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Senior Legal Counsel

Are you equipped with innovative approaches to be able to provide legal advice and become a trusted legal counsel for the Fiji Airways vuvale?

Fiji Airways is seeking to recruit a legal expert to fill the role of Senior Legal Counsel. Reporting to the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, you will be based at the Head Office in Nadi, Fiji. As a key senior member of the internal legal team, this position will require you to work independently and manage your own internal service clients. You will be required to build relationships with all levels of management to engage with the business and have full visibility over projects and legal/commercial matters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take a leading role, alongside the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, in determining the legal direction and strategy of the business.
• Willingness to take ownership of matters with enthusiasm, and act as the Company's primary internal and external legal liaison in the absence of the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer.
• Conduct legal research and analysis, and prepare legal opinions and memoranda.
• Prepare presentations and briefs for the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer in the context of his participation at conferences, seminars, etc.
• Identify legal risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Provide pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice, guidance and training to the business.
• Drafting, reviewing and assisting in the negotiation of a wide range of commercial contracts relevant to global airline operations.
• Keep abreast of relevant legal developments and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations to minimize risk and avoid litigation.
• Develop internal legal resources and educate Company employees on legal updates.
• Assist the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer with the management of the Company's litigation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A law degree (with strong academic results) and a current Fijian practicing certificate (or a current practicing certificate in a common law jurisdiction).
• Minimum of 8 years post qualification experience.
• Commercial law experience.  Experience in the following areas is preferable:
  • Aviation
  • Litigation
  • Finance
  • Insurance
  • Employment / Industrial Relations
  • General corporate
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in contract review, commercial drafting and negotiation.
• Ability to attend court and appear on behalf of the Company in routine matters.
• Ability to identify and research complex multi-disciplinary legal issues.
• Ability to manage competing demands and prioritise tight deadlines.
• Willingness to take on tasks and share responsibilities, including those not ordinarily within the legal area of responsibility.
• Confidence to work independently, referring matters to the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer as required.
• The ability to constructively collaborate with the business to achieve commercially and legally acceptable outcomes.
• Ability to develop rapport and build effective working relationships with internal service clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the willingness to work closely and collaboratively with other members of the legal team, including leading and mentoring junior members of the team.
• Interest in and desire to learn about the airline business, industry and legal and regulatory framework.
• Customer and service-oriented; proactively consider and strive to meet the needs of internal and external service clients.
• A growth mindset; committed to personal and professional growth.