Background

Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Ltd (GAH Ltd) is a flagship agribusiness initiative established through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and NETAFIM Ltd, a global leader in precision irrigation solutions. Located in Nyagatare District, GAH Ltd is at the forefront of transforming Rwanda’s agricultural sector through large-scale irrigated farming, modern agribusiness infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture. The Hub is designed to drive modern, irrigated agriculture, enhance productivity, and attract commercial farming investment.

The Hub was established to drive agricultural commercialization, enhance food security, promote technology-driven farming, and attract private sector investment into high-value agriculture. Through its integrated irrigation infrastructure and modern farming ecosystem, GAH Ltd aims to position Rwanda as a regional model for sustainable and productive agribusiness development.

About the Position

As the organization continues to scale its operations, we are seeking to recruit a competent candidate to fill the position of Legal Officer, who will be responsible for overseeing and managing the legal aspects of the company's operations. This role requires a deep understanding of corporate law, contract management, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide sound legal advice and guidance to the management team.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance and support to the management team on a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to contracts, corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Review, draft, and participate in negotiation of various contracts, agreements, and legal documents to ensure they adhere to the company's policies and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to stay updated on changes in laws and regulations that may affect the company's operations, and make recommendations to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with different departments to develop and/or update existing internal policies and procedures to mitigate legal risks and ensure the company's operations align with legal standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel, as necessary, to handle complex legal matters and represent the company's interests in legal proceedings or negotiations.
• Assist in the resolution of legal disputes and litigation, including managing external legal resources and representing the company in negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Work closely with other departments, such as finance, human resources, and operations, to ensure legal compliance in all aspects of the business.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential business transactions, partnerships, and acquisitions to assess and mitigate legal risks.
• Prepare and deliver training sessions and workshops to educate employees on legal matters, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all legal documents, contracts, and correspondences.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in law (LLB)) from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working as a legal officer or in a similar legal role, preferably in the agricultural or agribusiness sector.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, contract law, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide strategic legal advice and solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively.
• Proven track record of managing legal contracts and negotiations effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with relevant software and tools for legal research and document management.

Key Competencies

• Legal Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and proactively mitigate legal risks arising from the company’s operations, transactions, contracts, and business relationships.
• Strategic Legal Advisory: Ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical, commercially sound recommendations that support management decision-making and the company’s strategic objectives.
• Contract Negotiation and Management: Strong ability to develop and negotiate agreements while protecting the company’s interests, maintaining balanced commercial relationships, and ensuring effective contract implementation.
• Corporate Governance: Sound understanding of good governance principles, board and management.

• Provide legal guidance and support to the management team on a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to contracts, corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Review, draft, and participate in negotiation of various contracts, agreements, and legal documents to ensure they adhere to the company's policies and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to stay updated on changes in laws and regulations that may affect the company's operations, and make recommendations to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with different departments to develop and/or update existing internal policies and procedures to mitigate legal risks and ensure the company's operations align with legal standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel, as necessary, to handle complex legal matters and represent the company's interests in legal proceedings or negotiations.
• Assist in the resolution of legal disputes and litigation, including managing external legal resources and representing the company in negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Work closely with other departments, such as finance, human resources, and operations, to ensure legal compliance in all aspects of the business.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential business transactions, partnerships, and acquisitions to assess and mitigate legal risks.
• Prepare and deliver training sessions and workshops to educate employees on legal matters, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all legal documents, contracts, and correspondences.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven track record of managing legal contracts and negotiations effectively
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Familiarity with relevant software and tools for legal research and document management
• Legal Risk Management
• Strategic Legal Advisory
• Contract Negotiation and Management
• Corporate Governance

• Bachelor's degree in law (LLB)) from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working as a legal officer or in a similar legal role, preferably in the agricultural or agribusiness sector.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate law, contract law, and regulatory compliance.