Legal Advisor

Purpose of Role

Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies Africa (AGGP) is a multi-national philanthropic group of companies with its operations in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda. The vision of AGGP is to attack poverty by investing in, nurturing and empowering entrepreneurs and leaders who benefit society by helping to accelerate meaningful employment creation while embodying the values and behaviours of ethical leadership.

In the furtherance of AGGP’s strategic objectives, the Legal, Risk & Compliance team is responsible for ensuring that the organisation operates within the legal framework, manages risks effectively and complies with regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions. To that end, AGGP is looking to hire a legal advisor to provide comprehensive legal and advisory services to the AGGP group, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. This role will focus on managing contracts, providing legal advice, ensuring regulatory compliance, assisting with risk management, and supporting the strategic initiatives of the AGGP entities.

Objectives of Role

Legal Advisory Services

• Provide timely and practical legal advice on a wide range of issues, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract law, and philanthropic activities.
• Conduct legal research and provide insights to ensure the organization complies with evolving laws and regulations in its operating regions.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to internal stakeholders, including the board, senior management, and operational teams.

Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts such as funding agreements, service level agreements, memorandum of understanding and partnership agreements.
• Ensure contracts protect the organization’s interests and comply with applicable laws and policies.
• Maintain and monitor contract databases, ensuring timely renewals and compliance with contract terms.

Corporate Governance & Compliance

• Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the drafting and review of governance policies and procedures to promote accountability and transparency.
• Provide support to ensure the organization complies with non-profit sector regulations and other legal obligations in its jurisdictions (e.g., South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia).

Risk Management

• Identify and assess legal risks related to the organization’s activities and propose strategies to minimize exposure.
• Advise on mitigating risks related to philanthropic initiatives, corporate transactions, and external engagements.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation

• Manage disputes, claims, and litigation that may arise, working with external legal counsel as needed.
• Deliver training and awareness programs for staff on legal and compliance topics, such as contract management, data protection, and regulatory compliance.

Training and Awareness

• Deliver training and awareness programs for staff on legal and compliance topics, such as contract management, data protection, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure teams understand legal risks and foster a culture of compliance within the organization

Experience and Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent (Essential)
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa (Essential)
• 2-3 years’ experience in providing legal advisory services (preferably in corporate commercial practice and/or with exposure to the non-profit or philanthropic sector)
• Familiarity with legal frameworks in South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya or Ethiopia will be advantageous.

Competencies

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of corporate, commercial, and non-profit / public benefit organisation law
• Expertise in contract drafting, negotiation, and management.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and mitigate legal risks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Personal Attributes:

• Commitment to the philanthropic mission and values of AGGP
• Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive legal matters
• Proactive and solution orientated mindset
• Collaborative and able to work well in a diverse, multi- jurisdictional environment.