Legal Officer at AMO Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited

Job Purpose

• Draft legal agreements and contracts in conjunction with the subject matter department.
• Development and vet service level agreements (SLA) for services engaged.
• Assist in the review of guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Analyse and identify the risk of legal implications within the group and take remedial proactive measures in conjunction with the relevant department.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to the agribusiness company in all legal matters related to the company's operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to the company's operations.
• Conduct legal research and provide legal opinions on various legal issues related to the company's operations.
• Advise the company on the legal implications of business decisions.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
• Negotiate with external parties, including lawyers and other legal professionals.
• Work with the management team to develop and implement legal policies and procedures.
• Assist in obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and approvals for the company's operations.
• Review and advise on insurance policies and claims.
• Liaise with external legal counsel as necessary.
• Develop and conduct legal training for the company's employees.
• Manage the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure legal compliance in all areas of the company's operations.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of reports and other documents required by regulatory bodies
• Notify and advise on changes in the law of the country as it relates to groups’ interests.
• Maintain an archive and library of legal documents in a safe and easily retrievable manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Law or a related field.
• A higher degree or specialization in agricultural law or agribusiness would be an added advantage.
• Admission to the bar association or relevant professional legal qualification.
• Proven experience (typically 3-5 years) as a legal officer or in a similar legal role, preferably within the agribusiness industry,

Required Skills and Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of agribusiness laws, regulations, and industry practices.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to assess legal risks and provide practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with intellectual property laws and corporate governance principles.
• Proficiency in legal research and drafting legal opinions.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities to completion with tight timelines
• Business planning and analysis
• People and time management
• Report writing and presentation
• Protection of Confidential Information
• MS Office Tools and Calendar Management
• Good negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of poultry business operations and experience with process improvement
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Lateral thinking skills.

Expected Behavioral Competencies:

• Resourcefulness
• Dependability
• Passion
• Integrity
• Promptness
• Accountability
• Image/brand representation of the company