Senior Research Officer Legal (Ministry of Itaukei Affairs)

The role involves providing legal advice and conducting research on matters that support the advancement of the iTaukei Institution Reform team program implementation. The position also includes proposing new initiatives based on best practices, stakeholder input, and thorough review of legal documents related to proposed changes in Acts, Regulations, and policies

Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Researcher for the Great Council of Chiefs in Fiji, your responsibilities might include:

1. Legal Analysis: Conducting in-depth legal research on a wide range of topics relevant to the Council's activities, including indigenous rights, land issues, governance structures, and cultural heritage protection.

2. Policy Development: Assisting in the development and review of policies, regulations, and guidelines related to indigenous governance, customary law, and traditional practices.

3. Legislative Compliance: Monitoring changes in laws and regulations affecting indigenous rights and interests in Fiji, and providing guidance to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

4. Case Preparation: Assisting in the preparation of legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, and submissions, for litigation or other legal proceedings involving the Council.

5. Legal Advice: Providing legal advice and guidance to Council members, staff, and stakeholders on a variety of legal matters, including contractual agreements, land disputes, and constitutional issues.

6. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with external legal advisors, government agencies, indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to address legal challenges and advance the Council's objectives.

7. Legal Education: Providing training and workshops to Council members and staff on relevant legal issues, ensuring a better understanding of legal rights and responsibilities.

8. Research Publications: Contributing to legal publications, journals, and reports on indigenous law, governance, and human rights issues in Fiji, raising awareness and promoting informed debate.

9. Conflict Resolution: Assisting in the resolution of disputes and conflicts within indigenous communities or between the Council and external parties through legal means or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

10. Advocacy: Advocating for legal reforms and policy changes to protect and advance the rights and interests of indigenous communities in Fiji, both domestically and internationally

Knowledge & Experience

1. 1. At least 3-5 years’ work experience in the legal and iTaukei laws, in the public sector or corporate environment
2. 2. Good understanding of how to provide sound knowledge and policy advice on welfare and good governance of the iTaukei community, through research, analysis and assessment;
3. 3. Good understanding of Fiji laws, Acts, Decrees, the 2013 Constitution and all applicable laws
4. 4. Knowledge of Fijian culture and customs

Skills & Abilities

1. 1. Proficient excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds pertaining to legal matters.
2. 2. Demonstrated ability to analyze and write legal submissions for management.
3. 3. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality in a sensitive environment.
4. 4. Demonstrated ability to follow instructions with the aim to meet tight and immovable deadlines.
5. 5. Demonstrated high organizational skills, innovative creative and professionalism with the ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality in a sensitive environment.
6. 6. Proficient computer skills with the capacity to utilize tools/programs analyze reports to support complex operations in a sensitive environment.
7. 7. Service oriented approach, with a commitment to supporting the operational/ corporate environment of the organization.

Additional Information

Applications for employment in the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs must be a Fijian Citizen, under the age of 60, in sound health with police clear record. The successful applicant will be required to provide a medical certificate and police clearance as a condition of employment.

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications are encouraging from all eligible, qualified applicants. Only specific knowledge, experience, skills and abilities or the job will

be considered in assessing the relative suitability of applicants

Contact Information

For further information and/or clarifications, please contact Mr. Taniela Kuruduadua on mobile: 9043765 or email: taniela.kuruduadua@itaukeiaffairs.gov.fj