JOB DETAILS:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Legal Officer to join our legal department at Mogo Loans Limited. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background, with expertise in handling litigation and legal disputes. As a Legal Officer, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide key legal support and ensure the company’s interests are effectively protected.
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven legal professional to contribute to the growth and success of a dynamic international company providing affordable financing options in Uganda.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Contract Management
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements and other relevant legal documents with landlords and service providers. Maintain a database of all active contracts and ensure timely renewals.
• Ensure all contracts comply with legal standards and company policies.
Regulatory Compliance
• Verify and ensure all branches have valid licenses, permits, and certifications.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting the company’s operations and provide timely updates.
Legal Support
• Provide expert legal advice and support to management and other departments on a wide range of legal issues.
• Assess legal risks across various business areas and implement strategies to prevent and mitigate potential liabilities.
Stakeholder Liaison
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant government agencies to facilitate regulatory compliance.
• Verify the legal standing of partners and vendors the company engages with.
Documentation and Reporting
• Prepare and review memos, reports, and other legal documents as required.
• Ensure proper filing and documentation of all legal records related to sales and procurement.
Regional Head of Legal and Compliance
Litigation and Complaint Management
• Manage any legal disputes or claims and prepare legal documentation. Monitor ongoing litigation and provide regular updates on the status of cases, risks and outcomes. Develop litigation strategies to minimize any legal liabilities.
• Represent the company in court hearings and legal proceedings as necessary.

• Collaborate with external counsel when necessary to handle complex legal matters, ensuring service quality, cost effectiveness and timely delivery of work.
• Oversee the handling of legal complaints, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, timely and effective responses and escalation as needed.
Other Duties:
• Conduct training for internal teams on legal matters to ensure ongoing awareness and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Any other duties assigned.

 EDUCATION
• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution.

• Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Law Development Center
• Current practicing Certificate.

EXPERIENCE
• 2-4 years of proven experience as a legal professional, ideally with previous experience in handling debt recovery cases.
• Experience working in-house or with financial institutions, particularly within the microfinance sector, is highly preferred.

COMPETENCIES
• Strong knowledge of Ugandan laws, particularly in relation to business and corporate law, civil litigation and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and communication skills. A proven track record in legal research and advising on complex legal matters.

• Proven ability to manage multiple cases and legal matters concurrently while maintaining high standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research tools.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive information.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with excellent organizational and time-management skills. Strong attention to detail and the ability to think critically and strategically.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying legal risks and solutions. Results-oriented, self-motivated, self-starter, who is flexible and adaptable to rapid change and has the ability to work in a fast-paced, high demand environment.