The role – Maritime Policy and Legal Adviser will provide strategic legal and policy advice to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) on maritime governance and international maritime law. The Adviser plays a key role in driving legal and institutional reforms, including the development of model legislation, legislative roadmaps, and national implementation frameworks. The role ensures alignment with regional and global maritime obligations, while building legal capacity and supporting the development of sustainable and coordinated legal systems in Pacific SIDS.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Legal and Policy Advisory Services and Programme Support
Provide technical advice and support on maritime legislation and policy, including alignment with international conventions (e.g. UNCLOS, MARPOL, SOLAS);
Assist countries in drafting national maritime laws and regulations;
Lead or contribute to the development of model legislation and national legislative roadmaps aligned with IMO conventions;
Contributes to the design, implementation and reporting of programme and project activities related to maritime law and policy;
Support the mobilisation of resources and integration of legal work across relevant initiatives;
Review legal and policy documents and provide recommendations.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
Design and deliver legal and policy training workshops;
Build the legal and institutional capacity of national maritime administrations;
Conduct capability assessments of national maritime administrations to inform legislative and institutional strengthening;
Facilitate legal technical assistance missions to support national stakeholders.
Regional and International Representation
Represent SPC and member countries in regional and international maritime meetings;
Support member countries’ preparations for participation in IMO and other relevant meetings;
Contribute to the development of regional legal frameworks and guidelines;
Support the coordination of SPC-convened Ministerial and Heads of Maritime meetings, including preparation of papers and meeting outcomes;
Engage with sub-regional groupings such as the Central Pacific Shipping Commission (CPSC) and providing legal support to cooperative maritime arrangements.
Knowledge Management and Information Sharing
Develop briefing papers, legal opinions and policy briefs;
Maintain up-to-date records of maritime legal frameworks in the region;
Contribute to knowledge exchange and peer-learning initiatives.
People management
Manage the performance and supervise a group of Assistants and Specialists;
Influence staff and mediate between colleagues to resolve complex and contentious issues;
Identify opportunities and organise capacity development activities for staff and stakeholders;
Build a strong and effective team capable of providing the highest quality service to member countries and clients;
Monitor the performance and workloads to ensure that objectives and deadlines are met.
Key selection criteria:
Qualifications
A master’s degree in relevant discipline such as maritime law or policy, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
Technical expertise
At least 10 years of relevant experience in the field of maritime law or policy, legal drafting, research and advocacy related work;
Demonstrated experience in setting priorities and meeting deadlines as well as working with minimal supervision;
Given the diversity of technical subject matters, a broad-based knowledge of laws and legal systems of PICTS; international conventions, governments and regulatory procedures in PICTs;
Proven maturity and discretion in dealing with government protocol, clients and staff;
Ability to work as part of a team or independently, under limited direction with strong commitment, personal drive and initiative.
Language skills
Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
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