Director of Legal Services

The National University of Science and Technology invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced, and results driven candidates for the position of Director of Legal Services. The Director of Legal Services is the University's principal in house legal counsel, responsible for providing strategic legal leadership, ensuring compliance, managing risk, and safeguarding the University's legal and governance interests. The position is a senior role reporting to the Registrar.

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Advice and Compliance

• Provide strategic legal advice on matters affecting the University.
• Interpret and advise on statutes, regulations, and policies governing higher education and public institutions in Zimbabwe.
• Identify, analyse, and mitigate legal and policy risks associated with University decisions.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments and provide timely guidance to relevant University units.

2. Contractual and Regulatory Functions

• Draft, review, negotiate, and vet contracts, including collaboration, partnership, consultancy, and service level agreements.
• Assist in the development, review, and updating of University statutes, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ensure institutional compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including intellectual property and related laws.

3. Litigation and Dispute Management

• Handle all litigation involving the University, including coordination with external counsel and monitoring of case progress.
• Advise on and handle disputes through mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Represent the University in courts of law, tribunals, and internal disciplinary forums, including Staff and Student Disciplinary Committees.

4. Liaison and Administrative Functions

• Act as the primary liaison with external legal practitioners, regulatory authorities, and government agencies.
• Provide secretarial and legal support to the University on governance matters.
• Lead and manage a proactive Legal Services Department.

Qualifications Required

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognised university and a Master's degree in Law or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• A minimum of five (5) years' post qualification experience in legal practice, preferably within a complex or academic institutional environment.
• Registration and current practising status as a Legal Practitioner in Zimbabwe.
• Demonstrated competence in legal drafting, litigation, negotiation, arbitration, and mediation.
• Proven ability to provide sound legal guidance in complex organisations and to work effectively within committee driven governance structures.
• High ethical standards, strong professional integrity, and sound judgement.
• Ability to manage a demanding workload with attention to detail and results orientation.