About URBRA:
The Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority manages retirement plans for Uganda’s public workforce by serving as the fiduciary stewards of the contributions and disbursements of the pension trust funds. In partnership with the state’s public employers, we help ensure that they can offer their employees a comprehensive retirement plan that is responsive to their needs and is equitable to all stakeholders.
Job Summary: The Director Legal Services will support the Chief Executive Officer in the provision of technical and strategic leadership in the development and enforcement of a robust and facilitative legal and regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the security of pension funds as well as protect the rights of members and beneficiaries of pension schemes. In addition, the jobholder provides legal and policy analysis and advice concerning the URBRA Act, applicable laws, rules, regulations as well as facilitating the resolution of specific legal problems. Also, the incumbent is responsible for investigating and enforcing cases of violations against statutory requirements as well as recommending disciplinary sanctions in line with the URBRA Act. Other duties include providing company secretarial services, advising the Board on legal matters as well as implementing good corporate governance practices to enhance organizational credibility.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Actively participate in the formulation and development of the Authority’s strategic plan including monitoring and evaluating the implementation of work-plans related to the formulation of an enabling legal and regulatory framework aimed at protecting and safeguarding pension funds.
Offer technical leadership and strategic direction in the development, implementation and evaluation of professional legal services including overseeing, scheduling and coordinating the provision of corporate services.
Keenly review URBRA’s legal and regulatory framework with special emphasis on the removal of impediments, security of pension funds and protection of member interests to enhance the integrity of the pension industry.
Regularly review complex, sensitive and high risk legal matters in order to determine which cases pose the greatest threat to the security of pension funds including the rights of members and their beneficiaries.
Provide legal advice and assistance on all aspects of pension regulation and prepare opinions and legal interpretations on various matters related to the interpretation and review of URBRA Act and other statutory requirements.
Regularly review cases of violation against the URBRA Act, rules and regulations, provide legal opinion, recommend disciplinary sanctions, represent URBRA in courts of law, tribunals and before quasi-judicial bodies and may negotiate settlements to protect the interests of the Authority in contested disciplinary proceedings.
Keenly monitor developments in legal research and retirement benefits legislation, participate in outreach programs to strengthen corporate governance and improve the quality of service delivery.
Protect URBRA rights, privileges and interests in intellectual property and other product innovations, processes through patents and copyrights and take the necessary action to protect and preserve such rights from infringement.
Provide company secretarial services to the Board of Directors and guide on good corporate governance practices to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Carry out legal research, develop concept papers, prepare legal briefs and opinions as well as develop effective defense strategies, arguments and testimony in preparation for legal
Prepare, draft and negotiate contracts, leases, formal agreements and other legal instruments between the Authority and other parties, participate in settlement and arbitration of disputes to protect organizational interests.
Draft legal documents, interpret and implement laws and rulings including government policies and regulations as well as represent.
The incumbent will establish and maintain contractual agreements with externally appointed professional legal firms to provide legal services in case of civil or criminal litigation involving URBRA.
Gather evidence in cases involving URBRA to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings in order to formulate legal defense or to initiate legal action.
Work closely with the Attorney General’s Chambers, Registrar General, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders throughout the country in connection with prosecution of offenders and to develop and advance criminal cases when the violation warrants more severe action.
Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams to develop, implement and evaluate strategic management plans and budgets aimed at improving performance standards and organizational effectiveness.
Develop and implement strategies for creating a high performing organizational culture based on transparency, integrity, accountability, performance measurement and results to ensure that programme activities are undertaken on sound management principles and practices.
The incumbent will initiate and participate in organizational performance reviews, business process improvements aimed at improving organizational effectiveness.
Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff in order to ensure that the candidates selected have the required job competencies and are provided with orientation and induction programme necessary for effective job performance
Actively participate in the implementation of advocacy and public relations strategy aimed at generating goodwill and advancing the mission of URBRA.
Regularly review incidents of violations against organizational policy and regulations; handle disputes and take appropriate action in line
Assess staff performance, identify training needs, as well as design and implement training programmes to equip staff with appropriate job competencies in order to improve service delivery
Participate in education and training programmes designed to update stakeholders on URBRA requirements as well as creating awareness and sensitizing the general public on the benefits of pension schemes
Represent URBRA at local and international meetings, conferences, other forums to promote and articulate issues related to the development of pension industry.
Build a network of strong and lasting partnerships with stakeholders in the pension industry and relevant Government agencies to ensure continuing support to URBRA’s mission and strategic objectives.
Prepare concept papers, board papers, periodic progress reports and annual reports showing organizational achievements against planned targets as well as providing justification for performance variances and areas of improvement.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant should hold a Master’s degree in Commercial Law (LLM), Business Administration (MBA), Economics or a related field. In addition must possess LLB Honors degree
Possession of a Post graduate Diploma in Law.
The applicant must also be an advocate of the High Court of Uganda
At least ten years’ experience in providing legal and company secretarial services
Broad knowledge and understanding of commercial law including legal and regulatory framework governing the regulation of financial sectors
Excellent communication skills and ability to develop proposals, concept papers, position papers as well as write reports and senior relevant publications
Flexibility and responsiveness in providing high quality customer service
Proven ability to maintain professional status and keep abreast of evolving legal trends though continuing legal education especially in the area of pensions
Proficiency in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, email and internet etc.
Demonstrated ability to deliver URBRA’s articulated vision for change, create a sense of urgency around change and motivate staff to join the change efforts
How to Apply:
If you believe you are the right candidate and would love to contribute to the Ugandan pension sector, please deliver your application and CV clearly detailing your suitability for the position in terms of required qualifications and experience to the Interim Chief Executive Officer, URBRA reception on 5th Floor, Plot 1 Clement Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda.
Deadline: 4th April 2016