About US:
Centenary Bank is the leading Commercial Micro Finance Bank in Uganda serving over 1,300,000 clients (a quarter of the banking population) in 58 branches spread countrywide. We are one of Uganda’s top three financial organisations, employing more than 1,900 people. Joining Centenary Bank is an opportunity to use your skills and experience in tackling real world problems.
Job Summary: The Senior Legal Officer will support Centenary Bank by drafting and reviewing legal documents including pleadings, contracts, credit facilities and securities, provide legal advice, conduct research and represent the Bank in Courts of Law in line with divisional standards and targets on legal risk management and best practice standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Carry out legal research and offer legal advice and guidance on proactive compliance of the Bank with new legislation and or best practices likely to affect the Bank’s business, policy and operating environment.
Regularly review fraud investigation reports and findings and make recommendations for appropriate legal action to redress the Bank; hold watching briefs for the Bank in criminal proceedings in courts of law in respect of matters reported by the Bank and accordingly report progress.
In charge of preparing responses to notices of intention to sue and liaise with the relevant Divisions/Branches for timely compilation of information required for the Bank’s response thereto in compliance with the Legal requirements, consumer protection standards and Divisional Service Level Agreements.
The Senior Legal Officer will be tasked with submitting weekly/monthly reports on new and existing legal suits by and against the Bank, progress of credit recovery cases assigned for collection, trend and exposure analysis thereof, and recommend strategies.
Manage Centenary Bank’s external advocates and branches on, information required for progress of any court proceedings in which the Bank has an interest and advice on measures to be taken for their efficient and effective management.
Draft and review contracts entered into by the Bank for procurement of goods and services in line with the Bank’s requirements, policy and best practice on prudent risk management.
Regularly review and perfect documentation for Credit facilities to Bank customers in line with Bank policy, relevant legislation and divisional Service Level Agreements.
Represent the Bank in courts of law.
Prepares responses to notices of intention
Perform any other duties as assigned by the Legal Manager (Litigation)
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The prospective Centenary Bank employee should hold an Honors’ Bachelor of Laws degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Be enrolled as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda.
Possession of an additional or professional qualification in any area of law, ICSA or Management will be an added advantage.
A minimum of four years’ post-enrolment experience in either active legal practice (litigation bias) in a reputable law firm, OR as in-house counsel in a financial institution or large reputable institution.
Familiarity with the Banking, Finance and Insurance Laws and best practices in the respective fields will be an added advantage.
Good drafting, writing, communication and reporting skills.
Excellent analytical skills with proven ability to provide prompt and sound legal advice.
Ability to execute various tasks at the same time and meet deadlines.
Be a good team player, who pays special attention to detail and is able to embrace the Bank’s mission and values
Self-driven with a high level of confidentiality
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to work under pressure
A good team player
NB: Applicants with pass degrees need not apply.
How to Apply:
All candidates who desire to join Centenary Bank should send their applications by following the instructions below; downloading an application form for employment, download here, filling it and enclosing an application letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV) with three professional referees and copies of academic testimonials/certificates and send the application to:
General Manager Human Resources, Centenary Bank, P.O. Box 1892 — Kampala, Uganda.
Note: While we thank all applicants for your interest. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Deadline: 17th July 2015 by 5:00 pm