Career Opportunity: Legal Officer

The Central Bank of Barbados is seeking to offer a one-year contract for a Legal Officer.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will be required to safeguard the legal interest of the Bank and minimise its reputational and operational risks and exposure by providing sound legal advice to the Bank, responding to and resolving legal issues, and ensuring the delivery of legal services.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing quality advice on any legal matter related to the Bank’s operations, its purposes, functions, and objectives
• Assisting with the provision of leadership in identifying legal issues related to money laundering, regulation and supervision, and the implications of policy proposals
• Helping to ensure, in conjunction with the management of the Legal Section, that the operations of the Bank are in legal compliance with the provisions of its enabling statute and all applicable laws
• Ensuring the interest of the Bank is served by researching and analysing contractual matters and identifying potential issues; developing constructive solutions to problems with a legal dimension; preparing, advising on, and vetting contracts or legal documents and attending court on behalf of the Bank as required
• Supporting departments by drafting, interpreting, and reviewing documents, giving advice on legislation, staff rules, and regulations
• Assisting in internal disciplinary matters by organising, investigating, and presenting cases before the disciplinary committee and interviewing witnesses and other parties involved in the process
• Reviewing and maintaining the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Policy as required, conducting ongoing monitoring of compliance by each department with the AML/CFT Policy, and providing guidance to the business units to ensure that tests related to AML/CFT processes are adequately designed, executed, and reported
• Providing ongoing AML/CFT training and development to all staff members
• Acting as the compliance officer for the Bank and, where applicable, assisting departments in ensuring that their international compliance requirements are met 
• Investigating all Unusual Activity Reports (UARs) submitted by employees and reporting suspicious transactions promptly to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
• Representing the Bank’s interests at relevant meetings and negotiations by responding to legal aspects of regulatory and other inquiries, complaints and disputes, and negotiating conclusions
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by studying existing and new legislation and anticipating future requirements
• Contributing to the team effort by accomplishing results as assigned

Education/Education

• An attorney-at-law who has been called to the Bar in Barbados
• At least five (5) years’ experience as a practicing attorney-at-law
• A knowledge of financial sector legislation (including banking and financial services) would be an asset.
• Certification in anti-money laundering from a recognised university or professional body

The Candidate

The successful candidate must have:

• Sound emotional intelligence
• Proven theoretical knowledge and ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to provide timely high-quality legal advice and provide solutions to problems
• Well-developed conceptual and analytical skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership, organisational, and administrative skills
• Ability to work with little guidance and to handle multiple tasks

Compensation

Salary and benefits, including group life insurance, group medical insurance, and pension will be in accordance with the Bank’s policy.

Deadline for Submission of Applications

Interested persons should submit their job application and curriculum vitae to the Senior Director, Human Resources, Central Bank of Barbados by email at hrapplications@centralbank.org.bb, no later than November 22, 2024.