervises the conduct of research and analysis on legal matters pertinent to the Commission's operations.

• Recommends and oversees enforcement action to ensure compliance with the relevant Acts and any other statutes that may come into effect and that would affect the Commission’s mandate

• Leads or participates in negotiations and/or consultations with external/internal parties.

• Liaises with external counsel to ensure instructions, agreements and legal documents are promptly acted upon

• Reviews and vets letters, agreements, and other legal documents and prepares legal documents as required and directed by the General Counsel

• Recommends amendments to the Commission’s suite of legislation and drafts suggested amendments and policies for consideration by the General Counsel, as required

• Assists with the planning, co-ordinating and directing of activities within the Legal Services and Enforcement Department

• Ensures appropriate systems and procedures are developed, implemented, and maintained in the Legal Services and Enforcement Department

• Supports the General Counsel in developing training and long and short-term plans for the department, ensuring that such plans are consistent with the Commission’s strategic plans and objectives, and established standards

• Produces monthly reports to the General Counsel tracking the status of legal work assigned within the Legal Services and Enforcement Department and that which has been outsourced

• Performs other related duties as assigned

Experience and Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s of Law degree (LLB)

• Legal Education Certification (LEC)

• Eight (8) years’ experience as a practising Attorney-at-Law

• Three (3) or more, years’ experience at a supervisory level

• Litigation and/or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) experience would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Knowledge of the laws of Barbados

• Knowledge of legal principles and practices

• Knowledge of insurance, pensions, credit unions or securities

• Proven leadership and team-building skills

• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in all matters

• Is discreet in handling sensitive matters

• Integrity, trust, objectivity, and accountability in approach to work

• Ability to adapt and to work with minimal supervision, paying attention to details

• Skilled at fostering relationships

• Demonstrates initiative

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills

• Ability to multi-task

• Ability to prioritise and accomplish all tasks within deadlines

• Ability to maintain accuracy and workflow under pressure in a changing environment

• Creativity and responsiveness in solving problems

• Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office or related software

• Working Knowledge of work management software such as Asana or Monday.com

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills

• Strong organisation and administrative skills

All interested candidates should demonstrate in their Curriculum Vitae how their experience, achievements and qualifications would be a good match for this role. The CV should be sent no later than May 26, 2025.