The Legal Specialist will be responsible for advising on a broad range of legal matters affecting the organization's work, including contract management, compliance, governance, and risk management. This role will ensure that AGRA's activities are in line with applicable laws and regulations and will involve collaborating with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to AGRA's projects and partnerships, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
Carry out legal research and provide legal advice to AGRA teams on emerging legal matters, including matters related to data protection, tax, and labour law.
Ensure compliance with AGRA's operations comply with the country's legal and regulatory requirements in accordance with the Legal and Regulatory Compliance Plan
Conduct legal research and guide on emerging legal and regulatory issues affecting AGRA's mission.
Support the Senior Legal Counsel in managing the organizations' litigation that may arise in the course of AGRA's work, including engaging in negotiation or mediation processes when necessary.
Provide legal training and awareness to AGRA staff and partners on relevant legal issues, policies, and best practices.
Develop or update internal legal policies, templates, and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient legal operations within the organization.
Work closely with other AGRA Units to address legal considerations in their respective areas of work.
Represent AGRA in discussions with external legal bodies, regulatory agencies, and partners, as needed.
Qualifications and Experience
A Law degree (LL.B or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
Admission to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction (e.g., member of a Bar Association or equivalent).
At least 1 year of professional experience as a legal counsel
Experience with non-profit governance, donor agreements, contract law, and international will be an added advantage.
Strong legal research, analytical, and drafting skills.
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and practically.
Strong negotiation skills and experience working with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in legal software, document management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrated commitment to AGRA's mission and values, with a passion for sustainable agricultural development and social impact.