Assistant General Counsel - Procurement

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

        Represents department in contract/procurement issues, researches legal issues and prepares memoranda on pertinent legal topics as assigned by the General Counsel; performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

        Works under the direction of the General Counsel. In the absence of the General Counsel, works under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

        Provides guidance and assistance to interns, paralegals, and administrative staff assigned to the General Counsel's Office.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews, drafts and compiles documents for Department contract/procurement needs;
• Assists in the review, drafting and compilation of departmental policies;
• Researches and drafts legal memoranda regarding legal issues relating to the Department;
• Manages FOIA requests in conjunction with external and internal stakeholders;
• Investigates and reports on incidents/issues as assigned by the General Counsel;
• Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned;
• Complies with all written policies and procedures; and
• Performs other duties and assignments as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Admission to the Massachusetts and Federal Bar required;
• Prior experience with contract law and regulations preferred;
• Familiarity with Commonwealth procurement policies and procedures preferred;
• Experience in civil litigation;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to interact with employees and the public in a pleasant and discreet manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels throughout the organization, in other agencies, and in private industry. High levels of customer service, independence, leadership and willingness to write and maintain documentation. Must perform duties with a high degree of confidentiality;
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and to work with co-workers and consultants. Self-motivator, ability to meet project deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously is essential. Ability to maintain accurate records; and
• Ability to complete moderate to complex level of qualitative and quantitative analyses. Strong analytical and problem solving skills are required. Attention to detail is crucial. Need for creativity, flexibility and organizational skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Drafts RFRs for all Department’s procurement needs;
• Mitigates and manages any legal issues arising from performance of procurement projects;
• Advises on, prepares and responds to legal questions regarding all contract/procurement matters;
• Assists, prepares and participates with Financial Services staff for internal and governmental audits;
• Manages, drafts, responds and produces responsive documents to FOIA requests from counsel, media, government and private citizens;
• Works with Commonwealth and Secretary of State on Department document retention/destruction functions;
• Assists in the research, review, drafting, and reporting on a variety of incidents/issues and Memoranda of Agreements as assigned by the General Counsel and/or the Deputy General Counsel;
• Maintain good standing in Massachusetts and Federal Bar;
• Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace with ability to work nights and/or weekends for various projects as needed;
• Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department, as well as General Counsel Division, policies and procedures;
• Compliance with security procedures;
• Obeying moderately complex oral and written orders;
• Effective communication orally and in writing;
• Dealing calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; and
• Exercising good judgment.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicate orally with employees and the public;
• Climb a small step ladder to access and pull files as needed;
• Sit or stand periodically for 8 hours;
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds;
• Climb stairs occasionally;
• Walk short distances;
• Use a personal computer and e-mail; and
• Write and type.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

        Participation in mandatory training.