Department: Office of the Chief Executive Officer (O-CEO)
Section: Legal
Duty Station: Kampala-Uganda
Reports: Chief Executive Officer
Supervisees: N/A

Job Purpose:
The Legal Officer will provide day-to-day legal support to Ranchers Finest (U) Ltd, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, assisting in contract management, and supporting litigation and governance processes. The role is designed to strengthen the Company’s legal function by handling routine legal matters, drafting and reviewing documents, and supporting the Legal Manager & Company Secretary in safeguarding the Company’s interests.

Key Internal Stakeholders. Key External Stakeholders.

• Executive Committee (EXCO) Members
• Board of Directors
• Departmental Managers
• Business Partners and Suppliers
• Regulatory Bodies (e.g URSB)
• Local Authorities/ Regulators
• External Counsel

Responsibilities

1. Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Assist in reviewing contracts, agreements, and tender documents to identify potential legal risks.
• Provide preliminary legal opinions and escalate complex matters to the Legal Manager.
• Support management in interpreting statutes, regulations, and contractual obligations.

2. Contract Management

• Draft, review, and maintain standard contracts, Service Level Agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding.
• Ensure contracts are compliant with statutory requirements and internal policies.
• Maintain safe custody of executed contracts and legal documents.

3. Litigation Support

• Liaise with external counsel on ongoing litigation matters.
• Monitor timelines for filings, hearings, and recoveries.
• Prepare summaries and updates for management on litigation progress.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Support compliance with statutory obligations (URSB filings).
• Assist in preparing board papers, minutes, and statutory registers under the guidance of the Company Secretary.
• Maintain updated records of conflicts of interest and statutory filings.

5. Research & Policy Support

• Conduct legal research on emerging issues and legislative changes.
• Draft internal memos and briefing notes for management.
• Support policy development and review of internal procedures.

6. Stakeholder Communication

• Act as a liaison with regulators, external counsel, and business partners on routine legal matters.
• Support shareholder and stakeholder communication under the direction of the Company Secretary.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
• Advocate of the High Court of Uganda.

Related Minimum Experience

• At least 3–5 years’ experience in a corporate or law firm environment.
• Experience in contract drafting, compliance, and litigation support.
• Familiarity with corporate governance practices will be an added advantage.

Competencies Required: Behavioural

• Must demonstrate strong leadership abilities to inspire, influence, and guide employees at all different levels.

Leadership

• Strong Leadership potential to effectively drive a business agenda.

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of corporate and commercial law.
• Knowledge of labour, tax, and regulatory compliance obligations.

Skills

• Strong drafting and analytical skills.
• Effective communication (oral and written).
• Organizational and document management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Attributes include:

• Integrity and confidentiality.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Emotional Intelligence
• Resilience

Growth Potential

This role provides exposure to corporate governance, board affairs, and compliance management, offering career progression opportunities into senior legal management and company secretarial functions.

• Assist in reviewing contracts, agreements, and tender documents to identify potential legal risks.
• Provide preliminary legal opinions and escalate complex matters to the Legal Manager.
• Support management in interpreting statutes, regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Draft, review, and maintain standard contracts, Service Level Agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding.
• Ensure contracts are compliant with statutory requirements and internal policies.
• Maintain safe custody of executed contracts and legal documents.
• Liaise with external counsel on ongoing litigation matters.
• Monitor timelines for filings, hearings, and recoveries.
• Prepare summaries and updates for management on litigation progress.
• Support compliance with statutory obligations (URSB filings).
• Assist in preparing board papers, minutes, and statutory registers under the guidance of the Company Secretary.
• Maintain updated records of conflicts of interest and statutory filings.
• Conduct legal research on emerging issues and legislative changes.
• Draft internal memos and briefing notes for management.
• Support policy development and review of internal procedures.
• Act as a liaison with regulators, external counsel, and business partners on routine legal matters.
• Support shareholder and stakeholder communication under the direction of the Company Secretary.

• Strong drafting and analytical skills.
• Effective communication (oral and written).
• Organizational and document management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
• Advocate of the High Court of Uganda.