Description:
The purpose of the role is to lead a team of experienced lawyers in the delivery of high quality legal advice and assistance to the Commission, COO and related directorates and divisions, in order to support the Bank in the delivery of its strategic objectives, to ensure that the Bank’s interests are protected and that relevant laws are observed and legal risks evaluated and managed effectively.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the analysis of legal issues and risks and the provision of high quality legal advice to the Central Bank includingin particular, on public procurement law and policy, contracts, contract administration issues, property law, employment law, currency centre issues, freedom of information and data protection to provide an effective service, which manages legal risk and meets targets within agreed timelines, including management of liaison with respective divisions and external parties.
- Scope programmes of work or inputs required (from either internal or external resources) to ensure that it is completed to the required standard in the most efficient and legally robust manner.
- Manage the activities of direct reports to ensure a high performing, well-motivated and developed team which delivers the required results.
- Lead the drafting and analysis of tender documentation and all related ancillary documentation to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, that the Bank’s interests are protected and to meet targets within agreed timelines. Lead the maintenance and updating of the Bank’s template tender documentation (and guidance notes).
- Lead the drafting, negotiation and analysis of contracts (including contracts for goods and services) to ensure that the Bank’s interests are protected and to meet targets within agreed timelines. Lead the maintenance and updating of the Bank’s standard contract suite.
- Liaise with external lawyers, including formulating queries for a legal opinion, challenging the opinion and interpreting and communicating it for others in the Bank within agreed timelines and management of external litigation teams to ensure an effective legal advice service is provided which appropriately safeguards the Bank’s interests and is cost-effective. Manage issues relating to the Bank’s policy on the procurement of external legal services, including the operation of the framework agreements.
- Participate as a legal expert in international and domestic fora, including ESCB committees, task forces and working groups and cross divisional steering groups and PLTs to ensure that a valuable contribution is made and that legal issues are identified and effectively addressed.
- Lead the development of legislation including drafting legislative proposals and liaison with and advocacy of the Bank’s position to external stakeholders (e.g., the Department of Finance) in respect of same to ensure that the Bank has the legislation required to fulfil its objectives. In addition, keep abreast of other relevant Irish and international legal developments to highlight and advise on any implications for the Bank.
Requirements:
- Professional legal qualification as a Solicitor or Barrister
- Membership of the professional body the Law Society of Ireland is an indispensable condition of the tenure of the employment (for solicitors only). Admitted to the Roll of Barristers (required for barristers only). Specific further training on public procurement law and contract law.
- At least 6 years’ experience of working in the appropriate area (see technical skills below).
- Experience of engaging and interacting at a senior level.
- Experience in managing and leading a team also required.
- Detailed knowledge of and specialist experience in European and national public procurement law and guidelines, case-law and tender procedures.
- Experience in advising on contract administration.
- The preparation of specifications and evaluation methodologies and award criteria. Detailed understanding of best practice in public procurement.
- Very good knowledge of contract, intellectual property, commercial, property, employment, administrative and constitutional law.
- Good knowledge of the work of the Central Bank and Eurosystem.
- Proven ability to display sound judgement and problem solving skills in making key strategic and operational decisions.
- Strong relationship management skills and ability to manage, drive, motivate and develop a team of professionals.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact with and respond to senior management and the Commission.