Legal Counsel

Join Pacific Community as a Legal Counsel, providing essential legal advice and support in governance and compliance across the organization.

• Postgraduate degree of Laws (LLB) or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
• Meets the professional requirements to practice law in one (1) or more jurisdictions of an SPC member country or territory, or similar legal system.

• Provides outreach, education and training and raises awareness of SPC's governance framework, legal obligations and responsibilities to SPC staff and members.
• Mitigates SPC’s legal risk through education and training.
• Contributes to the development and presentation of training on governance and legal issues, processes and policies to multi-level audiences across SPC.
• *Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.
• *Remuneration – The Legal Counsel is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,727- 4,562 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 537,766-658,322 (USD 4,994-6,114; EUR 4,506-5,517). SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews.
• *Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Noumea – SPC provides housing support in Noumea. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).
• *Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.
• *Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.