Legal Advisor

Position Title: Legal Advisor

Organisation: Malta Communications Authority

Jobsplus Permit Number: 359/2021

Prime focus of position:

• As directed deals with inter-operator (all sectors) complaints and disputes processes. 
• Assists and advises with regard to the implementation and enforcement of any regulatory obligations emanating from the laws enforced by MCA.
• Carries out any litigation on behalf of the MCA in relevant adjudicative fora.
• Carries out research functions in support of the Authority’s programmes, policies and initiatives in a pro-active and timely manner. 
• Draws up analytical reports in relation to identified policy areas and assesses the implications of local and international developments on the Authority’s policies and strategy. 
• Prepares and, or edits from a legal perspective, consultation documents for feedback by stakeholders, and final decisions as required.
• Provides legal advice in support of the regulatory functions of the MCA.
• Assists Government with legal drafting and advises Government on such matters as necessary
• Participates and/or contributes towards the achievement of MCA objectives across all operational disciplines.
• Provides legal input with regard to collection of dues, failure to provide regulatory information by operators. 

Main responsibilities:

• As required gives advice with regard to inter-operator disputes, end-user versus operator disputes, and any appeals from MCA decisions and complaints versus any operator.
• Provides input to litigation issues via the drafting of position papers, submissions of the MCA position to the relevant adjudicative forum and/or attendance at any such forum. 
• Defends the MCA’s position in litigation matters in any adjudicative fora as required.
• Briefs and updates any outsourced legal or other resources engaged by the MCA as necessary, with a view to maximising their engagement.
• Proposes and drafts legal texts for the consideration of Government.
• Advises on the effective implementation and enforcement of any laws or regulatory decisions relating to the sectors falling within the remit of the MCA.
• Provides legal advice on decisions, strategy, consultative papers, position papers and any other matter requiring legal vetting or interpretation. 
• Researches, collects and analyses information relevant to the various MCA policy areas for onward dissemination in the Authority. 
• Assesses the impact of local and international trends and developments on the legal and regulatory framework of the MCA and recommends any required changes.
• Reviews Consultation Documents, final decisions as required and submits feedback as appropriate. .
• Participates in or manages projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Technical:

• Carries out research with respect to policy areas assigned.
• Prepares impact assessment reports.
• Conducts research on local and international developments in the respective policy fields of the Authority.
• Contributes to the review and possible refinement of internal procedures and processes.
• Drafts or assists in the drafting/vetting of consultation papers and deals with the related processes leading up to the decision phase. 
• Drafts or assists in drafting of legislation 
• Drafts or assists in drafting of legal documents including court submissions 
• Participates in projects as assigned. 

Consultation:

• Communicates with the Operators and other key stakeholders, including contracted parties and the general public as necessary.
• Maintains a close working relationship with internal staff members to facilitate a cohesive and integrated approach in the Authority’s operations and the ultimate fulfilment of the Strategic objectives of the organisation.
• Communicates with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the State Advocate and other institutional players as necessary.

Other:

• Undertakes other assignments as directed.

 Accountability:

• Research
• Consultation Documents
• Regulatory Decisions 
• Policy Analysis
• Legal Advice 
• Project Implementation

Qualifications / Skills Required:

• Is in possession of a warrant to practise as an advocate in Malta.
• Solid analytical and report writing skills coupled with an excellent command of verbal and written English and Maltese.
• Ability to carry out analytical and research work and to evaluate, assimilate and report on findings.
• Proficiency in the use of office automation tools.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ideally has experience in the communications sectors falling under the remit of the MCA.
• Experience in legal drafting, court proceedings and a proven track record in litigation will be considered an asset.