Legal Adviser

Legal Adviser

Apply nowJob no: 493520
Work type: Fixed Term
Location: Papua New Guinea
Categories: Hot Jobs, Legal & Risk, Community and Social Development

• Attractive Remuneration Package
• Travel Opportunities

About SMEC

SMEC is a professional services firm with Australian origins and a global footprint that provides high-quality consultancy services for major infrastructure projects.

SMEC is ranked among the world's top infrastructure design firms and continues to win industry awards for technical excellence, design innovation and the management of environmental and social risks.

The SMEC Profile:

• It is our culture to celebrate diversity, employ great people and work on interesting projects
• We are a private company, wholly owned by our people
• We have an established network of over 70 permanent offices around the world and over 5,000 employees
• We offer our people opportunities to work, both in Australia and internationally, in the areas of: Transport; Water; Geotechnics and Tunnels; Environment; Urban Development; Hydropower and Energy; Social Development; Government and Advisory Services; and Mining, Oil and Gas.

The role 

SMEC International Pty Ltd is looking for a highly skilled and competent Legal Adviser to work on the program funded through the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)- The Papua New Guinea-Australia Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP) Port Moresby.

This role works with the Department of Transport in its legislative agenda, including assisting in the development of legal policy and the drafting of legislation; providing written and verbal legal advice; and working with counterparts to build capacity in legislative reform and implementation.

The position has been classified under the Australian Government's Adviser Remuneration Framework (ARF), which sets out terms and conditions for employment, including remuneration rate and applicable allowances. The ARF classification for this position is specified in the terms of reference.

Duties include:

• Advise and assist counterparts identify existing legislative and regulatory responsibilities,
  including international obligations, and the agencies accountable in each area
• Provide support and assistance with the drafting of proposed legislation and regulations amendments to provide an improved legal environment
• Advise and assist with the identification of overlaps or gaps in accountabilities and what
  changes in legislation are necessary to reflect current and likely future agency
  responsibilities
• Other duties as directed by the TSSP Program Director or TSSP Team Leader.

With a track record of achievement in a similar role, you will have gained your experience in an engineering design consultancy and have a passion for building trusted relationships to drive positive change and win new work.

Suitable applicants will have/be:

• Work experience in Papua New Guinea, the South Pacific or another developing country or context.
• Degree in Law and must be registered and a current member of the Law Society in order to
  practice law in PNG or admitted or eligible for immediate admission as a legal practitioner in
  Australia
• Demonstrated ability to undertake legal research and draft legal advice
• Demonstrated experience in drafting legislation and/or legislative amendments
• Experience in supporting, facilitating and coordinating legislative change initiatives in a developing country setting 
• High level analytical, problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with a diverse range of groups
• Commitment and demonstrated capacity to undertake activities in a participative, culturally sensitive and consultative manner, ensuring counter-parts actively participate and develop understanding and ownership
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently as well as contribute positively in a team environment
• Competence with a range of computer software programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of the PNG legal system and processes
• An understanding of the general legislative framework challenges of developing countries
• Sensitivity to gender, HIV-AIDS, environment, road safety and development issues

In return, SMEC offers you the benefits that come from working in a global multidisciplinary consultancy in an environment where your fresh ideas and enthusiasm will be welcomed and rewarded.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted online. To apply, click on the "Apply Now" link below and follow the prompts.

To be considered, applications must include a resume, a covering letter and a statement addressing the core competencies/selection criteria. Applications not addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further inquiries, please contact TSSP Program Support Officer Mr Phillip San Jose by email onPhillip.SanJose@smec.com .

Applications close 5:00pm (Port Moresby time) on Monday, 17 March 2014

To find out more about SMEC, please visit our careers page at http://www.smec.com.

SMEC is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is a source of strength for our people, our clients, our partners and our communities.

Advertised: 25 Feb 2014 West Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: 17 Mar 2014 West Pacific Standard Time