Reports To: In House Legal Counsel

Location: SKA HQ, Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK

Duration: Fixed Term Contract for 18 months

Hours of Work: 21 hours per week

Closing Date for applications: Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 31^st January 2018.  For details of how to apply please see below. 

Submission of applications: Email to jobs@skatelescope.org

Organisation Background

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a global project to build a multi-purpose radio telescope that will play a major role in answering key questions in modern astrophysics and cosmology.  Ten governments are now participating in the project, with others engaged in discussions regarding possible membership.  Over the next 18 months, this global headquarters will expand with the construction of an extension to the existing building to accommodate the additional staff needed for the Construction and Operations phases of the SKA telescope facilities that will ultimately be located in South Africa and Australia. Negotiations are currently underway between the governments of SKA member countries with the aim of establishing the SKA as an Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO).  These negotiations are expected to be concluded in 2018 and the IGO to be established thereafter.

The Role

This position would be suitable for someone looking to work part time on a unique international project.  The establishment of SKA as a Treaty Organisation involves complex negotiations between 10 member countries and 3 host countries, including the United Kingdom. 

Reporting to the In House Legal Counsel you will assist with all legal aspects of the transition process including, but not limited to, contracts, secondment agreements, treaty law, Inter-Governmental Organisation rules and TUPE. 

This is an opportunity to gain practical exposure to:

• International law, in particular diplomatic & consular law
• International organisation law and treaty law. 
• Cross border contracts and multi-jurisdictional experience

Because this post has been created to cover the transition from SKA Organisation into SKA Observatory IGO, it is a fixed term role.  This is advertised as 21 hours/week however there is flexibility in the working pattern.

Because the SKA project involves partner organisations from all over the globe there will be a requirement from time to time for you to attend early/late videoconferences and meetings, however these will be arranged with notice.  In addition from time to time you will be required to travel to negotiations and other meetings overseas, but again notice will be provided of these. 

Key Duties, Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the In House Legal Counsel, the post holder will:

• Provide legal advice on a wide range of other matters such as governance, international civil service law, procurement, contract law and intellectual property law as required;
• Work with the Transition Team to support the establishment of an IGO for the SKA project, based in the UK;
• Advise on changes to legislation relevant to SKA Organisation’s operation;
• Assist in providing representation where legal action affects SKA Organisation;
• Ensure appropriate business insurance policies are in place;
• Contribute to the further development of the institutional law of SKA Organisation, including the rules that govern the functioning of SKA Governing Bodies;
• Review existing and future terms, conditions and procedures for legal consistency;
• Analyse legal documentation and carry out studies on the relevant legal and regulatory environment in which SKA Organisation carries out its activities;
• Prepare draft agreements and other arrangements with public and private entities and participate in their negotiation;
• Advise on contracts and agreements as well as in the negotiation and follow-up of legal issues;
• Manage contracts and issues related to intellectual property rights, including maintenance of the project’s IPR Register;
• Undertake any other legal analysis and prepare notes and briefs as requested by the In-House Legal Counsel;

·        Liaise with external legal advisers whenever needed; and

·        Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the In-House Legal Counsel.
 

Mandatory Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge:

·        University degree in law, including advanced studies in contract law or intellectual property completed with professional experience in public administration(s), international organisation(s), or in legal firm(s);

·        Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) status;

• Experience in presenting work orally at meetings and other fora;
• Good IT skills and a familiarity with MS Office packages;
• Fluent English oral and written communication skills and the ability to influence people in widely differing parts of a complex organisation and its broader governance structure;
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with staff and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Experience/ability to work with geographically dispersed partner organisations;
• Project experience would definitely be an advantage
•  
• Willingness to present the SKA Office in international and other fora and willingness to travel to SKA consortium locations and centres; and
• Willingness to work and travel outside normal office hours as required.

Desirable Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge:

• Familiarity with astronomy or a related field.
• Intellectual property legal experience
• Knowledge of international law

For more information on the SKA project visit http://www.skatelescope.org. The SKA Organisation offers a competitive salary, a generous company pension scheme and a flexible benefits package. The successful applicant’s workplace will be located at the SKA Office’s headquarters at Jodrell Bank, UK.

How to apply:

Please send a CV and covering letter, including details of your current remuneration, to jobs@skatelescope.org, quoting reference LA/01.  Applications should include:

• A summary of significant accomplishments and project experience, detailing how you meet the mandatory and desirable qualifications, experience and knowledge criteria;
• The names of at least three professional referees, at least one of whom must be your current employer (or most recent employer if not working); and
• Details of your current (or most recent) remuneration package.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 31^st January 2018.

Equal Opportunities Statement

SKA Organisation is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. Our aim to is recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or nationality.

At all stages of the recruitment process and beyond, we strive to treat applicants and employees with a high standard of care, honesty and politeness.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Organisation welcomes and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided. If you need equipment or adjustments to enable you to complete your application and/or attend an interview, then please let us know.