JOB DETAILS:
Description
Human Capital Business Solutions Ltd is a Boutique HR Advisory Firm that specializes in strategic HR Consulting, Talent Acquisition & Development, Risk Management and Business Process Outsourced Services with our Headquarters based in Uganda and Country Office in Tanzania.
Our client is a leading FMCG company based in Kampala, Uganda with a large focus on Beverage manufacturing, production and distribution. On behalf of our client we are looking for a competent and experienced Head of Legal and Compliance to be based in Kampala, Uganda
Reports To: The Managing Director
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Job Summary
This is an Executive Business partnering role which provides Legal and Business Integrity/Compliance support to the company. The role effectively proactively manages any legal and compliance risks in the organization through clear commercial advice, contract negotiations, documentation, management of any litigation, training of staff on various policies in place, controls and by driving ethical and compliant behaviors to drive sustainable growth.
• The role also enables the company to achieve its business objectives in a legally compliant way while unlocking commercial opportunity through compliance to local laws and regulations. Preserve value (financial and reputational) by minimizing the risk of value leakage and litigation and maintaining compliance with laws and company’s Codes.

• Support the company in developing best practice corporate governance and ensures the Function is adequately staffed internally and externally to maximize the company’s business objectives and performance.

• Promote and Embed a culture of integrity, solid internal controls, compliance within the business and ensuring leadership accountability.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Legal
• Function as a highly effective legal and business partner.
• Proactively provide commercial and pragmatic legal advice and solutions for all aspects of company’s business.

• Management of day-to-day issues including Drafting and helping to administer contracts covering the whole spectrum of the business (including procurement, Operations, distribution, marketing, logistics) employment matters, litigation, regulatory issues (including coordinating licenses,) product liability and counterfeit products, IP support for brands and appropriate Marketing Code review of advertising and promotions including training of staff on relevant topics.
• Providing assistance to the MD/FD in managing company Board, Board Committee and General Meetings
• Select and agree terms of business with external lawyers and grow and drive best practice external legal service provision.

Compliance
• Business partner with various functions to lead and drive embedment (strong first and second line defense) of company’s code of business conduct and policies are adhered to as well as driving sustainable compliance/ethics including provision of on point training.
• Responsible for ensuring good corporate governance including advising on best practice and training across a number of functions.
• Proactively identify risks and mitigation plans; Identify and deliver improvement opportunities to strengthen the control environment, and/or ensure efficiency and effectiveness across the business.
• Provide robust and independent reporting to top management on controls, compliance and ethics performance
• Responsible for driving change projects and lead implementation of best practice at the company – data analytics, capability development, assurance services etc.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
• Formal legal qualifications and training as required by law to work as a legal practitioner in Uganda.
• At least 5 years post qualification experience as a lawyer.
• Strong commercial law background especially in the negotiation and documentation of commercial contracts relevant to the FMCG industry and giving advice in relation to marketing, sales and promotion activities. Preferably in-house experience.
• A good working knowledge of the following legal areas – contracts, product liability, IP, employment, antitrust, litigation, corporate governance.
• A track record of effectively managing external lawyers generally
• Strong, analytical, drafting and negotiating skills.
• Open and outward looking attitude.
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills.
• Ability to work confidently and stand ground with more senior managers.
• Strong commercial and pragmatic approach.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills.
• Ability to impact and influence upwards.

Barriers to Success in Role
• Inability to constantly reprioritize and manage expectations from a large and demanding business in a role that interacts with a high proportion of senior level managers
• A dislike or inability to manage ambiguity