Lawyer, Procurement

Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) is Ottawa’s largest social and affordable housing provider, managing two-thirds of the City’s housing portfolio. OCHC provides 15,000 homes to 32,000 residents including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs within many communities across the City of Ottawa. But we are no ordinary landlord. We are a partner and supporter in the lives of residents who live in affordable and social housing in Ottawa. Through our vision, mission and values, OCHC provides homes that help residents lead healthy, safe and vibrant lives. The work we do at OCHC enables our tenants to fully participate in the socio-economic opportunities of the city. By joining our team, you will play a vital role in the development of safe and healthy communities. Together, we build homes and communities that embrace diversity and foster inclusion.
At OCHC, we strive to represent the uniqueness of each community we serve. We are committed to engaging employees in creating a workplace culture of inclusion and belonging, where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and feel valued. Our employees come from all different backgrounds, age groups, sexual orientations, speak a multitude of languages, and share different experiences and perspectives. We would not have it any other way.
We are proud because every day we make a difference
POSITION SCOPE

Reporting to the Director, Legal Services, the Lawyer, Procurement & Development, is responsible for providing timely and relevant legal advice to the organization’s procurement, finance, and asset management teams. The Lawyer, Procurement & Development, plays a key role in supporting Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC)’s expanding procurement and real estate development work.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Services
- Provides expert legal advice, consultation, and guidance to various departments and level of management in support of the achievement of OCHC’s objectives
- Serves as an advisor on legal matters related to procurement law, residential real estate development law, financing, and construction law.
- Provides research, advice and interpretation on legislation that affects OCHC related to these areas of law.
- Drafts, reviews, negotiates, and advises on a wide range of documents to support new and existing relationships with partner agencies, various levels of government, and private sector parties.
- Guides and recommends on up-to-date corporate legal practices and trends, efficiencies and best practices in the relevant areas of law
- Undertakes special projects and research as required
- Supports communication and engagement on corporate legal issues within the organization.
- Prepares corporate reports and presentations if required for the Senior Management Team, Board Committees, and the Board of Directors.
- Performs work in accordance with applicable health, safety and privacy legislation, policies and procedures, and all other legislation, policies and procedures relevant to area of work
- Promptly reports all workplace accidents or incidents and unusual or dangerous work conditions
- Works in alignment with OCHC vision, mission, values, interests, plans and objectives

External/Internal Relationships
- Represents OCHC in a professional manner and treats all work-related contacts with respect and courtesy
- Works in collaboration with colleagues in a team approach to service delivery
- Works regularly with stakeholders to provide timely guidance on a wide variety of legal issues related to procurement, financing, and development (including construction/project management)

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
- Completion of a university degree in law (LLB or JD) from a recognized law school
- A minimum of five (5) years practicing law, in the following areas: procurement, residential real estate development and financing, or construction.
- Previous experience working on and negotiating government/public procurement contracts for services and supplies is an asset
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario

KNOWLEDGE
- Familiarity with all applicable statutory, common law, procedures and guidelines in the relevant areas of law
- Knowledge and familiarity with trends, best practices and emerging legal issues in the relevant areas of law
- Familiarity with performing legal research and drafting memoranda, contracts and other legal agreements.
- Familiarity with social housing, municipal arms-length organizations, not for profit corporations and community development, is an asset.
- Understanding of the values, vision and mission of OCHC and a commitment to support those objectives
- Understanding of the diverse needs, abilities and social, economic, cultural and other factors present in OCHC tenant communities
- Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and supervisors

COMPETENCY PROFILE