Legal Counsel

About the role

The Legal Counsel will maintain the integrity of SPC’s governance framework and internal legal functions, providing advice on employee relations, contracts, funding arrangements, international law and other legal and governance issues.

Key responsibilities

• Provide specialised legal advice to all SPC divisions on governance and legal frameworks.
• Prepare and review contracts, memoranda, instruments and other legal documents.
• Handle issues relating to international law and its impact on SPC operations.
• Conduct legal research, analysis and produce opinions, briefs and reports.
• Develop and improve policies, guidelines, templates and processes to mitigate legal risk.
• Deliver outreach, education and training on governance and legal obligations.
• Build collaborative relationships internally and with external stakeholders.
• Manage and supervise a Legal Officer, ensuring performance against KRAs.

Required profile

• Postgraduate degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent.
• Qualified to practice law in at least one SPC member jurisdiction.
• 5‑6 years post‑qualification experience providing legal advice on governance and organisational issues.
• Experience in an inter‑governmental or development organisation.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and legal analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, gender‑sensitive environment.

Required skills

• Legal research and analysis
• Contract drafting and review
• Policy and guideline development
• International law expertise

What we offer

• Three‑year fixed‑term contract, renewable based on performance and funding.
• Salary band 10, SDR 3,727‑4,562 per month (approx. USD 4,994‑6,114).
• Housing support in Noumea, relocation grant, travel allowances, health, life and disability insurance, education allowances.
• 25 days annual leave, provident fund contributions.