Human Rights à Canada

The Office of the University General Counsel (“UGC”) reports to the Vice-President Administration and Finance and is a bi-campus office providing legal and strategic advice and services to the Board of Governors and senior officials in administrative and academic units at the university community on a wide range of issues as required, including drafting contracts, providing legal opinions and advice, representation in legal matters, managing external legal spending, and providing legal oversight in actions across the university including legislation, privacy, labour relations, research, real property and commercial contracts in the interest of protecting the University’s legal corporate interests.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Full-time, continuing position located on either the Fredericton or Saint John Campus, depending upon the candidate. Flexible work options available.

UNB is committed to ensuring employees can maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Standard Winter Hours: Mon – Fri | 8:15 am – 4:30 pm | 36.25 hours per week

Salary Range: $101,989 – $139,000 per annum

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the University General Counsel, this position is responsible for the similar scope of service in providing privileged legal and strategic advice to the University administration in collaboration and as assigned by the UGC and for providing support to other legal counsel at the university including counsel in Research Services, the University Secretary and Faculty Relations.

– Carry out legal research and provide strategic legal advice in various areas of law (including labour and human rights) as assigned by the UGC.
– Review legal aspects of corporate and contractual issues.
– Establish effective relationships with key internal and external constituencies in order to provide the best service.
– Draft, review and revise contracts as assigned. May include contracts related to real property, intellectual property, external funding, practicum, software license, employment agreements and collective agreements.
– Providing legal advice on a wide range of policy issues for the entire university, as assigned by UGC, to protect the University from undue liability and assist with risk management and control while remaining aware of the impact on all stakeholders, including students.
– Provide expert consultation and advice on the governance implications of proposals and their impacts on existing policies and procedures, as well as on emerging University governance issues and strategies to deal with them in a way that respects the diverse academic, research, and business cultures in UNB Faculties, departments and units.
– Provide clear, accurate assessment of legal risks, while respecting business judgment and decision-making authority of University administrators.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

– A law degree from a recognized university, in good standing with the Law Society of New Brunswick (or eligible for membership), education/training in business law, contracts and commercial law, labour and employment law, and/or equivalent experience.
– Three to five years as a member in good standing of the Law Society of New Brunswick (or equivalent provincial association)
– Three to five years of relevant experience in contract drafting and negotiation of agreements, labour and employment advice, working with academia or industry or an equivalent combination thereof.

ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS:

– Commitment to client service and excellent interpersonal skills.
– Excellent analytical skills, problem solving and critical thinking.
– Computer literacy and ability to use modern office technologies and information systems.
– Excellent knowledge of the laws of NB and Canada particularly as it relates to corporate, commercial, contract and labour and employment law.
– Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
– Flexibility with working hours; and an ability and willingness to travel is required.