Legal Adviser – Oceans and Natural Resources

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Legal Adviser in our Oceans and Natural Resources Section (ONR).

Reporting to the Head of ONR, the post-holder will provide legal and policy advice to Commonwealth member country governments, along with expert research and analysis to support thought leadership. The Legal Adviser will be required to deliver work both individually and as a member of multi-disciplinary advisory teams, working with governments either bilaterally or through multilateral projects.

Other responsibilities entailed in this role include (but are not limited to):

• Taking direct responsibility for managing a portfolio of projects under the Secretariat’s Natural Resources programme of projects, with particular emphasis on petroleum and mineral resources development;
• Providing legal and policy advice in other areas relevant to the work of ONR, including sustainable energy transition and extractives sector decarbonisation;
• Analysing proposals, recommending negotiation strategies and providing support to member government teams in negotiations with investors which involve complex policy, legal, fiscal and economic issues;
• Leading on the execution of projects by defining project parameters in response to official requests for assistance and by obtaining project approvals. The post-holder will also be required to manage and report on project implementation and monitor project performance.

To be considered, you should hold a first degree and a relevant post-graduate degree in Law, with a specialisation in a relevant aspect of Natural Resources Law, Energy Law or Public International Law. Candidates are required to have a minimum of ten years of experience at a senior level in the practice of law and in the implementation of projects, gained in an international organisation, a government ministry or in the private sector. Candidates with work experience in petroleum, renewable energy and environmental policy and regulation and those who have worked with Commonwealth governments, particularly those from Small States and/or African countries, will have an added advantage. This role will require frequent overseas travel.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member governments and provides guidance on policy making, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.

To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter. Covering letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the person specification, giving clear examples.