Legal Advisor to the Speaker 125 views

ONLY SEYCHELLOIS CANDIDATES CAN APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE COMMISSION

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SERVICE

Job Title: Legal Advisor to the Speaker

Department: Office of the Speaker

Reports to: The Speaker

Supervises: As assigned by the Speaker

Job Description

1. Job Purpose

The Legal Advisor to the Speaker provides high-level, independent and timely legal advice and support to the Speaker in the discharge of the constitutional, statutory, procedural, administrative and representational functions of the Office.

The post-holder advises the Speaker on matters relating to the interpretation and application of the Constitution, legislation, Standing Orders, parliamentary practice and procedure, privileges and immunities, administrative law, governance and other legal matters arising from the conduct and management of the business of the National Assembly.

The Legal Advisor also assists the Speaker in ensuring that decisions and directions issued by the Speaker are legally sound, procedurally appropriate and consistent with the constitutional independence and institutional integrity of the National Assembly.

2. Key Duties and Responsibilities

A. Legal Advisory Support to the Speaker

1. Provide authoritative and confidential legal advice to the Speaker on matters arising in the performance of the Speaker’s constitutional and parliamentary functions.
2. Advise on the interpretation and application of:
   1. the Constitution;
   2. the National Assembly Administration Act;
   3. Acts of Parliament and subsidiary legislation;
   4. the Standing Orders of the National Assembly;
   5. parliamentary rules, procedures and practices;
   6. privileges and immunities of Members;
   7. administrative policies and directives of the National Assembly; and
   8. other legal instruments relevant to the functioning of Parliament.
3. Identify legal risks associated with decisions, directions, rulings, agreements and other actions proposed by or referred to the Speaker.
4. Provide advice on the legal implications of matters requiring the Speaker’s ruling or determination.
5. Prepare legal opinions, briefing notes, memoranda and other advisory documents for the Speaker.
6. Undertake legal research on complex or emerging issues and provide concise recommendations based on the applicable legal framework.

B. Parliamentary Law and Procedure

1. Advise the Speaker on legal and constitutional aspects of parliamentary proceedings and procedure.
2. Provide legal support in relation to matters arising under the Standing Orders, including questions of order, points of procedure and matters requiring a ruling by the Speaker.
3. Assist the Speaker in the consideration and preparation of rulings on complex procedural or legal matters.
4. Advise on matters concerning the privileges, immunities and powers of the National Assembly and its Members.
5. Monitor relevant judicial decisions and developments in parliamentary law and advise the Speaker on their implications for the National Assembly.
6. Conduct comparative research into parliamentary practice and procedure in other jurisdictions where appropriate.

C. Constitutional and Institutional Matters

1. Advise the Speaker on constitutional questions affecting the National Assembly, its Members or the Office of the Speaker.
2. Provide legal analysis on matters concerning the separation of powers, parliamentary privilege, institutional independence and the relationship between the National Assembly and other organs of the State.
3. Advise on constitutional or legislative proposals that may affect the powers, functions, privileges or administration of the National Assembly.
4. Assist the Speaker in identifying potential constitutional or legal implications of proposed legislation or amendments affecting Parliament.
5. Monitor relevant constitutional developments and jurisprudence and advise the Speaker accordingly.

D. Legal Support for Parliamentary Administration

1. Provide legal advice on matters relating to the administration and management of the National Assembly where such matters fall within the Speaker’s responsibilities.
2. Review, advise upon and, where appropriate, assist in drafting:
   • contracts and agreements;
   • memoranda of understanding;
   • policies and directives;
   • administrative instruments;
   • official correspondence; and
   • other legal documents requiring the Speaker’s consideration.
3. Advise on employment, procurement, property, financial, governance, disciplinary and other administrative matters referred by the Speaker.
4. Identify legal and regulatory risks associated with administrative decisions and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
5. Liaise with the relevant legal, administrative and governmental authorities on legal matters affecting the National Assembly, as authorised by the Speaker and/or the Parliamentary Service Commission.

E. Litigation and Dispute-Related Matters

1. Advise the Speaker on actual or potential litigation involving the National Assembly, the Speaker, the Parliamentary Service Commission or Members in their official parliamentary capacity.
2. Coordinate, where appropriate, with the Attorney-General’s Office, external legal counsel or other authorised legal representatives on matters involving the Speaker’s Office and/or the National Assembly.
3. Prepare legal briefs, instructions, chronologies, case summaries and other documentation required for legal proceedings.
4. Monitor significant litigation and judicial decisions affecting parliamentary powers, privileges, procedure or administration.
5. Ensure that the Speaker is promptly informed of material legal developments and their potential implications.

F. Parliamentary Privileges, Ethics and Members’ Conduct

1. Provide legal advice to the Speaker on matters relating to parliamentary privilege and immunities.
2. Advise on legal aspects of Members’ conduct, declarations, conflicts of interest and other matters referred to the Speaker.
3. Assist in the interpretation and application of relevant codes of conduct, parliamentary rules and ethical standards.
4. Provide legal support in relation to complaints, allegations or disputes involving Members where the matter falls within the Speaker’s jurisdiction.
5. Maintain appropriate confidentiality and impartiality when dealing with sensitive matters involving Members or parliamentary proceedings.

G. Legislative and Policy Review

1. Review Bills, proposed amendments and other legislative instruments referred to the Speaker for legal consideration.
2. Provide legal and constitutional analysis of proposed legislation affecting the National Assembly.
3. Identify drafting inconsistencies, constitutional concerns, procedural issues and potential legal consequences arising from proposed legislative measures.
4. Support the Speaker in understanding the legal implications of legislative proposals without compromising the legislative functions of Members or committees.

H. Support for the Speaker’s Rulings and Decisions

1. Conduct research and provide legal and procedural analysis to support the Speaker in making rulings.
2. Prepare draft ruling notes, legal memoranda and supporting research at the Speaker’s request.
3. Maintain a confidential record of legal research and precedents relevant to previous rulings.
4. Develop and maintain a database of significant parliamentary rulings, constitutional decisions and relevant judicial authorities.
5. Ensure consistency, where appropriate, between previous parliamentary rulings and current legal and procedural considerations.

I. International and Parliamentary Diplomacy

1. Provide legal advice to the Speaker in relation to international parliamentary engagements where legal considerations arise.
2. Review agreements, memoranda and instruments associated with parliamentary cooperation, exchanges and international engagements.
3. Advise on matters of parliamentary privilege, immunities and legal status arising from international parliamentary activities.
4. Undertake comparative research on parliamentary legal practice and constitutional arrangements in other jurisdictions.

J. Confidentiality, Ethics and Professional Standards

1. Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality in relation to all matters handled on behalf of the Speaker.
2. Ensure that legal advice provided to the Speaker is objective, independent, evidence-based and professionally sound.
3. Identify and appropriately manage actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
4. Observe applicable professional obligations, legislation, policies and ethical standards governing the legal profession and public service.
5. Maintain appropriate separation between legal advice and political or policy decision-making.

3. KEY DELIVERABLES

The Legal Advisor shall be responsible for delivering, among others:

• timely and authoritative legal advice to the Speaker;
• legal opinions and briefing memoranda;
• advice and support on parliamentary rulings;
• constitutional and legislative analysis;
• advice on parliamentary privilege and immunities;
• legal review of contracts, agreements and administrative instruments;
• legal risk assessments;
• litigation and dispute-management support;
• legal research and comparative parliamentary analysis; and
• a maintained repository of relevant parliamentary rulings, legislation, case law and legal precedents.

4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

The Legal Advisor shall maintain effective working relationships with:

• Speaker of the National Assembly;
• Deputy Speaker;
• Director in the Office of the Speaker;
• Clerk of the National Assembly;
• Deputy Clerk;
• Parliamentary Counsel/Legal Services Unit, where applicable;
• Table Office;
• Committees Office;
• Office of the Leader of Government Business;
• Office of the Leader of the Opposition;
• Members of the National Assembly;
• Directors and Heads of Departments; and
• other officers and employees of the National Assembly.

External

As authorised, the post-holder may liaise with:

• Attorney-General’s Office;
• Government ministries and departments;
• courts and tribunals;
• professional legal bodies;
• external legal counsel;
• constitutional and parliamentary institutions;
• regional and international parliamentary organisations; and
• other relevant institutions.

Job Requirements

5. Qualifications and Experience

Minimum qualifications

1. A recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
2. Admission to practise as an Attorney-at-Law, Barrister, Solicitor or equivalent legal practitioner is a plus.
3. A current professional practicing certificate where required by law.

Desirable Qualifications

A postgraduate qualification in one or more of the following would be an advantage:

• Constitutional Law;
• Public Law;
• Parliamentary Law and Practice;
• Administrative Law;
• Legislative Drafting;
• International Law;
• Human Rights Law; or
• Governance.

Experience

The post-holder should have:

• substantial post-qualification legal experience;
• experience in constitutional, public, administrative or legislative law;
• demonstrated experience in providing legal advice to senior public officials or institutions;
• sound knowledge of parliamentary procedure and practice; and
• experience in legal research, drafting legal opinions and analysing complex legal issues.

Experience within a Parliament, government institution, Attorney-General’s Office, judiciary, regulatory institution or comparable public body would be an advantage.

6. KNOWLEDGE

The post-holder should possess sound knowledge of:

• the Constitution of Seychelles;
• legislation governing the National Assembly;
• National Assembly Standing Orders;
• parliamentary privilege and immunities;
• constitutional and administrative law;
• legislative processes and legislative drafting;
• principles of public administration and governance;
• judicial review and public law remedies;
• contract and employment law;
• public sector ethics and accountability;
• relevant regional and international parliamentary practices; and
• current developments in constitutional and parliamentary jurisprudence.

7. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Legal and Professional Competencies

• Exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
• Strong constitutional and public-law reasoning.
• Excellent legal drafting skills.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and legal instruments.
• Ability to provide clear, concise and practical legal advice.
• Strong understanding of parliamentary procedure.
• Sound judgement and attention to legal risk.
• Ability to maintain professional independence.

Communication Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to explain complex legal issues in clear and accessible language.
• Strong briefing and presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare concise advice for senior decision-makers.

Personal and Professional Attributes

• Integrity and professionalism.
• Independence and impartiality.
• Discretion and confidentiality.
• Sound judgement.
• Political neutrality in the discharge of professional duties.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet urgent deadlines.
• Diplomacy and tact.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

8. AUTHORITY AND DECISION-MAKING

The Legal Advisor shall have authority, within the limits of the post and delegated responsibilities, to:

1. Request information and documents necessary for the provision of legal advice.
2. Consult relevant officers and departments of the National Assembly on legal and procedural matters.
3. Liaise with external legal professionals and public authorities as authorised.
4. Recommend appropriate legal courses of action to the Speaker.
5. Escalate significant constitutional, legal or institutional risks to the Speaker.

The Legal Advisor shall advise but shall not exercise the constitutional or parliamentary powers of the Speaker, unless specifically authorised under applicable law or delegated authority.

9. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance may be assessed against:

• quality, accuracy and timeliness of legal advice;
• quality of legal research and opinions;
• effectiveness of support provided for parliamentary rulings;
• identification and management of legal risks;
• quality of legislative and constitutional analysis;
• responsiveness to urgent legal matters;
• maintenance of legal precedents and research resources;
• professional confidentiality and ethical compliance; and
• effective collaboration with relevant parliamentary and external stakeholders.

10. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POST

Given the nature of the Office, the Legal Advisor shall be required to:

• work with a high degree of confidentiality;
• provide advice within short and, where necessary, urgent timeframes;
• remain professionally independent and impartial;
• be available to provide advice during parliamentary sittings and other official engagements when required;
• handle highly sensitive constitutional, political, legal and institutional matters with discretion;
• maintain strict confidentiality regarding legal advice provided to the Speaker; and
• avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise the independence or integrity of the Office.

11. PRINCIPLE OF PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENCE

The Legal Advisor shall perform the functions of the post with professional independence and shall provide candid and objective legal advice to the Speaker.

The Legal Advisor’s role is to identify and explain the applicable legal framework, risks and available lawful options. The ultimate exercise of the Speaker’s constitutional and parliamentary functions remains a matter for the Speaker in accordance with the Constitution, legislation and Standing Orders.

12. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Legal Advisor shall:

1. Perform any other duties reasonably related to the functions of the post as may be assigned by the Speaker.
2. Comply with the Constitution, legislation, Standing Orders, policies, procedures and administrative directives applicable to the National Assembly.
3. Uphold the dignity, independence and institutional integrity of the National Assembly.
4. Promote high standards of professionalism, accountability, confidentiality and ethical conduct.
5. Undertake continuous professional development and remain abreast of developments in constitutional, parliamentary and public law.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should Sign-up or login to apply now or

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and relevant supporting documents to:

The People and Culture Division

National Assembly of Seychelles

National Assembly Building

P. O. Box 734

Ile du Port

Alternatively, applications may be submitted via email to [email protected]

Please note:

• All shortlisted candidates will be required to provide a valid Police Character Certificate as part of the recruitment process.
• Only candidates who meet the requirements for the position will be contacted for an interview.

Closing Date: 03^rd November 2026

Join us and be a part of the team driving change at the heart of our nation’s legislative process!

For more information about the National Assembly of Seychelles, please visit our website: www.nationalassembly.sc

Note:

In order to increase your chances of a successful selection, kindly ensure that your application is complete and that all relevant information such as your qualifications have been provided with your application.   Otherwise, the Employer reserves the right not to consider your application for selection.