Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the vacant position of Principal Legal Counsel.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or his designate.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise and manage the Legal and Compliance Department. Prepare annual budgets for the Legal and Compliance Department and submit monthly status reports and action plans to the Chief Executive Officer for the effective and efficient functioning of the Legal and Compliance Department.
- Attend Board meetings, Management meetings, meetings with the Trade Unions and other internal and external meetings as assigned.
- Review and finalize the draft Staff Rules and Code of Conduct.
- Develop, implement and monitor the legal compliance framework of the BWA.
- Prepare legal briefs, as necessary, on matters related to the statutory responsibilities, contractual obligations and governance of the BWA, to ensure that the BWA is compliant with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Provide legal advice to the Board of Directors and Management on day-to-day operations including service standards, disconnections, reconnections, transfer of service, debt recovery, pension plan, industrial relations matters and employment law.
- Draft, review, advise and approve commercial and employment contracts and loan and grant agreements and other legal documents.
- Conduct legal research and write legal opinions as required.
- Advise on the conduct of grievance handling and disciplinary procedures, implementation of the Employment Rights Act, 2012 and other labour legislation.
- Represent the BWA in industrial relations maters, civil proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court and the Supreme Court of Barbados and the Employment Rights Tribunal.
- Interpret relevant legislation, governmental policies and internal policies and provide legal advice as they relate to the management of the human resources of the Authority.
- Advise on the implementation of relevant legislation such as the Fair Trading Act, the Utilities Regulations Act, the Consumer Protection Act and the Holiday with Pay Act to ensure compliance by the Authority.
- Monitor and advise on trends in the water industry and the general utility industry in relation to regulations and legislation which may provide guidance in the operations of the BWA and assist in drafting appropriate corporate policies.
- Develop and implement systems and reporting formats and schedules for monitoring and ensuring that relevant data and information is being collected to comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements at all levels of the Authority.
- Lead the regulatory process, rate applications, rate hearings and interface with the regulators.
- Oversee the day-to-day functions of the Registry Department.
- Perform other related legal duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or his designate.
Qualifications
Applicant must be a member of the Barbados Bar Association. An Attorney-at-Law with at least seven (7) years’ experience, who possesses the Legal Education Certificate and was admitted to practice law in Barbados.
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team;
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Excellent research skills;
- Effective oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to work under pressure;
- Commitment to work;
- Effective time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines; and
- Be computer literate.
Knowledge of:
- Constitutional Law, Employment/Labour Law, Contract Law and Administrative Law;
- The Civil Procedure Rules of the Supreme Court, 2008;
- The Magistrates’ Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 1958 (as amended);
- Civil Litigation Procedures;
- Governance of Statutory Bodies; and
- Public sector procedures and practices.
Salary
The successful candidate will receive an attractive salary package.
Applications with full curriculum details should be emailed to HR@bwa.gov.bb or addressed to:
The Director of Human Resources Management and Development
Barbados Water Authority
Pine Commercial Estate
Pine
ST. MICHAEL
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.