Career Opportunity: Chief Legal Advisor

Position Title: Chief Legal Advisor

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Prime Focus of Position

• Accountable to the CEO for managing the Core Legal functions and Judicial processes involving the MCA.
• Participates and/or contributes towards the achievement of the MCA objectives across all sectoral responsibilities.

Plans and Objectives

• Overall responsibility for all litigation involving the MCA.
• Overall responsibility for legal advice to the MCA.
• Overall responsibility for preparation of draft legislation to be submitted to Government for its consideration. 

Technical

• Drafting of legislation in both official languages (Maltese and English).
• Liaising with diverse public entities including the Office of the State Advocate, the Small Business Unit, the House of Representatives, the Government Printing Press, and the Ministry responsible politically for the making of the said legislation.
• Litigation whether before the courts, appeals boards, or other adjudicative or review forum however so described.
• Dispute handling whether regarding disputes or complaints between consumers/end-users and authorized undertakings or between authorized undertakings (in close tandem with operations).
• Support services to customer care in relation to handling of any complaints/queries received involving legal content.
• Co-ordination with any external legal retainers including the preparation of any briefs in relation to any legal issues as may necessitate input from such retainers.
• Providing legal advice where required to the MCA Board and to all MCA units.
• Representation of the MCA in any forum whether local or international as directed.
• Point of contact with Police, AG's office, Justice Unit and the MCCAA.
• Drafting of laws and any notices with a legal content, including preparation or vetting of any supporting documentation as may be necessary.
• As requested, drafting or vetting of any documentation prepared by the MCA particularly where this requires legal input.
• Legal representation of the MCA as directed whether in lawsuits, agreements, or other legal instruments.
• Preparation of consultation documents in tandem with other MCA units where applicable. This work entails preparation of the proposed legislation explaining in concise and clear language why the legislation is being proposed. 

Management

The role of managing the Legal Office encompasses participation in internal management meetings, assuming overall responsibility for the legal advice provided, ensuring the timely delivery of advice that is legally sound and comprehensive, and engaging in consultations with external legal retainers as needed. This multifaceted position demands a leader who can seamlessly integrate legal expertise with effective communication and collaboration across various internal and external stakeholders.

• Directs and efficiently manages all the resources assigned to the Legal Group.
• Controls and manages the action plans leading to the formulation and planning of assigned tasks.
• Mentors and supervises the responsibilities of subordinate staff to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of Regulatory and Legal services within the MCA and the professional development needs of the assigned employees.
• Contribution to the MCA’s Strategic and Business Planning processes with a particular emphasis on legal, regulatory and compliance related processes.
• Assists the CEO to develop work plans, standards and procedures to ensure quality, timeliness and measurable results in relation to the strategic objectives of the MCA.

Other

• Undertaking of any such assignments as directed by the CEO.

Accountability

• Efficient and effective management of the Legal Group.
• Implementation and enforcement of decisions.
• MCA dispute resolution function.
• Ongoing development and maintenance of internal legal and regulatory processes.

Key Selection Criteria

• The candidate must demonstrate a proven track record in a comparable role, showcasing exemplary managerial skills and a substantial history of heading and managing a similar unit. 
  Managing the legal office requires a robust foundation in both legal and managerial domains, complemented by a sound understanding of the laws enforced by the MCA. The individual overseeing the legal office should report directly to the Executive Head of the MCA, namely the CEO, recognizing that legal responsibilities intersect with various regulatory aspects affecting the MCA. This reporting structure ensures seamless coordination and alignment of legal strategies with the broader regulatory objectives of the organization.
• Hold a Legal Warrant to practice in Malta and have good knowledge of Malta's (and other common law jurisdictions) legislation.
• A minimum of 7 years experience in similar senior role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills (Maltese and English).
• Ability to lead and/or participate as a member of Senior Management. 

The MCA is an equal opportunities employer.

Candidates should send their CV and covering letter by post or by email at vacancies@mca.org.mt

For more information, please contact our Human Resources team on +356 21336840.