1. PURPOSE
Plan, manage and direct the activities of the Legal Services Directorate of the RPNGC and render legal services. The position is responsible for overseeing and managing the legal Directorate of the RPNGC in providing legal advice, managing legal risks,attend to disciplinary matter and ensuring all are in compliance with laws and regulations.
2. DIMENSIONS
Financial: Authorised requisition officer
Staff: NA
Others: NA
3. PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES
4. MAJOR DUTIES
Directs, coordinates and reviews the work of professional legal staff performing duties such as:
Provides advice and interpretation to senior management and staff on complex legal matters/issues.
Drafts or leads the drafting of very complex legal documents/instruments.
Directs and participates in the review of existing laws and regulations pertinent to the RPNGC and in the recommendation of or the formulation of appropriate amendments.
Represents the RPNGC in court and before other tribunals in very complex legal matters.
Plans, directs and co-ordinates the review of systems and procedures and the development of strategies/mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of legal services delivery.
Draft budgetary estimates of the Legal Service Directorates
Identifies and makes recommendations for staff training and development.
Serves as a resource in the training and development of legal staff.
Leads or participates in consultations and negotiations with external parties.
Prepares Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents.
Represents the RPNGC on committees, meeting and other fora.
Performs other related work as necessary.
5. NATURE AND SCOPE
5.1 WORKING RELATIONSHIP
(a) Internal
Reports to the Commissioner of Police
Other officers within the Constabulary as required\
(b) External
Department of Justice and Attorney General.
National Judiciary Staff Services
Office of the Public Prosecutor
The Courts
Relevant Private Sector Organizations and Institutions as required by the
Office of the Commissioner
5.2 WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a senior management position relating to Legal matters of the RPNGC throughout the country. Duties will be predominantly undertaken in Port Moresby, with opportunities for travel in line with operational requirements. The Director Legal Services will be under the Office of the Commissioner held by the Commissioner of Police. Its core business is to plan, manage and direct the activities of the Legal Services Directorate of the RPNGC and render legal services.
6. GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Rules/procedures
The Police Act; the Constabulary Standing Orders; the Government Strategic Vision 2050; the MTDPs (I, II, III & IV); the RPNGC Corporate Plan 2021-2030; the Public Service (Management) Act 2020; the Public Finance (Management) Act 2021; PNG Government General Orders (2012); Industrial relations act 1962 ,Parole Act 1991,Land Amendment Act 2018 and Building Amendment Act 2022 and other related PNG Legistations.
Decision
The authority to make decisions without reference, provided the decisions fall within the scope of the role's dimensions.
Recommendations
To provide recommendations to the commissioner of Police on how to develop the Directorate to achieve the objectives of the RPNGC
7. CHALLENGES
Time management as Legal matters often have firm deadlines that cannot be missed.
Proofread written documents multiple times as Legal work necessitates meticulous attention to detail
Resource constraints in managing legal services within budgetary constraints, which may limit access to external legal expertise or resources or in representing RPNGC outside of the Headquaters
Navigating the intersection of legal issues with political pressures and interferences, RPNGC’s core values and societal expectations, particularly in sensitive cases.
Balancing legal obligations with public perceptions and ensuring transparency in legal matters involving the RPNGC.
Legal support roles can have long hours
Managing a diverse and complex legal portfolio
balancing the legal risks and benefits
dealing with multiple stakeholders and interests
Adapting to the changing legal landscape and maintaining the reputation and integrity of the RPNGC
Achieve Work-Life Balance
Delay in receiving the notices or information by the Legal division
8. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS
(a) Qualifications
The job holder should posses a minumum of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university; Master of Laws (LLM) or equivalent qualification preferred. Admission to practice law in Papua New Guinea with a current practising certificate
(b) Knowledge
The Director of Legal must have a working knowledge of Acts of Parliament relevant to both administration and operation of the Police force, but not limited to –
Police Act 1998
Public Service Management Act 2020
Land Amendment Act 2018
Building Amendment Act 2022.
Public Finance (Management) Act 2021
Planning and Monitoring Responsibility Act 2016
PNG Vision 2050
PNG Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030
Medium Term Development Plan (all updates)
Ensures appropriate legal style and formats are used, and legal procedures comply
Ability to work effectively and courteously with external legal officers and attorneys, members of the public, and representatives of border agencies.
Sound judgment and decision-making abilities, with a commitment to upholding ethical standards and the rule of law.
(c) Skills.
Has an outstanding ability to structure arguments with both written and spoken English language.
Must be well versed with all the legislations and rules that will have adverse effect on the main duties of the Director Legal
Is able to identify legal issues in complex matters and provide solutions that are reasonable based on laws within a short timeframe.
Prepares terms of reference using clear, concise and grammatically correct language but is able to summarize complex text into simple, comprehensive documents.
Edit written communications to ensure they contain the information necessary to achieve their purpose and meet audience needs in a legal manner.
Advance legal research skills.
Excellent knowledge of standard office methods and equipment such as personal legal terminology and legal document layout and format
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact confidently with senior officials, officers, and external stakeholders.
(d) Work Experience
Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, with significant experience in criminal law, preferably including experience with law enforcement agencies or prosecution services.
Understanding legal processes and procedures both at the administration level and in the courtroom is a bonus
Full Time
hours weekly
English
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