Legal Counsel
Job No:
104261
Location:
Honiara
- Rare opportunity providing high-level legal advice to an intergovernmental fisheries organisation
- Dynamic senior leadership position overseeing team of 3 Legal Advisors
- Excellent salary package circa US$118,804 (tax-free, for citizens for most countries!), including COLDA and Location Allowance PLUS a host of other benefits!
- Applications close Monday 5th November at 5pm AEST
About the Organisation
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is an intergovernmental organisation working to strengthen national capacity and regional solidarity so Pacific nations can manage, control, and develop their tuna fisheries now and in the future.
Based in Honiara, Solomon Islands, FFA's 17 member nations are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
FFA was established to help countries sustainably manage the fishery resources within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA is an advisory body providing expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make sovereign decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management through bodies such as the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
Since 1979, FFA has facilitated regional cooperation so that all Pacific countries benefit from the sustainable use of tuna – worth over USD $3 billion a year, and important for many people’s livelihoods in the Pacific.
For more information about The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency please visit their website here.
About the Opportunity
FFA is now looking for a full-time Legal Counsel to lead their High Legal Advice team in Honiara, in the Solomon Islands. Reporting to the Director-General, this position exists to provide high-level legal advice across the full spectrum of the FFA's work programme.
You will manage and lead a team of three Legal Advisors, implementing legal frameworks and international law sub programmes, and provide legal advice to the Secretariat and specific legal advice to FFA Member countries on international fisheries law, regional arrangements and national fisheries legislation.
Please note this is a 3-year contract role, with possible renewal for a further 3 years subject to performance appraisal and availability of funding.
Some of your key responsibilities will include (but not be limited to):
- Assisting in the revision of, and review of fisheries legislation and regulations, and the development and investigation of the legal aspects of alternative fisheries management models to ensure effective management and conservation of tuna stocks;
- Ensuring appropriate legal frameworks are in place for implementation of appropriate legislations and agreements relating to fisheries management;
- Advising and assisting member countries and governments in the periodic review and drafting for fisheries, marine zone and related legislation with a view to regional harmonisation;
- Co-ordinating regional initiatives in the development of the law of sea and international fisheries law through channels including legal consultations, fellowships, seminars and other training opportunities; and
- Participating fully in the Executive Management Team and developing the strategic direction of the Legal Unit with a view of alignment to Strategic Plan.
Please note: The ability to travel regularly throughout the region is a mandatory requirement of this position.
To view the full position description please click here.
About You
To be successful in this role, you must hold relevant post-graduate legal qualifications; significant, demonstrated experience providing legal advice on fisheries to a government department or regional fisheries organisation; and at least three years experience in a management capacity.
You will have a sound understanding of the principles of international fisheries management; issues related to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and international fisheries law, and international law; and a working knowledge of fisheries management issues in the Pacific region.
As you will be reporting to various multinational stakeholders and international bodies frequently, your excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication/presentation skills will be crucial to your success.
Most importantly, FFA is looking for a patient, tenacious and driven professional with the ability to negotiate the complex international organisational frameworks that the FFA operates within, who is able to manage multiple competing demands while diligently maintaining relationships with all stakeholders.
About the Benefits
If you are looking to make the ultimate sea change and find out more about life on the edge of Pacific development, this is the opportunity for you!
You’ll be offered a competitive, tax-free remuneration package (for citizens of most countries), circa US$118,804 commensurate with your skills and experience.
You will also have superannuation paid at 7.5% into either a nominated fund or as an additional cash supplement. FFA reimburses all reasonable medical, dental, and optical expenses for yourself and dependants. Insurance coverage is also provided for personal accident, life, medical & repatriation.
Education for dependent children will be reimbursed at 75% of tuition fees (Conditions apply). If your dependent child is educated overseas, paid school travel may be available for you or your child to visit each other once a year.
Accommodation assistance is also available.
Additionally, relocation expenses will be paid, with an establishment grant paid on arrival in Honiara. Annual airfares back to the country of repatriation will be provided, and a repatriation allowance of 2 weeks’ base salary on return to home-base at the end of the contract. There is also a retention incentive of 21% of your base salary which will be paid on the completion of your contract.
On top of all this, you will have access to 6 weeks of annual leave each year, giving you plenty of time to explore this stunning part of the world!
To apply for this role, please complete the questions below and attach your resume.
Applications close Monday 5th November at 5pm AEST.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be directly engaged at the cutting edge of intergovernmental fisheries management policy-making and implementation - Apply Now!