Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities Legal Officer

POSITION DETAILS

MINISTRY:  Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs 

DIVISION/SECTION:  Public Solicitors Office                           

DUTY STATION: Honiara (DSE Office)                                                    

MINISTRY VACANCY REF: POSITION TITLE: Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities Legal Officer

POSITION LEVEL: Level 10 (0.4FTE)                                

THIS POSITION REPORTS TO: Public Solicitor’s Officer Principal Legal Officer

SCOPE OF DUTIES 

The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs is mandated to provide a vibrant and robust service to the Agencies for effective, efficient and sustainable justice services to Solomon Islands.

The Public Solicitors Officer supports the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs to do this by providing fair and accessible justice system that defends the rights and responds to the diverse needs of disadvantaged people in the Solomon Islands

This position will contribute to the corporate functions and objectives of this Ministry by providing legal services through the Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities. Services will be provided under the supervision of the Public Solicitor’s Office and in accordance with the Public Solicitors Act and the Guidelines for the provision of Legal Aid.

KEY DUTIES 

This position is required to undertake the following duties:

1.  Provide legal services:

Provide information and legal advice

Under the supervision of the Public Solicitor’s Office:

•  Staff the Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities

• Undertake research of case law, law commentaries, legislation and related materials

• Provide advice on the rights, responsibilities, disclosures and available options for the client

• Determine compliance with the Legal Aid Merit Assessment

• Settle disputes out of Court where appropriate and in the best interests of the client

• Refer client/s in immediate danger to SAFENET organisations in line with the referral framework

• Refer client/s to Public Solicitor’s Office supervisors for any matters requiring litigation before the Magistrates Court, High Court and the Court of Appeals.

Practice effective Case Management

•  Maintain and update files according to the Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities forms

2.   Promote and Protect Rights:

Where time and resourcing allows within the 0.4FTE Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities working arrangements:

Promote the Legal Clinic and/or relevant Legal Education to the community

•  Promote the Legal Clinic for Persons with Disabilities throughout Solomon Islands to support the decentralization of services by support to the Provincial Governments as required

• Provide support in the planning, provision, distribution and evaluation of community education programs to people with disabilities on the rights and responsibilities of the community under the law, including (but not limited to):

a. self-help materials, brochures, pamphlets and posters

b. law week

c. community education programs

d. Community broadcasts

3.   Sector improvement / Law Reform

Where time and resourcing allows within the 0.4FTE Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities working arrangements:

Participate in continuing professional development

•  Participate in continuing education as directed by Public Solicitor’s Office supervisors

Contribute to effective law reform within the Sector

•  Contribute to submissions on law reform, particularly relating to persons with disabilities as required.

Support the Public Solicitor in the strengthening of services

•  Participate in new initiatives of service and/or policy development, particularly relating to persons with disabilities

• To promote gender equity in all activities

4.   Corporate responsibilities

•  Contribute to the leadership, strategic management, policy, planning, resource   allocation, and performance monitoring, of the Public Solicitor’s Office through participation in supervisor meetings, performance management and work-planning. This includes providing monthly reports on Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities services to the Public Solicitor’s Officer supervisors and other reporting as required.

• Support the effective Human Resource Management of the General Legal Services through: 

a. Compliance with Public Solicitor’s Office Human Resource Policy and Guidelines

b. Comply with Development Services Exchange Occupational Health and Safety policy and procedure

•  Comply with the Mission and Values of the Public Solicitor’s Office and Professional Conduct Rules

• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Ethics

• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required or directed from time to time.

KEY DELIVERABLES 

The incumbent of this position will have their performance assessed using the public sector performance process according to following key deliverables:

•  Proper work coordination for the Legal Clinic of Persons with Disabilities, including participation in all meetings with Public Solicitor’s Officer supervisors

• Monthly reports on Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities services to the Public Solicitor’s Officer supervisors

• 100% attendance (unless on authorised leave) and compliance with Code of Conduct

QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES

Mandatory Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognised University

• Completion of the Professional Diploma of Legal Practice to prepare for admission as Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Solomon Islands

Capabilities Required

•  Able to demonstrate leadership capabilities

• Able to provide inclusive legal services to people with diverse disabilities

• Ability to understand and comply with the public service Code of Conduct and follow all other laws, policies and procedures which relate to improving gender equality and creating safer workplaces.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA 

Suitability for this position will be assessed against the following key selection criteria:

• Commitment to providing legal information and services to people with diverse disabilities  

• Commitment in ensuring Access to Justice for those who qualify for Legal Aid

• Experienced as an effective team member

• Demonstrated high level inclusive communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to prepare written reports and present complex legal information to different audiences.

• High standard of personal integrity

• Willingness to explore options to strengthen provincial service delivery

• Must be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding Public Service Values, Ethics and Code of Conduct including high level of work attendance

TERMS AND CONDITIONS   

Annual Leave entitlement:  28 days per annum

Housing Allowance:  Payable 10% of the Basic Salary

Reasonable accommodation: Any Legal Clinic for People with Disabilities Legal Officer with a disability will be entitled to reasonable accommodation to ensure they have relevant supports to undertake all responsibilities outlined in this Job Description. Specific details of reasonable accommodation will be agreed with successful applicants.