We have an excellent opportunity for a Legal Adviser to join our Oceans and Natural Resources (ONR) team. Reporting to the Head of Oceans & Natural Resources Section, the post-holder will provide advice on and assist member countries to formulate climate resilient policies, legislative, contractual and regulatory frameworks in the areas of energy transitions and natural resources (mining and petroleum).
Responsibilities of the Legal Adviser
The Legal Adviser is expected, among other responsibilities, to:
- Conduct reviews of policy, legislation, contracts and other regulatory instruments;
- Consult with government officials and stakeholders on pertinent legal and related issues;
- Draft legislative instruments including statutes, contracts and instructing and supervising the work of external consultants and legislative draftspersons contracted by the Secretariat.
- Provide policy, regulatory, and legal advice to support member countries introduce legal, regulatory, and institutional reforms to establish the enabling framework for the achievement of SDG 7 and net zero targets under the Paris Agreement, including decarbonisation of energy systems;
- Maintain relationships with senior government officials and developing new strategic partnerships and initiatives with multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies, civil society, investors and private sector in relation to the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Agenda;
This job involves overseas travel.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A first degree and relevant post-graduate degree in law, with a specialisation in the energy sector, including renewable energy, the power sector, and extractive natural resources.
- A minimum of ten years of experience at a senior level in the practice of law and in the implementation of projects related to the governance of energy, in particular, renewable energy, the power sector, extractives sectors, and the transition to lower carbon energy systems and developments.
- Candidates should be qualified to practice law in a Commonwealth jurisdiction and have demonstrated skills in: legislative drafting, policy development and negotiations relating to the energy sector.
- Prior experience in: an international context, gained in an international or intergovernmental organisation, a government ministry or the private sector.
- Experience in the fields of other low carbon energy sources, environmental policy and regulation, or mining, including critical minerals, would be desirable.
Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the experience required for this position.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member governments and provides guidance on policymaking, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.
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.
To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.