VACANCY NOTICE- SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL

Published 19th February 2021

Basseterre

Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source

VACANCY NOTICE- SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL
 The Human Resource Management Department on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs wishes to invite persons to apply for the position of Senior Crown Counsel on a full-time basis.

Duties and Responsibilities of the posts include but are not limited to the following:

1. To conduct significant, complex, or high-profile trials in the Magistrate Court, or the High Court.
2. To conduct significant, complex, or high-profile appeals in the OECS Court of Appeal.
3. Provide high-level advice to and on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
4. In the absence of the Director of Public Prosecutions, to give direction and guidance to Crown Counsel and Police Prosecutors in relation to the allocation of cases, assignments, and the overall allocation of resources.
5. Plan and submit recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions for law reform on matters concerning the Federation’s criminal justice system.
6. Liaise with senior officers of other organizations involved in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, law reform and other professional bodies to establish a close working relationship to ensure the efficient working of the criminal justice system.
7. To provide professional development, mentoring and guidance to Crown Counsel and Police Prosecutors.
8. To report to the Director of Public Prosecutions, as need arises about any prosecution in which they are briefed.
9. Meet strict time standards in the preparation of cases and provision of advice in a high-volume work environment.
10. To promote excellence in the professional services provided by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, both in Court and in Chambers.
11. To contribute to decisions regarding the deployment of resources in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, taking into account time limitations, quality control, cost efficiency, Government Policy, the Director of Public Prosecution’s Policy Guideline, and staff development.
12. Manages internal committees and submit quarterly reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Laws Degree.
• Legal Education Certificate or Equivalent.
• The applicant must be called to the Bar of Saint Christopher and Nevis, or possess the requisite qualification to be called to the Bar in Saint Christopher and Nevis.
• Must have good IT skills to support the Federation in its move to digital working.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of practice.

Knowledge and Skills:
In addition to the requirements above, the post holder must have the following skills:

• Skill in writing formal submissions.
• Excellent litigation skills.
• Extensive experience as a Counsel in jury trials and/or appellate advocacy in criminal matters.
• Extensive knowledge of the Federation’s criminal laws, the rules of evidence and relevant Director’s Guidelines and legal principles applicable to Crown Prosecutors and the relevant Rules of the Saint Christopher and Nevis Bar Association.
• Mentoring skills and an interest in continuing professional development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as an ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize a consistently busy workload and continually maintain a high level of quality of professional work.
• A thorough knowledge of the ODPP Code of Conduct.
• A strong commitment to ethical practices.

Salary: K43 ($83,220 per annum)
            Allowance in lieu of private practice: $1,250 monthly
            Travel Allowance (must own a vehicle) $350 monthly

The deadline for the receipt of application is March 5^th, 2021.