Up to £51,515 plus food and utilities allowances, housing and other benefits

We’re looking for a Solicitor or Barrister to take a full and active role in ensuring the good governance of Ascension Island.

What you’ll do
You’ll provide a full range of legal services to the Ascension Island Government (AIG) and be an active participant in the government’s Senior Management Team. Through the provision of strategic legal advice, you’ll support the AIG’s Directorates to achieve their objectives, and contribute to the good governance of the island by taking a proactive approach to the identification, mitigation and management of legal risks.

You’ll be responsible for managing any litigation brought against or by the Government, including civil and employment litigation, as well as acting as the prosecuting authority in respect of criminal matters. You’ll also provide legal support for the government’s legislative agenda, in particular providing legal advice on policy development, liaising with external lawyers on legislative drafting, and supporting post-legislative implementation.

What you’ll bring
As a Solicitor or Barrister with at least five years post-qualification experience, including both litigation and advisory work, you’ll be someone who is knowledgeable, adaptable and resilient with a high level of person integrity. You’ll bring experience of managing the competing demands of a busy practice, the ability to prioritise effectively and work under minimal supervision, with responsibility for delivering to deadlines on key and often complex legal issues.

What we offer
In addition to an annual salary of up to £51,515 (taxable on Ascension), the role attracts an accompanied status contract and the following benefits:

• Rent free furnished accommodation worth £3,000 pa (taxable benefit)
• A food allowance of £7,560 pa accompanied, or single status £3,780 pa (taxable benefit).
• An electricity allowance worth £938 p.a.
• A water allowance worth £2,729 pa accompanied, or £1,360 single status.
• Relocation costs for your personal effects, including assistance with the shipment of a vehicle
• One mid-contract return journey to your country of recruitment
• A gratuity payable on the successful completion of a 2-year contract
• 30 days’ annual holiday (with an additional 9 days public holidays)
• Free primary dental and medical care and off island, with medical referral if required including medivac arrangements in an emergency.
• Free schooling for dependent children from 4 to 16 years.
• Free annual travel insurance
• Death in Service insurance

The appointment will be subject to:

• Satisfactory employment references
• Enhanced Criminal Records Check
• Satisfactory Medical and Dental Clearance

What’s it like to work in Ascension?
Ascension is a small volcanic island, situated in the South Atlantic, with a warm stable climate (26-34°C). We are part of the wider UK Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, situated approximately 1,000 miles from the mainland of Africa and 800 miles from our nearest neighbour, the island of St Helena. To thrive here in this high-profile role, you must be resilient, adaptable and able to live and work in an incredibly small community with limited availability of perishable food, non-food items and internet connectivity.

Required start date: February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter

If you have any queries about the role, email recruitment@ascension.gov.ac

Closing date: 29 November 2024
Interviews: Early December 2024, by Teams or Skype

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.