Legal Officer

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Job Description

Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) trading as Solomon Power is a state-owned enterprise established under the Electricity Act 1969 and governed by the State-Owned Enterprises Act 2007 and the associated regulations. Solomon Power owns, maintains, and operates the country’s national electricity grid. Solomon Power generates, transmits, distributes and sells electricity in the Solomon Islands.

The Legal Officer plays a critical role in assisting the Legal Counsel in managing the legal affairs and supporting the strategic objectives of the organization. Reporting directly to the Legal Counsel (and the Legal Counsel’s delegate, the Senior Legal Officer), this position involves providing legal support to the legal team and the broader organization. The Legal Officer assists in ensuring legal compliance, mitigating risks, fostering a culture of ethics and integrity within the organization. This is a fixed-term role.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Legal Advisory
Legal advice and counsel ensured Provide high-level legal advice and counsel to executive management, departments, and business units on a wide range of legal matters  Regulatory compliance, contracts, litigation, employment, and corporate governance. Percentage of legal advice provided within established timelines. Quality and relevance of legal advice provided.
2. Litigation Management
Manage litigation, disputes, and legal proceedings effectively. Percentage of legal disputes resolved within expected timeframes. Develop strategies to minimize legal exposure and resolve matters efficiently. Cost-effectiveness of litigation strategies.
3. Compliance Enforcement
Ensure that the organization operates in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Ensure compliance with policies and processes. Rate of compliance within the organization. Number of potential violations identified and addressed.
4. Contract Management
Ensure that contracts align with organization objectives, protect its interests, and mitigate legal risks. Ensure that contracting process is in compliance with procurement policy. Ensure that contract register is regularly updated. Average time taken for contract review. Percentage of contracts successfully mitigating legal risks. Average time taken to file contracts to contract register. Percentage of contracts recorded on contract register.
5. Corporate Governance
Assist in maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. Advise on corporate structure, board matters, and compliance with corporate policies and procedures. Number of instances of non-compliance with corporate governance standards. Timeliness of responses to governance-related issues.
6. Risk Assessment
Identify legal risks in procurement policies and practices, and staff conduct, and recommend proactive measures to mitigate them. Stay informed about emerging legal trends and assess their potential impact on the organization. Number of identified legal risks and proposed mitigations. Effectiveness of risk mitigation measures implemented.
7. Stakeholder Relations
Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators, legal authorities, and industry associations Successful collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders.
8. General Administrative Tasks
Efficient document management within the legal department. Procurement of legal department resources. Efficient document management. Timely and cost-effective procurement.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Customer
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Compliance	Comply with relevant laws and the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Operational
Health and Safety	Establish and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Degree in Law	Unrestricted admission to practice as a legal practitioner

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Some experience practicing law, preferably in a corporate or commercial setting.
2. Strong knowledge of contract law, corporate law, and regulatory compliance.
3. Ability to communicate complex legal concepts and issues clearly and effectively.
4. Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
5. Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision
6. Knowledge of corporate governance principles and practices
7. Familiarity with litigation and dispute resolution processes
8. Proficiency in legal research tools and databases
9. Strong organizational and time management skills.
10. Commitment to integrity, ethics, and professionalism in all aspects of legal practice.
11. In-depth knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
12. Ability to provide legal advice and guidance to the organization

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Good written and oral communication skills in English
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Driver’s License
Police Clearance
Medical Clearance

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Legal Team
Other SP staff members as and when required
External
Relevant Govt Ministries
Statutory Authorities

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Accountable	Assumes full responsibility for own actions and identifies with the success or failure of own part of the overall work/goal.
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Integrity	Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Reliable	Is able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised, puts in a great amount of effort believing in the value of work.
Interpersonal Styles
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Realistic	Shows concern for facts and reality, rejecting the impractical.
Team Oriented	Enjoys being with others as part of a group or team.
Thinking Styles
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Reflective	Takes a thoughtful and deliberative approach.
Well organised	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner.