Senior Legal and Compliance Counsel

The Legal and Compliance Officer holds a pivotal role within the organization, ensuring that all legal and compliance facets across the region are in strict alignment with the local legal requisites and compliance standards of each country. This position plays a critical role in providing comprehensive legal counsel to the Head of Legal & Compliance, particularly in matters impacting the group at a regional and organizational level through overseeing all legal and compliance matters in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya (the “Region”), which involve drafting agreements, ensuring compliance with local regulations and licensing requirements, and advising other teams on various legal questions.

Legal and Commercial Responsibilities
• Expertly draft, critically review, and skilfully negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including Master Services Agreements (MSA), corporate documents, and operational and maintenance contracts, ensuring the safeguarding of the company’s legal interests.
• Develop and oversee a systematic process for the accurate documentation of contracts, permits, and significant communications.
• Provide strategic legal support to business development initiatives, offering insights on regional and group-level legal considerations for commercial transactions and partnerships to support the achievement of the company’s strategic goals.
Corporate Governance and Support
• Support the Head of Legal in managing Board communications and ensuring compliance with corporate governance practices and legal standards.
• Work collaboratively with the legal team to provide comprehensive legal services across the organization, contributing to strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Manage corporate documentation, including recording minutes, drafting resolutions, and submitting regulatory filings.
• Offer legal insight to various departments such as HR, procurement, and finance, enhancing organizational compliance and governance.
• Offer comprehensive support and expert guidance to the Head of Legal on matters pertaining to general corporate law, financing transactions, and organizational structure.
Compliance and Organizational Management
• Dispense authoritative legal guidance to both management and the broader organization concerning compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Proactively monitor legislative and regulatory changes, implementing requisite actions to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Formulate and refine internal governance policies, ensuring they meet or exceed industry standards.
• Assist in the leadership and development of the Legal and Compliance department, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Facilitate robust collaboration with external service providers and clients, securing and documenting contracts to clarify and strengthen professional relationships.
• Engage with local legal counsel and auditors to address country-specific legal requirements and challenges.
• Undertake additional tasks as necessitated by organizational needs, contributing to the company’s broader objectives.

Qualifications
• A minimum Master’s degree level qualification in Law

Experience
• 5-8 years of work experience in a similar role (legal counsel) at an institution of high regard.
• Proven expertise in legal and compliance roles, with a strong foundation in commercial law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team towards achieving excellence in legal and compliance practices.
• Adept at navigating complex legal and regulatory environments, with a keen ability to anticipate and mitigate risks.