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Legal Officer, Legal Affairs and SEM

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is an international organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States (Parties) under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and continued under the Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA). The Secretariat of the CEC is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

This is a full-time, two-year position with the possibility of a renewal, based at the CEC Secretariat in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

This position reports directly to the Director of Legal Affairs and Submissions on Enforcement Matters (SEM). The Legal Affairs and SEM Unit handles Submissions on Enforcement Matters relating to Articles 24.27 and 24.28 of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (known as “USMCA” “CUSMA”, or “T-MEC”), and serves as legal counsel for the Secretariat.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Process submissions filed under the USMCA, focusing on execution of the following tasks:

• Manage submissions and factual record preparation. Analyze, write and edit legal opinions, preparing determinations, notifications and factual records on submissions in accordance with USMCA timelines;
• Research technical and scientific matters underlying enforcement issues and request public information under domestic laws and/or the ECA;
• In coordination with the Director of Legal Affairs and SEM, develop initiatives to further implement the SEM process, improving practices and timelines.

Outreach:

In coordination with the Director of Legal Affairs and SEM, the incumbent interacts with the Parties, JPAC, submitters, and other stakeholders to:

• Participate in the development and execution of the outreach strategy; and
• In coordination with Outreach and Partnerships, implement activities with other institutions and stakeholders, organize meetings and seek outreach and collaboration opportunities with organizations.

Legal Affairs:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Advise on the interpretation of the USMCA, the Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA), and applicable procedures;
• Support other areas of the CEC Secretariat by advising on legal issues related to contracts, policies, and procedures;
• Advise the Director of Legal Affairs and SEM on minimizing the risks and potential legal exposure of the Commission and on the protection of the privileges and immunities of the organization.

Qualifications and Experience:

The candidate should possess a law degree from an accredited law school in Canada, with substantial knowledge of environmental law; as well, knowledge of such other areas of law as contract law, administrative law, international law, and civil procedure will be considered an asset.

The candidate must be a citizen of Canada, Mexico or the United States and possess:

• At least five years’ professional experience involving domestic environmental law matters. Ideally, the candidate will have had experience at the international level (two to five years). Professional experience at a law firm or court would be considered an asset.
• Experience drafting legal opinions and undertaking legal research, as well as strong legal analysis, writing, and communication skills.
• Fluency in speaking and writing in French, and preferably the ability to analyze documents in at least one of the other official languages of the Commission (Spanish or English).
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with colleagues and a variety of stakeholders from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and project management skills to develop work plans, manage submissions, and meet objectives and timeframes.

Salary:

The net annual salary range for this position is between CAD 58,000.00 and CAD 64,000.00.00. The incumbent will also receive benefits equivalent to 25% of the position’s salary, as provided in our benefits package, which also includes healthcare coverage.

This position is based in Montreal, one of the most livable cities in the world, with a competitive cost-of-living in comparison to other major cities in Canada and the United States. The CEC will oversee the relocation process and, if required, facilitate the transition across borders.

This position is categorized as an official of the CEC and the incumbent receives applicable privileges and immunities under Canada’s Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act.

Please submit your résumé and cover letter by e-mail, at semlegalofficer@cec.org by 1 March 2024.

No phone calls or additional email message inquiries will be accepted. Please follow the application instructions.

The CEC promotes equity and inclusion and encourages diversity in its employment and human resources practices.