Legal Counsel Rural Electrification Authority

The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is a statutory body established pursuant to the enactment of the Rural Electrification Act No. 20 of the Laws of Zambia in 2003. The Mission of the Authority is to facilitate availability and access to sustainable electricity in rural areas so as to contribute to enhanced living standards. The Authority is looking for suitably candidates who are self-driven, passionate, experienced persons who are excited about development of rural areas of Zambia to fill the following vacant position:

1. POSITION: LEGAL COUNSEL

DURATION – Fixed Term Contract

DEPARTMENT: Corporate Management GRADE: REA 3 REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

LOCATION: Head Office, Lusaka

A. Purpose of the Job: 

To provide overall advice, expertise and support on legal issues relating to the functions, structures and activities of the Rural Electrification Authority and support management on issues pertaining to legal and regulatory framework and monitor compliance with legal and regulatory corporate governance requirements.

Main Duties and Accountabilities:

1. Advising the organisation on all legal matters that may arise in its operations;

2. Drawing and vetting of contracts, agreements and other legal documents;

3. Negotiating for contracts;

4. Development of Departmental budgets and workplans;

5. Following up on cases filed against the Authority and preparation of legal reports and opinions;

6. Undertaking legal research;

7. Liaising with external lawyers and the Attorney General’s office on all cases filed against the Authority to ensure instructions, witnesses and statements are procured on time;

9. Coordinating the Authority’s complaint management system;

10. Advising the Authority on the legislation that affect the Authority and changes made thereof;

11. Monitoring compliance with legal and statutory requirements of the organisation;

12. Providing necessary support to the CEO in the board secretarial function;

13. Providing of day to day legal and regulatory support to the functional areas
covering general compliance queries and reviews; and

14. Carry out any other duties relating to laws of the country or the Authority in generally as may be directed by the CEO from time to time.

C. Qualifications: 

• Degree in Law,
• post graduate degree or professional qualifications will be an added advantage
• Advocate of the High Court
• Member of the Law Association of Zambia with a valid practicing license

D. Required knowledge and skills: 

Experience 

More than 5 years’ demonstratable post graduate experience. Knowledge of legal provisions Working experience on public sector contract packaging and/ or development partner-funded project contracts will be an added advantage,

Skills Specification

The candidate must have legal and regulatory knowledge of the electricity industry and of electrification. The candidate should have a highly developed management skills; wide understanding of Strategic/Business planning skills; Good working Knowledge of computers and software programs related to development and management of the REMP.

The candidate should have excellent communication skills to be able to express themselves in a positive and clear manner to the Board, CEO’s office, stakeholders and the rest of the employees.

Personal Attributes

The candidate should possess the following attributes:

• Accountability & Reliability – Takes ownership and responsibility for decisions,
  actions, and results; delivers on commitments. Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and good judgement.
• Initiative – Must display a sense of urgency to effectively and efficiently complete a varying workload in a timely manner. Can initiate actions independently, handles unexpected situations, and volunteers to assist others.
• Problem Solving – Ability to proactively identify issues, think critically, and take action by analyzing all the information skilfully to persistently pursue positive outcomes. Uses sound judgment on when to take action and when to seek guidance.
• Compliance & Quality – Must ensure accuracy, meet established deadlines of work, produce a quality product and show commitment to continuous improvement efforts. Ability to learn, interpret, and comply with all organization policies and procedures.
• Collaborative – Has a strong work ethic. Brings a track record of working effectively with various and diverse individuals and groups, and a willingness to actively listen and invite different views and opinions across all levels of the institution to build alignment in support of a common goal.