The Government of Ghana was declared eligible for a poverty reduction grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation ("MCC"), a United States Government Agency. In connection therewith, the Government submitted Concept Papers to MCC, and after a successful outcome of due diligence, and the availability of funds, has resulted in a Compact between the Government and MCC pursuant to which MCC would provide a five-year, multimillion dollar poverty reduction grant to the Government of Ghana (a "Compact"). The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) will  be responsible for the management of the implementation of the Compact. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Compact, related agreements, and the availability of funds, the Government intends to use a portion of the funds provided through the Compact to procure professional personnel in MiDA to assist the Government with the management and implementation of the Compact program in a transparent, timely effective, efficient, results-oriented and fiscally sound manner,

Job Summary

The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) is  seeking to engage qualified persons for the General Counsel position in the MiDA, on a fixed term contract of five years, renewable yearly.

Reporting to CEO, the responsibilities include:

•   Ensure that MiDA activities comply with: (i) the obligations of MiDA contained in the Compact or otherwise delegated 10 MiDA by the Government, (ii) all supplemental agreements entered into under or in furtherance of the Compact, (iii) Ghanaian laws and regulations. (iv) all of MiDA's organisational documents. including the MiDA Act and its bylaws, and (iv) any other applicable laws, regulations and agreements.
•   Advise the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, and the staff of MiDA on legal issues and address legal issues as they arise; this may include preparing and submitting reports on a periodic basis to the Board/Management Unit that identify any problems encountered in MiDA compliance and recommending solutions.
•   Act concurrently as the Corporate Secretary of the Board whose tasks include developing and implementing procedures for the meetings of the Board of Directors and ensuring that Board of Director meetings comply with the requirements of the Compact, the relevant Supplemental Agreements and the relevant governing documents (including the decree establishing the Accountable Entity and the bylaws).
•   Participate in negotiations, and prepare and advise on all types of contracts to be executed by MiDA for the implementation of the Compact. Advise the Board and MiDA regarding labour relations , including drafting and negotiating employment agreements.
•   Provide guidance on legal implications of procurement or financial activities that may be undertaken by MiDA.
•   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.
•   Cooperate with and advise representatives of Government bodies, including Ministries and Parliament, regarding the Government's responsibilities under the Compact and Supplemental Agreements. Represent MiDA before courts and arbitration proceedings.
•   Act as the main liaison between MiDA and MCC on legal matters relating to the implementation of the Compact.
•   Undertake such other responsibilities that are commonly exercised or incidental to the position of general counsel or as may be delegated from time to time by the Board or the MiDA.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Must hold a degree in law with advanced degree.
•   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 Ghana.
•   Knowledge of international contract law. corporate law, construction law, procurement , and in particular, experience representing the Government, especially in transactions or situations involving foreign investors/foreign governments or those with experience representing foreign investors in transactions or situations involving the Government.
•   Experience in advising entities in negotiating, executing, and implementing international agreements with governmental entities located in foreign countries. Experience in US funded projects is a plus.
•   Experience with a diverse range of legal issues. such as international commercial transactions, project finance, donor funded projects, construction projects and general corporate law.
•   Proven ability to liaise with other Government entities to ensure smooth implementation of MiDA activities.
•   Proven ability to work in a national and international context.
•   Demonstrated professionalism, good judgment, and flexibility to work, as may be necessary, outside normal work hours to meet needs of the position.
•   Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and institutions.
•   Strong computer skills (MS Office, internet).
•   Must demonstrate from previous work experience the ability to collaborate effectively with peers as well as work across departments or divisions.
•   Must demonstrate history of delivering high quality projects on time and within budget.
•   Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Applications should be sent by e-mail addressed to:-

jobcode020914@mida.gov.gh and must be received by MiDA

Closing Date: 06 October, 2014

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Telephone and fax enquiries on submitted applications will not be entertained.

Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend a number of screening interviews.