Principal Legal Officer

Duty station: Uganda – Tenure up to 3 yearsReporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Job purpose

The Principal Legal Officer is responsible for providing advice on a wide range of legal issues relating to the functions, structures and activities of the EADB, including the Treaty and Charter of the EADB, the Headquarters Agreement, international conventions and treaties. The position will be involved in negotiations and will draft agreements between the EADB and third parties.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct legal due diligence on proposed projects and provide comprehensive legal opinions on the Bank’s portfolio. Verify all supporting legal documentation and ensure authenticity and accuracy;
• Negotiate financing agreements, investments and derivative transactions;
• Provide legal support, advice and prepare standard documentation required for the Bank’s business transactions. Such documents may include investment agreements and security documentation for, but not limited to, secured  cross border lending transactions, (Project Finance, Asset Finance, Structured Finance, PPP/PPI, BOT or Concession Financing and/ or cross boarder capital market or corporate finance transactions (bonds, IPOs or privatizations). The position will be accountable for drafting agreements that conform to best practice in the banking industry and exclusively protect the Bank’s interests;
• Periodically monitor compliance to EADB’s agreements by all parties including the EADB. Offer legal opinion during project appraisal processes to facilitate business decisions;
• In conjunction with the Work out Unit, negotiate debt settlements; initiate legal action related to debt recovery and realization of securities; and coordinate appointment and tasks of receivers and managers;
• Prepare work plans and advise the Operations team on the cost of legal services, to facilitate pricing of Bank products. Manage own and/ or contracted counsel’s legal fees and operational costs as a contribution to the cost management strategy of the Bank;
• Monitor and study new or revised legislation regarding the EAC, member states and the industry and timeously advise management on their impact to the Bank’s business;
• Take measures to ensure that the Bank’s security register is current at all times and the titles and all other related documents are handled with utmost efficiency to guarantee their safety and security;
• Take custody of the Bank’s legal instruments. Provide legal support in the preparation, negotiation and finalization of legal instruments of cooperation between the Bank, bilateral and multilateral development partners;
• Provide and/or work with contracted legal counsel to provide the Bank with adequate legal representation and /or services and ensure that all the Bank’s interests are protected at all times;
• Manage and direct the Bank’s representation in litigation, arbitration, and other administrative or legal proceedings, including internal administrative reviews, appellate and judicial proceedings and other matters in which the Bank is a party or may have an interest;
• Proactively identify and advise management on legal risks, propose and implement mitigation strategies in area of jurisdiction;
• Undertake research and provide recommendations to senior management on significant developments, emerging opportunities and challenges in areas of responsibility; and

 Perform any other tasks assigned by Management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors degree (LLB) from a recognised university;
• A post-graduate degree in Public International Law, Corporate Financial Law, International Business Law or Banking and Finance Law;
• Admission and current membership of at least one Bar association; Applicants from non-common law backgrounds may submit evidence of formal training in common law or long experience in common law jurisdictions;
• At least 10 years relevant experience
• Including experience in one or more of the following fields: secured cross-border lending transactions)Project Finance, Asset Finance, Structured Finance, PPP/PPI, BOT or Concession Financing, and/or cross-border capital market or corporate finance transactions (bonds, IPOs or privatizations);

Other Attributes

• Strong analytical skills
• Strategic, logical and conceptual thinking
• Highly organized with good planning skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Creative and strategic thinking
• Excellent communication abilities
• Advanced computer skills
• Highly motivated and demonstrated sound judgment
• High level of integrity and confidentiality

How To Apply:

If you are a national of one of the EADB member states and your career aspirations match these challenging and exciting roles, please submit your application by email, quoting the position on the subject of the email or cover letter.  The cover letter should specify your suitability for the position that you are applying for and the CV should highlight relevant experience, details of current and expected salary, a day time phone contact, email address, and the names and telephone contacts of three professional referees.  Applications must be received by close of business Wednesday 21 May 2014 and should be addressed to:.

Adept Systems

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

P O Box 6416, Nairobi, GPO 00100

Email: recruit@adeptsystems.co.ke

Web: www.adeptsys.biz

Please note that we do not charge fees for receiving or processing job applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 Previous applicants need not re-apply.  Note that our client reserves the right not to offer or make any appointments, or offer appointments to alternative positions where deemed appropriate.