JOB DETAILS:
Our client is a platform investing in and building state-of-the-art Tier III data centres across Africa. Through its investments and hands-on approach, the client seeks to address the latent demand for critical data centre infrastructure that will drive digital transformation across the Region. The client made its first investments in Uganda, Ethiopia and Mozambique by establishing and developing state-of-the-art “metro-edge” facilities on the outskirts of Kampala, Addis Ababa and Maputo. More recently, it has entered DRC, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola and Tanzania, where it will be building similar facilities with further investments planned across Africa. Our client currently counts on over 100 professionals across different offices in Amsterdam, Dubai, Nairobi, Kampala, Addis Ababa, Maputo, Abidjan and Kinshasa.

Job Role/ Purpose
Oversees legal matters in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya (the “Region”), which involves drafting agreements, ensuring compliance with local regulations and licensing requirements, and advising other teams on various legal questions. Supports the Head of Legal C Compliance on the group level.
Reports to: Head of Legal Compliance and the General Manager.
Works Closely with Functional departments at the regional and group levels.

Role Summary: 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.

Legal and Commercial Responsibilities:
• Expertly draft, critically review, and skillfully negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including Master Services Agreements (MSA), corporate documents, and operational and maintenance contracts, ensuring the safe- guarding 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.

Education
• Minimum Master’s degree level qualification in Law

Relevant 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 to- wards achieving excellence in legal and compliance practices.
• Adept at navigating complex legal and regulatory environments, with a keen ability to anticipate and mitigate risks.
• Professional experience in the telecommunication and IT sector is a plus.

Other personal and behavioral dispositions
• Excellent written, verbal, and numerical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.
• Strong attention to detail and unwavering integrity and confidentiality.
• Diplomatic and pragmatic work approach, adept at collaborating with senior team members and challenging the status quo where necessary.
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask accurately.