Job Description

About MCA

The Government of Belize (GoB) is in the process of establishing an independent executing agency called the Millennium Challenge Account – Belize (MCA-B).  The MCA-B will be created by an act of Parliament to undertake the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the Government of Belize under the Compact, which is expected to be signed in September 2024. The MCA-B is located in Belize City and will be the entity that employs staff in its own capacity. 


The Compact, detailed below, is between the Government of Belize and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”). MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries and is dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. MCC will not be party to any employment agreements resulting from this vacancy announcement. Belize compact

In December 2021, MCC’s Board of Directors selected Belize as eligible to develop a five-year grant agreement known as a “compact” that will include two separate projects: 

 

1. The $73.8 million Education Project aims to equitably increase the number of post-primary graduates with the competencies relevant to labor market demands
    
2. The $21.1 million Energy Project will address the root causes of the high costs of wholesale electricity.

Position Objective

The Government of Belize is seeking a General Counsel to serve as the principal legal officer and senior policy advisor for MCA-Belize (MCA-B). The General Counsel will also serve as a technical resource to the Board of Directors of MCA-B and the Operations Unit.  The General Counsel will also serve as the corporate secretary to the Board of MCA-B.

 

The General Counsel will be expected to carry out the following among his/her primary responsibilities:

 

Responsibilities

• Serve as the corporate secretary of the Board. This includes developing and implementing procedures for the meetings of the Board and ensuring that Board meetings and actions comply with the requirements of the Compact, all related agreements, and the relevant governing documents of the MCA-B (including any law or decree related to the creation or operation of the MCA-B and the MCA-B’s bylaws or other governing documents). This function also includes responsibility for ensuring all necessary and appropriate records are produced and maintained by the MCA-B.
• Participate in the drafting, negotiation, and review of all types of contracts and any amendments.
• Advise the Board and MCA-B regarding employment matters, including drafting and negotiating employment agreements, ensuring that such agreements and MCA-B Human Resources policies and procedures are in compliance with the applicable law and regulations of Belize.
• Provide guidance on legal implications of procurement and financial activities that may be undertaken by the MCA-B. Cooperate with and advise representatives of Government bodies, including ministries, the legislature, and other public agencies, regarding the Government’s responsibilities under the Compact and all related agreements.
• Represent, or manage the representation of, the MCA-B before courts, regulatory and administrative bodies, and in arbitration and other proceedings.
• Act as the main liaison between the MCA-B and MCC on legal matters relating to the implementation of the Compact.
• Determine the need for additional legal experts (including outside counsel), identify possible sources for such experts, assist the Procurement Director in the procurement of such experts, provide recommendations on particular legal tasks that should be outsourced to an outside counsel, and manage such outside counsel.
• Perform such other responsibilities that are commonly exercised or incidental to the position of General Counsel and corporate secretary or as may be delegated or requested from time to time by the Board or the management team of the MCA-B.
• Provide or coordinate the provision of legal advice on all issues affecting the internal operations of the MCA-B, including government contracts and other agreements, third-party commercial contracts and other agreements, procurement and fiscal law, and corporate governance and records management.
• Help to identify and advise on situations that may involve elements of fraud and corruption and/or conflicts of interest in implementing the Compact. Coordinate training and advice on MCC policies and applicable laws, regulations, and other policies relevant to the prevention, detection, and correction of fraud and corruption.
• Coordinate training and advice on matters of ethical behavior, including the avoidance of conflicts of interest and policies governing confidentiality and transparency. This training will include the Board, the management team, other staff of the MCA-B, and, where appropriate, implementing entities of the Government of Belize and of MCA-B contractors.
• Ensure that MCA-B activities comply with the Compact and all related agreements, all agreements entered into under the Compact, all applicable laws and regulations of Belize, and all of the MCA-B’s organizational and governance documents. Advise the Board, the management team, and the staff of the MCA-B on legal issues and address legal matters as they arise. This may include preparing and submitting reports and other documents on a periodic basis to the Board and the management team that identify any problems (and recommended solutions) encountered in MCA-B compliance with its obligations or other legal matters.

Required Competencies

• Law degree, qualified and in good standing to practice law in Belize. A Master´s degree or other relevant advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) or more years of relevant experience working at a law firm or as legal counsel, preferably with some experience serving as in-house counsel and some experience working in a law firm or as legal counsel in Belize.
• Knowledge of and experience with both international law and the laws of Belize encompassing a diverse range of legal issues, including contract, corporate, construction, employment, and procurement laws and regulations, especially in transactions or situations involving foreign investors/foreign governments, or experience representing foreign investors in transactions or situations involving the Government. Experience in international commercial transactions and project and structured financing is preferred.
• Experience advising entities in negotiating, executing, and implementing international agreements with foreign governments. Experience in government-funded projects is preferred.
• Experience working as or with a corporate secretary on governing board and corporate governance, compliance, and record-keeping matters.
• Experience in administering or providing advice regarding tax exemptions under Belizean laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to work in a national and international context.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with Government entities to ensure smooth implementation of MCA-B activities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with peers as well as work across departments or divisions.
• Supervisory or management experience of attorneys and other staff is preferred.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required.

How to apply

To access positions’ profile requirements and submit applications, please visit https://belize-jobs.tenderwell.app/.  The following documents should accompany applications:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience.
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability.
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).

 

If you encounter challenges when applying online, please contact belize@developmentaid.org for assistance.

 

The closing date for receiving applications is August 9, 2024. Only applications received through the online portal (Tenderwell) will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Skills Required

• Communication Skills