JUDICIAL AND LEGAL SERVICE COMMISSION

AMENDED VACANCY NOTICE

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of Director of Public Prosecutions in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, The Bahamas.

The Director of Public Prosecutions serves as The Bahamas’ principal prosecutor pursuant to Article 78A and 78B of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Terms of Reference
A.  Duties & Responsibilities

1. To institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in respect of any offence under a law alleged to have been committed by that person;

2. To take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that have been instituted or undertaken by any other person or authority;
3. To discontinue, at any stage before judgment is delivered, any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by himself or herself or any other persons or authority;
4. To function as lead prosecutor in the Supreme Court and Magistrates’ Courts;
5. To advise the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Customs and all other Government agencies on criminal matters;
6. To prosecute or defend criminal appeals before the Court of Appeal;
7. To administer the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution;
8. To represent requesting foreign jurisdictions, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, in accordance with the Extradition act;
9. To oversee Money Laundering prosecutions pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2018;
10. To oversee Trafficking in Persons prosecutions pursuant to the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention and Suppression) Act, Chapter 106;
11. To advise the Government in respect of all Criminal matters;
12. To enter into plea discussions with an accused person (or his attorney) on his/her behalf with a view to conclude a plea agreement on behalf of the Crown.

B.  Minimum Qualifications and Experience

The Applicant must either be

1. Called to the Bar of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; or
2. called to the Bar of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Eire; or
3. admitted to practice as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Eire; or
4.  the holder of a Legal Education Certificate issued by one of the three (3) Caribbean Council of Legal Education Law Schools;

The Applicant must also have a minimum of twelve (12) years experience prosecuting within the Commonwealth Caribbean.

C.  Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

1. Sound working knowledge of the Laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas;
2. Sound working knowledge and ability to interpret legislation, rules and orders;
3. Sound working knowledge of criminal procedures and practices;
4. Sound advocacy skills;
5. Ability to communicate persuasively and clearly, both orally and in writing;
6. Self-motivated and proven ability to lead a team;
7. Ability to plan and organize work and prepare concise reports;
8. Ability to analyse issues, make interpretations and sound recommendations;
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.

D.  Compensation

1. Salary is fixed at $75,000 per annum
2. Scarcity allowance of $30,000 per annum
3. Responsibility allowance of $10,000 per annum
4. Housing allowance of $25,000
5. Government owned and maintained vehicle
6. Government owned and maintained mobile phone

The appointment is on full-time contractual terms for a period of five (5) years with a gratuity equal to 15% of the total salary paid over the period of contractual service.  

Serving officers should apply through their Heads of Departments.

Application forms may be obtained from the Ministry of Public Service & National Insurance website (PSC Form 7 – Application for Employment).  Applications be returned, in person, complete with certified copies of qualifications and documentary proof of relevant experience, to the Secretary, Judicial & Legal Service Commission, Office of the Judiciary, 3^rd Floor, Ansbacher House, East Street & Bank Lane, Nassau, The Bahamas, or via email to jlsc@couts.gov.bs not later than Friday, 19 May 2023.