Fiji Airways is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our Legal Department. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary and based at the Fiji Airways Head Office in Nadi, Fiji, you will provide commercially pragmatic legal support across Fiji Airways Group companies. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with and provide support to the Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary and Senior Legal Counsel on legal, governance, regulatory and compliance priorities.
• Conduct legal review and analysis of commercial matters; prepare clear legal opinions, memoranda and business updates.
• Provide timely, commercially focused legal advice across contracts, compliance, regulatory, aviation, employment, litigation, insurance, finance and general corporate matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including procurement, technology, finance, insurance, supply and service contracts.
• Identify, assess and escalate legal, regulatory and reputational risks, and recommend practical mitigations aligned with Company policies.
• Manage litigation, disputes, investigations and claims, including instructing external counsel and appearing in routine court/tribunal matters where appropriate.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments in Fiji and relevant international jurisdictions, and provide updates and training to the business.
• Help develop legal templates, playbooks and internal resources to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Manage assigned legal matters independently, escalating material issues appropriately.
• Mentor and support the Legal Administrator in legal research, analysis, contract review and regulatory compliance; provide guidance on skill development.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Law degree (with strong academic results) and a current Fijian practicing certificate.
• Minimum 6 years' post-qualification experience in commercial law, preferably in-house or law firm experience.
• Strong contracting experience; aviation, regulatory, litigation, finance, insurance, employment/industrial relations, procurement and general corporate advisory experience desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to translate legal issues into clear, practical advice.
• Strong legal drafting, contract review, negotiation, research and analytical skills, with sound judgement and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, sensitive matters and tight deadlines independently, escalating material risks appropriately.
• Confidence to appear in routine court/tribunal matters and manage external counsel on disputes, claims and specialist matters.
• Ability to collaborate constructively with commercial, operational and corporate teams to achieve legally sound, practical outcomes.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with internal service clients and stakeholders across Fiji, the South Pacific and international markets.
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work closely with the legal team and share responsibilities.
• Service-oriented, discreet and resilient, with interest in the airline business and relevant legal/regulatory framework.
• Growth mindset and commitment to personal development and continuous improvement of the legal function.