Legal Counsel

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta's interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta's competitive wholesale electricity market. The AESO strives to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where people feel respected and welcomed for who they are, together we deliver high performance and innovative results.

Job Description

Reporting to the Legal Manager, Commercial, this position is accountable for working as part of the legal team to deliver timely, strategic, and proactive legal advice to business units across the AESO with a particular focus on commercial, employment and governance matters. The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of experience in the areas of commercial law, employment law, and/or corporate governance. Key qualifications include proven written and oral communication skills, strong critical thinking skills, and excellent interpersonal and client service skills.

The AESO is looking for someone who can start in early 2025. The exact start date is open for discussion as per the needs of the candidate.

This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary, and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health and dental benefits, mental health support, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package. We support a hybrid work environment, where the team is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are flexible for where you work best.

Signs you will enjoy working in this team:

• You thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to embark on transformative industry change.

• You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals and participating in lively debates.

• You embrace change and pivot and adapt with ease.

• You like working in a diverse atmosphere - our team celebrates our colleagues' varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• You have high personal leadership and find it intuitive to focus on priorities and value-add items.

Signs you will enjoy this role:

• You enjoy providing strategic and forward-thinking commercial, employment, and/or governance matters advice within a dynamic industry and broader regulatory and public interest context.

• You are interested in Alberta's electricity industry.

• You have a curious mind and appreciate opportunities to broaden your skill set.

• You enjoy using your knowledge to influence process improvements and efficiencies.

• You have an appreciation for stakeholder relations and stakeholder consultation processes.

• You enjoy sharing your knowledge, preparing, and presenting content to others.

• You have strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.

• You have strong interpersonal skills and ability to demonstrate leadership on files.

• You have strong communication skills.

Accountabilities:

• Provide legal services to AESO business departments, with a primary focus on commercial matters, employment matters, and governance matters.

• Maintain currency with, and provide advice on, relevant legislation, case law, and industry practices with respect to commercial law, employment law, and governance.

• Conduct research and provide verbal and written legal advice and opinions on issues related to commercial, employment, and governance matters.

• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements.

• Draft, advise, and assist in the development of employment related agreements, policies, and procedures.

• Provide support in the development of governance related policies, procedures, as well as materials for board and committee meetings.

• Provide support with compliance and risk management related activities.

• Assist with the development and delivery of training for employees.

• Assist with the resolution of disputes.

• Participate as a team member to deliver on strategic business initiatives.

• Participate in internal training programs.

• Work with and manage external counsel.

You have:

• LL. B or J.D. and membership in, or eligibility to become a member of, the Law Society of Alberta.

• 2-3 years of legal experience in the areas of commercial law, employment law, and/or corporate governance.

• Experience in the areas of insurance and cybersecurity would also be an asset.

• Ability to work independently with confidence under time constraints.

Application deadline: November 27, 2024

If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta.

As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 33 of the FOIP Act.