Position Overview
We seek an experienced Legal Counsel to establish and oversee the legal framework governing all development activities on the Pitcairn Islands. The Legal Counsel will oversee all legal and compliance matters related to the island’s operations and development. This role ensures that all activities are fully compliant with relevant UK and local laws, manages legal risks, and provides legal advice to the team and senior management.
Key Responsibilities
* Legal Compliance: Ensure all island operations, including contracts, construction, healthcare, and resource allocation, fully comply with UK, Commonwealth, and local laws and regulations.
* Legal Advice: Provide timely, clear, and pragmatic legal advice to the project team and senior management on all legal matters affecting the project.
* Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate potential legal risks associated with project activities and advise on risk prevention strategies.
* Policy and Document Review: Draft, review, and revise legal documents, contracts, policies, and procedures to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance.
* Dispute Resolution: Handle any legal disputes, complaints, or regulatory inquiries involving the island or its operations.
* Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for legal matters with government authorities, external counsel, and regulatory bodies.
* Reporting: Prepare regular legal compliance reports for senior management, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Key Requirements
* Qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practising certificate in the United Kingdom
* Legally entitled to work in the UK and relevant British territories
* Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in a legal role, preferably with exposure to charity, international development, infrastructure, or public sector projects
* Experience advising on UK and Commonwealth laws is essential
* Previous work with NGOs, international aid, or island/remote projects highly desirable
* Excellent knowledge of UK and Commonwealth legal and regulatory frameworks
* Strong analytical, advisory, and negotiation skills.
* Comfortable working in remote environments and conducting site visits.
* Familiarity with Pacific Island legal contexts or British Overseas Territories is highly desirable.