2. DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE

Report to: The Director General

Department: Legal and Compliance

Age Limit: 45

• Being a Rwandan by Nationality

• Bachelor’s Degree / Master in Law (LLB/LLM), 
• Diploma in Legal practice; 
• A minimum of three (3) years of proven professional experience in legal practice at managerial level (leading a team) in reputable institution in Rwanda or Prosector at Provincial level 

Knowledge and Skills

• Management and Leadership skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management skills
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, contract law, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Update Knowledge regulatory environment 
• Ability to identify and analyses complex issues/problems in management areas, and recommend and implement solutions.
• Ability to manage office functions economically and efficiently, plan work, maintains good interpersonal relations and communications with lawyers and support staff.
• Business experience is an added advantage.
• Displays excellent supervisory and leadership skills.
• Has the ability to evaluate and weigh all legal aspects and / or situation, and be able to provide sound solutions, with the ultimate aim of protecting the legal rights of the Cooperative
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times 
• The ability to operate in a performance driven organization
• High Team work spirit
• Patience and tolerance
• Attention to detail
• Wise judgment
• Maturity
• Continuous legal education on current trends

Key responsibilities

• Direct and control the staff of the legal services department to ensure that they are appropriately motivated and trained and that they carry out their responsibilities to the required standards. 
• Set the strategy and goals for the legal team in alignment with the larger organization goals set and monitor standards of excellence for the Department.
• Develop and monitor an annual budget for the department to ensure that all financial targets are met and appropriate financial controls are in place.
• Ensure that the organization has adhered to the Bylaws as well as the laws and regulations of the country.
• Provide accurate legal advice to senior Manager and staff to ensure that decisions taken are legally correct and that the Cooperatives interests are protected.
• Advising the Cooperative about legal issues related to the business operations.
• Identify, research and analyze legal issues that can affect the organization and its activities.
• Develop and provide trainings on legal issues, processes and policies in all departments.
• Provide legal representation to the Cooperative, support the work of the organization and manage the full range of legal strategies and responsibilities.
• Selecting and overseeing the work of outside Lawyers working with UMWALIMU SACCO in different court representation.
• Coordinate and briefing /discussion with the lawyers for legal cases and to negotiate the fees structure for the Advocates.
• Follow up with Advocate for updating of legal cases.
• Ensuring the Cooperative operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and helping prepare briefs, complaints, motions and other court documents.
• Drafting, negotiating, editing and vetting complex commercial agreements, contracts, Memorandum of Understandings, non discloses agreements, intellectual property rights etc. and providing litigation support.
• Represent the Cooperative at court hearings and tribunals to ensure that the Cooperatives interests are effectively safeguarded and so that it carries out its legal obligations effectively. 
• Represent the Cooperative at the meetings with external bodies to ensure that the legal aspects of any decisions are fully considered.
• Maintain an awareness of developments in the legal field which might affect the Cooperative and prepare reports on relevant matters for consideration by management.
• Maintain and update Cooperative records and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Present accurate Legal reports to support management decision making.

Legal and Compliance

• Approval of contracts with suppliers, business partnership including negotiating the contracts.
• Approval/and negotiating leases and correspondences therein. 
• Oversight over loan securitization and perfection process.
• Pursuit of debt collection including issuance of demand letters in conjunction with the credit Department.
• Liaison with external Lawyers to ensure UMWALIMU SACCO interests are secured. 

Loan Appraisal 

• Advising on suitability of securities offered to secure loans.
• Managing the security documentation deposit, safe custody and retrieval. 

Committee Advisory

Giving input and legal guidance in the loan processing and approvals as necessary, tender committee to ensure compliance with procurement process and avoidance of potential litigation and leadership committees.

• 100% legal compliance 
• Excellence in execution of the role of Legal representative
• UMWALIMU SACCO interests are protected in all contracts and business transactions
• Ensure minimized legal exposure for UMWALIMU SACCO
• Efficient debt recovery efforts /legal letters to customers for distress

Cost effective securitization of loans