Senior Science Officer - Legal

Job description

Qualifications

1. Bachelor of Laws Degree from a recognized institution.
   
2. Masters or Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Uganda.
   
3. Enrolled as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and a member in good standing of the Uganda Law Society.
   

Added advantage

• A Master's degree in Law (LLM) or a related field, preferably with specialization in Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Health Law, Technology and Innovation Law, International Law, Commercial/Contract Law, or Public Administration.
  

• Training or certification in contract management, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, corporate governance, legislative drafting, data protection, or public procurement law.
  

Work Experience

1. A minimum of six (6) years' relevant post-enrolment legal working experience, three (3) of which should have been served at Officer level or its equivalent in a reputable public or private sector organization.
   
2. Demonstrated experience in contract drafting and negotiation, legal advisory services, regulatory compliance, and management of litigation.
   
3. Experience advising a statutory body, regulatory agency, research institution, or public entity will be a distinct added advantage.
   
4. Practical exposure to legal issues arising in the science, technology and innovation domain — such as intellectual property, biosafety, research ethics and regulation, access and benefit sharing, data protection, or technology transfer — will be an added advantage.
   
5. Demonstrated experience in supervising and mentoring staff.
   

Responsibilities

Provide expert legal advice and opinions to the Executive Secretary, Management, and the Governing Council on matters affecting the Council's mandate, operations, and decisions.

Interpret and advise on the application of the UNCST Act, subsidiary regulations, and other national and international laws, treaties, and protocols governing science, technology, and innovation.

Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, memoranda of understanding, grant agreements, service agreements, material transfer agreements, and other legal instruments to which the Council is party, ensuring the Council's interests are protected.

Conduct legal research and prepare position papers, legal briefs, and advisories on emerging legal issues in science, technology, innovation, biosafety, bioethics, intellectual property, data protection, and access and benefit sharing.

Spearhead the development, review, and reform of the Council's legal and regulatory framework, including drafting bills, regulations, guidelines, and policy instruments, and supporting their passage through the relevant government processes.

Ensure the Council's compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory, and governance obligations, including public procurement, employment, data protection, and public finance management laws.

Requirements

Education: Post-graduate education Experience: 5 years Languages: English