Legal Officer Advisory

Job Purpose

To provide legal support and advice to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and company policies while protecting the company’s interests. The Legal Officer – Advisory Services focuses on implementing legal strategies, interpreting laws, drafting and reviewing contracts and advising on legal risks associated with operational and business activities.

Impact: This position supports the legal function by implementing legal advisory services, ensuring compliance and managing legal risks. It contributes to minimizing legal exposure, safeguarding the company’s reputation, and ensuring smooth operational execution and organizational compliance with laws, regulations and company policy.

Key Result Areas

• Assist in implementing legal strategies by providing timely and accurate advice on legal matters
• Research and interpret laws, regulations and legal provisions to support company operations
• Draft, review, and provide feedback on contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and company policies
• Support contract negotiation processes by providing relevant legal input
• Identify and analyze potential legal risks in the company’s business and operational activities
• Provide recommendations for risk mitigation and compliance
• Ensure all company activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies
• Assist in updating and implementing legal compliance frameworks
• Maintain an organized repository of legal documents and ensure proper documentation of advisory services
• Prepare legal opinions, briefs and reports for internal use
• Liaise with other departments to provide legal support and ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Support the Senior Legal Officer in executing legal strategies and initiatives

Expected Output

• Accurate Legal Advice: Timely and accurate legal input provided to support operational and business decisions
• Well-Drafted Contracts: Contracts and agreements that protect the company’s interests and align with regulatory standards
• Effective Risk Mitigation: Identified and addressed legal risks to minimize exposure and liabilities.
• Compliance Documentation: Comprehensive records of legal compliance and advisory services to support audit and regulatory reviews
• Enhanced Coordination: Effective collaboration with departments to address legal needs and support company initiatives.

Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized institution
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Admission to the Bar as and licensed to practice as an advocate in Uganda.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of post-admission legal experience, with a focus on providing legal advisory services, interpretation of law, and management of contracts and contracting processes under the laws of Uganda;
• Familiarity with laws governing utilities or energy sector is an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of law and principles governing the electricity and energy sectors, procurement and contract law, and compliance management;
• Proficiency in legal interpretation, drafting and review;
• Ability to manage complete and multi-party negotiation;
• Competence in strategic preparation and planning
• Ability to conduct detailed legal research and provide actionable insights;
• High level of integrity and ethical judgment;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines; and
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Environment

• Government inhouse counsel;
• Primarily office based with court appearances and other off-site interactions;
• Interaction with other government bodies, agencies and connected stakeholders; and
• High stakes -and deadline driven assignments.