Senior Legal Officer

Purpose of the Job
Support the legal functions and needs of the Authority.

Key duties and responsibilities
Support the Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager to;
• draft court papers, conduct court proceedings and attend court;
• provide legal advice to other departments;
• prepare, draft and review contracts and other legal documents;
• peruse documents and interpret them in line with the National Environment Act No. 5 of 2019 and other related legislation;
support training and advise stakeholders in environmental laws and related matters;
• support coordination and harmonization of environmental laws;
• assist in the development of ordinances and Bye-laws;
• support local governments in the enforcement of the environmental laws;
• advise on compliance and enforcement of environmental laws;
• advise and participate in the negotiation, drafting and implementation of treaties, agreements and conventions;
support the research on environmental laws and regulations;
• perform any other duties assigned.

Person specifications
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Laws;
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
• Master of Laws shall be an added advantage.

Requirements
• Advocate of the Courts of Judicature
• Possession of a valid practicing certificate (except for Government Lawyers);

Experience:
Should have at least a minimum of five (5) years working experience in active Legal Practice, two (2) of which should have involved in criminal prosecution in environmental laws.

Duty station:
Successful candidate may in the interest of NEMA be required to serve in any part of Uganda.

Key competences and skills
• Capacity to work with minimum supervision;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• High ethics, integrity and confidentiality;
• Good reporting skills.