In House Legal Counsel

SKA - Square Kilometre Array

Macclesfield, United Kingdom

Reference: LC/01
Reports To: Head of Administration and Legal
Closing Date for applications: 28 July 2015. For details of how to apply please see the ‘How to Apply’ section below. 
Submission of applications:

Email to jobs@skatelescope.org.

Shortlisting to be completed by 5 August 2015.

Interviews to take place in week commencing TBA.

Organisation Background

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a global project to build a multi-purpose radio telescope that will play a major role in answering key questions in modern astrophysics and cosmology. It will be one of a small number of cornerstone observatories around the world that will provide astrophysicists and cosmologists with a transformational view of the Universe. The SKA will be constructed in two distinct phases. The major science goals for the first phase, SKA1, will be to study the history and role of neutral Hydrogen in the Universe from the dark ages to the present-day, and to employ pulsars as probes of fundamental physics.

Since 2008, the global radio astronomy community has been engaged in the development of the SKA as a major part of the ‘Preparatory’ phase of the project. The Preparatory phase ended in December 2011 and, following a number of major changes, the international SKA project progressed to the ‘Pre-Construction’ phase (2012-15) with the establishment of SKA Organisation, a UK Company Limited by Guarantee, on 14 December 2011. Ten countries are now participating in the project, with others engaged in discussions concerning possible membership. Preparations are now commencing to establish the SKA Observatory, an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO) that will oversee the construction and operations of the SKA telescope. SKA Organisation is now headquartered in a purpose-built building at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, UK. Negotiations are underway to secure the long-term future of the SKA HQ at Jodrell Bank.

General Description

The headquarters office of SKA Organisation (“SKA Office”) leads the SKA system design and oversees the supporting developments and designs within the globally-distributed SKA design consortia. To accomplish this goal the SKA Office employs highly-qualified scientists, project managers, system engineers and domain specialists. Work packages for the design of the major SKA subsystems (Elements) are contracted on a small number of work package consortia who are responsible for the management, execution and delivery of the work packages. The technical strategy and philosophy of the project are strongly based on system engineering principles.

SKA Organisation is overseen by a Board of Directors comprising of two Directors from each of the member nations. The Board maintains a close relationship with the work of the SKA Office: it meets 3 times a year and there is a frequent need for the provision of papers and other communications on a range of issues, both at the time of Board meetings and out of session.

The Role

SKA Organisation is transitioning from a company limited by guarantee into an IGO. We are seeking an experienced legal practitioner with detailed knowledge of international treaty law to play a key role in this process. The successful candidate will advise senior management on all aspects of international treaty law as it affects SKA Organisation, and will be responsible for ensuring the new IGO complies with all relevant laws. 

The post holder will report to the Head of Administration and Legal, but will work closely with senior management across the organisation. The Legal Officer will also advise senior management on legal matters related to the current governance and operations of SKA Organisation.

Key Duties, Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Head of Administration and Legal, the postholder will:

• Provide legal expertise and advice to SKA Organisation senior management and governing bodies on international public law (specifically with regard to the legal status of IGOs and associated privileges and immunities);
• Provide legal advice on a wide range of other matters such as governance, international civil service law, procurement, contractual law and intellectual property law as required. Where legal work needs to be outsourced to specialist legal consultants, the Legal Officer will manage all aspects of the consultancy;
• Support the establishment of an IGO for the SKA project, based in the UK;
• Maintain an overview on the content and applicability of the of SKA Organisation’s current governance agreement, and advising on changes, as required;
• Implement legislative regulations to ensure compliance with all local and contractual guidelines, ensuring that all regulations and requirements are communicated to appropriate personnel, and monitoring compliance;
• Advise on changes to legislation relevant to SKA Organisation’s operation;
• Represent or arrange for appropriate representation in all instances where legal action affects SKA Organisation;
• Ensure appropriate business insurance policies are in place;
• Draft internal opinions, reports and working documents on any legal problem arising in the Company’s day-to-day operations and in the implementation of applicable rules and policies;
• Contribute to the further development of the institutional law of SKA Organisation, including the rules that govern the functioning of SKA Governing Bodies;
• Review existing and future terms, conditions and procedures for legal consistency;
• Analyse legal documentation and carry out studies on the relevant legal and regulatory environment in which SKA Organisation carries out its activities;
• Prepare draft agreements and other arrangements with public and private entities and participate in their negotiation;
• Advise on contracts and agreements as well as in the negotiation and follow-up of legal issues. Initiate and liaise with external legal advice where required;
• Manage contracts and issues related to intellectual property rights, including maintenance of the project’s IPR Register;
• Undertake any other legal analysis and prepare notes and briefs as requested by the Head of Admin and Legal;
• Liaise with external legal counsellors whenever needed; and
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Head of Admin and Legal.

Mandatory Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge

• University degree in law, including advanced studies in international law or the law of international civil service completed with professional experience in public administration(s), international organisation(s), or in legal consultancy firm(s);
• Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) status;
• Demonstrable ability to achieve professional goals, identify priorities and adjust them as required;
• Experience in the generation of written reports;
• Experience in presenting work orally at meetings and other fora;
• Good IT skills and a familiarity with MS Office packages;
• Fluent English oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence people in widely differing parts of a complex organisation and its broader governance structure;
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with staff and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Willingness to present the SKA Office in international and other fora and willingness to travel to SKA consortium locations and centres; and
• Willingness to work and travel outside normal office hours as required.

Desirable Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge

• Familiarity with astronomy or a related field.

For more information on the SKA project visit http://www.skatelescope.org. SKA Organisation offers a competitive salary, a generous company pension scheme and a flexible benefits package. The successful applicant’s workplace will be located at the SKA Office’s headquarters at Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK.

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter, including details of your current remuneration, to jobs@skatelescope.org, quoting reference LC/01. Applications should include a summary of your project experience, detailing how you meet the essential and desirable knowledge, skills and experience criteria, and the names of at least two professional referees, one of whom must be your current employer (or most recent employer if not currently working). Closing date for receipt of applications is 28 July 2015.

When applying please state where you saw the vacancy advertised.

Equal Opportunities Statement:

SKA Organisation is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. Our aim to is recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or nationality. 

At all stages of the recruitment process and beyond, we strive to treat applicants and employees with a high standard of care, honesty and politeness. 

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Organisation welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided. If you need equipment or adjustments to enable you to complete your application and/or attend an interview then please let us know.