JOB DETAILS:

About the Role:

The General Counsel/Head of Legal is the chief legal officer of the financial institution, responsible for overseeing all legal matters affecting the organization. This strategic leadership role involves providing expert legal advice to the board of directors, executive management, and various business units, ensuring the institution operates within the bounds of the law and mitigates legal risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the board of directors, CEO, and senior management on a wide range of legal issues, including corporate law, financial regulations, contracts, litigation, compliance, and governance.
• Develop and implement the institution's legal strategy, policies, and procedures in alignment with its overall business objectives.
• Oversee and manage the legal affairs of the institution, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts and agreements.
• Provide guidance on regulatory compliance matters, ensuring adherence to banking laws, securities regulations, and other relevant legislation.
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution processes, both proactively to prevent legal challenges and reactively to protect the institution's interests.
• Advise on corporate governance matters, including board responsibilities, ethics, and conflicts of interest.
• Oversee the selection, retention, and management of external legal counsel when necessary.
• Anticipate and identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Keep abreast of changes in relevant laws and regulations and advise the institution on their implications.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., compliance, risk management, business units) on legal and regulatory matters.
• Provide legal training and guidance to employees on relevant legal and compliance topics.
• Manage the legal department's budget and resources effectively.
• Foster a culture of ethical conduct and legal compliance throughout the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Law from a recognized university (First Class or Second Class Upper often preferred).
• Master's degree in a relevant legal specialization (e.g., Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Banking Law, Financial Regulation).
• Admission to the Bar/Roll of Advocates in the relevant jurisdiction and a valid practicing certificate.
• Extensive post-qualification experience (typically 10-15+ years) in corporate and commercial law, with significant experience in the financial services sector.
• Proven experience in a senior legal leadership role, preferably as a General Counsel or Head of Legal.
• In-depth knowledge of banking and financial regulations, corporate law, contract law, litigation procedures, and corporate governance principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide clear and concise legal advice to non-legal professionals.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to build and motivate a legal team.
• High ethical standards and integrity.

• 1.           A copy of the National Identity Card (Front and Back).
• 2.           A copy of Academic documents as indicated in the job description.
• 3.           A detailed and signed Curriculum Vitae with names and addresses of three referees.
• 4.           A copy of a Registered Statutory Declaration for applicants with different Dates of Birth or Names across any of the required documents.
• 5.           A copy of Equivalence from the National Council of Higher Education for applicants whose first degree was obtained from a foreign university.
• Please ensure that all required documents are duly attached and must be scanned as one single document.
• Applications should be submitted by filling out the online application form at the Bank of Uganda careers link on the Bank’s website: ( https://www.google.com/search?q=https://careers.bou.or.ug/Careers )
• Please follow the link instructions as clearly as possible.
• Management reserves the right to terminate applicants found with concealed information and academic credentials. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.