Description

• Assesses complaints made pursuant to Part IV of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act (the Act) to determine whether they fall within remit of the OPR.
• Provides legal advice in relation to enforcement of directions /orders made by the Office pursuant to sections 14 and 50(10) of the Act, as amended.
• Ensures that all investigations of internal and external matters are executed efficiently and confidentially by guiding and advising Investigators at all stages of the investigative process.
• Develops and manages a complaints system to ensure that all complaints received by the Office are carefully handled and appropriate follow-up actions are taken in a timely manner.
• Assists the Office with completing and submitting all legal paperwork in a timely manner.

• Conducts legal research to prepare legal advice and opinions on matters affecting the business of the OPR and its statutory mandate.
• Conducts research to draft content for webinars, the OPR’s website and social media for the attention of public bodies, suppliers and contractors. 75%
• Assists with the maintenance of an up to date repository of laws, judgments, contract precedents and related material with respect to the OPR’s operations.

• Contributes to the review of existing laws and regulations pertinent to the OPR and provides recommendations for appropriate amendments.
• Reviews solicitation documents created by Procurement Officers to ensure compliance with the OPR’s policies and procedures.
• Reviews and drafts memoranda, contracts, agreements and other similar legal documents.
• Drafts standard operating procedure manuals to facilitate efficient and compliant execution of internal processes.
• Reviews and drafts policies, procedures, Handbooks, Guidelines and other governance documents to ensure the Office always complies with statutory and regulatory obligations and keeps pace with changing governance best practices.
• Assists with the preparation of monthly departmental reports and the Department’s annual budget report.

• Represents the OPR and/or acts as instructing attorney in legal matters e.g. Judicial Review proceedings, Industrial Relations matters, Equal Opportunity Tribunal matters.
• Ensures that court and other documents are filed on a timely basis.
• Liaises with external counsel and/or experts / consultants to follow-up on the progress of outsourced matters as directed. 

• Manages professional relationships with a wide range of external parties.
• Interfaces with relevant governmental bodies, stakeholders and the community at large.
• Conducts sensitisation sessions for the benefit of internal staff, public bodies, suppliers and contractors and the general public.
• Responds to queries that are received via the Helpdesk.
• Represents the Office at committee meetings at external fora as and when required. 

• Supports the development and implementation of policies and guidelines to support market developments. 

• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB)
• Legal Education Certificate (LEC) or equivalent
• Admission to practise Law in Trinidad and Tobago
• Master of Laws Degree (LLM) would be an asset
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) would be an asset
• Or Any equivalent combination of experience and training

• A minimum of 5 - 6 years’ experience as a practising Attorney-at-Law Or
• Through demonstrated proficiency in providing legal advice, reviewing cases and performing duties as an Attorney-at-Law

• Extensive/Expert knowledge of the criminal and civil laws of Trinidad and Tobago
• Extensive/Expert knowledge of procurement laws/regulations and related legislation
• Extensive/Expert knowledge of the laws and regulations pertinent to the operations of the Office of Procurement Regulation 
• Substantial/In-depth knowledge of court procedures and practices; and of rules of evidence
• Substantial/In-depth knowledge of legal drafting principles and practices, legal research skills and techniques
• Substantial/In-depth knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures
• Extensive/Expert ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, colleagues and members of the public
• Substantial/In-depth analytical and critical thinking skills
• Substantial/In-depth skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and software relevant to the legal profession
• Substantial/In-depth ability to plan and assist in coordinating the activities of the Legal Department
• Substantial/In-depth skills in negotiation, mediation and arbitration
• Substantial/In-depth ability to present and explain statements of facts and the law logically, orally and in writing
• Substantial/In-depth ability to use business judgement and legal expertise to deliver appropriate advice to the Office
• Substantial/In-depth ability to maintain confidentiality

• Regularly manages tight deadlines brought about by project demands. 
• Regularly influences persons to perform a task without having direct authority over these persons.
• Regularly coordinates and performs a number of simultaneous tasks