Puisne Judge of the High Court of Solomon Islands (Civil Cases)

Job Description

REMUNERATION

• This position will be paid in accordance with DFAT’s Adviser Remuneration Framework as a Long-Term Adviser, D4 Level.
• Base salary range per month depending on qualifications and experience. In addition to the remuneration rate, advisers may also be eligible for mobility allowance and other allowances and benefits. For more details please see:

http://www.ausaid.gov.au/Publications/Documents/adviser-remuneration-framework.pdf

DURATION OF POSITION

• Until 30 June 2017.

PROGRAM

• Solomon Islands Justice Program

SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT AGENCY

• Solomon Islands National Judiciary

LOCATION

• Honiara, with possible travel to the provinces as required and agreed

SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT SUPERVISOR

• Chief Justice

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• The Puisne Judge reports to both the Chief Justice who will monitor performance towards and delivery of outcomes in accordance with these ToR’s and approved Work Plan.

BACKGROUND TO THE POSITION

Australia’s aid to Solomon Islands

Australia provides support for development in the Solomon Islands through a range of country, regional and global programs .

The governments of Australia and Solomon Islands have agreed on four priority areas:

1. improved service delivery (focusing on education, health and water/sanitation)
2. improved justice services
3. improved broad based economic growth
4. improved governance

Solomon Islands Justice Program (SIJP)

The SIJP follows on from the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Law and Justice Program (which concluded on 30 June 2013). RAMSI restored peace and security following a period of civil conflict known as the ‘Tensions’.

The SIJP works with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), Law Reform Commission, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Public Solicitor’s Office, Police Prosecutions Directorate, National Judiciary (including the High Court and Magistrates’ Court) and the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands. The aim is to develop the capacity of these agencies to deliver more effective and efficient justice services, with the overarching goal of SIJP being to strengthen the legal system and increase access to justice for communities across Solomon Islands.

Australia’s support to the justice sector is delivered through a number of mechanisms, including the Solomon Islands Partnership Facility (SIPF).

All personnel contracted by SIPF are expected to empower Solomon Islanders to take the lead in building efficient, affordable, accountable and sustainable justice sector institutions. We value people who show initiative, are positive and enthusiastic, creative and flexible, cooperative and respecting of others, relate well to people and enjoy their work.

Agency information

Solomon Islands National Judiciary

The National Judiciary consists of the Court of Appeal, High Court, Magistrates’ Court, Local Court and Customary Land Appeals Court. The Chief Justice oversees the High Court and the subordinate courts. The jurisdiction of the High Court is as set out in section 77(1) of the Constitution. It has unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law and such other jurisdiction and powers as may be conferred on it by the Constitution or by Parliament.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

• Adjudicate civil matters before the High Court of Solomon Islands efficiently and effectively.
• Assist, train and mentor legal counsel to develop sound advocacy skills and an understanding of substantive law and court procedure.
• Identify and assist in implementation of operational reforms in the High Court of Solomon Islands, including those which address delays and court backlogs.
• Support the Chief Justice and other senior members of the National Judiciary in determining the personnel and resource requirements for the High Court.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Subject to the direction and supervision of the Chief Justice, the Puisne Judge of the High Court will:

• Process and adjudicate a docket of civil cases.
• Conduct circuit courts as required from time to time to dispose of cases arising in the provinces.
• Hear and determine appeals from the Magistrates’ Court and from the Customary Land Appeal Court.
• Chair court committees as directed by the Chief Justice.
• Provide Duty Judge services to hear urgent matters from time to time, as per the High Court roster.
• Sit as a member of the Court of Appeals where required.
• Perform other duties as may be required by the Chief Justice.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Experience and knowledge

• At least fifteen years of experience as a judge or a senior legal practitioner in a common law court with a focus on civil cases, preferably in a Commonwealth country.
• Proven success in individual and organisational capacity development and sustainability of efforts, ability to share knowledge, and transfer skills.
• Demonstrated experience in courtroom management and an ability to efficiently manage cases.

Desirable Experience and knowledge

• Experience working on international development programs in Solomon Islands or in the Melanesian/Pacific Islands or other developing country context, demonstrating cross-cultural skills.
• Melanisian Pidgin language skills (eg Solomon Islands Pidgin, Tok Pisin, Bislama)

EXPECTATIONS AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Solomon Islands is a small, developing country, and SIG’s resources are limited. The Puisne Judge is expected to be flexible and innovative in finding solutions appropriate to the local context and available resources. As much as possible, the Judge should solve problems in a way that maximises local ownership and contributes to sustainable development, so that reliance on donor support is minimised in the longer term. The Judge is expected to improve SIG systems by working within them, building upon existing procedures and structures. The Judge’s efforts should be treated as an opportunity to improve systems and transfer knowledge and skills to National Judiciar and other SIG staff, and also to improve the practice of practioners.He or she is expected to demonstrate a good understanding, appreciation and empathy of the local cultures and mores of the society and be able to encourage and assist legal practitioners and other judicial and support staff in improving their work performance, practices and aptitudes.

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Written claims against each of the “essential” Selection Criteria cited in the ToR. In this response, you must provide example/s to verify related experience (no more than 2 pages total).
• CV - (no more than 4 pages) providing personal details (do not include marital status, religion or date of birth) and professional history. The CV must include a signed declaration attesting to the validity and accuracy of the information provided.
• Names and contact details of two referees.

Closing date 11.59pm AEST Sunday 22nd November, 2015

An Australian Government aid initiative. Contract Manager: URS Australia Pty Ltd.

URS is an equal opportunity employer of choice and is committed to child protection.

We encourage women and men of all nationalities to apply.

Enquiries can be directed to internationaldevelopment@urs.com quoting requisition number 716 in the subject line. Your application must include the requirements mentioned above. Applications must be submitted via the on-line process and will not be accepted through this email address.

About the Organization

AECOM International Development (formerly URS) is a leading program delivery partner of choice for international aid and development programs globally. We implement civil society, democratic governance and government strengthening activities across Asia-Pacific. We build integrated and practical development solutions through partnering with local communities, civil society organisations, governments and the private sector.