Senior Legal Service Officer

Job Summary

To ensure high-quality legal services for Medical Teams International, vulnerable refugee and host populations in Ethiopia, this position will be responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective handling of legal matters, ensuring compliance, and supporting access to essential legal assistance.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Duties / Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Stay updated on legal changes relevant to the organization and enhance the organization’s legal knowledge base.
• The Legal Senior Officer shall provide legal advisory services, including writing proceedings and representing the organization on all legal cases at any court as legal cases emerge.
• Provide timely legal counsel on various issues and assist in drafting legal opinions and memoranda.
• Advise on internal policies, monitor compliance, and assess risks to minimize legal exposure.
• Ensure legal compliance with local and international laws and guide regulatory practices.
• Support the development and implementation of risk management SOPs to protect organization from potential legal liabilities.

Incident Management and Investigation

• Investigate labor disputes, theft, fraud, and breaches of discipline.
• Manage insurance claims and legal action related to property damage or injury.
• Conduct internal investigations into misconduct, report findings, and monitor implementation of the action points.
• Provide legal support for cases of sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring safeguarding policies are followed.

Legal Representation, Documentation, and Reporting

• Provide legal advice, represent the organization in court, prepare witnesses for hearings, and manage legal cases efficiently.
• Offer arbitration, litigation, and mediation support, and draft contracts, lease agreements and and employment policies.
• Maintain legal files and collaborate with management on defense strategies.
• Support HR in preparing disciplinary actions and ensure compliance with legal procedures.

Capacity Building and Training

• Clarify legal language and specifications for staff, ensuring understanding of legal obligations.
• Promote safeguarding policies and create awareness of legal documentation requirements for procurements, staff contracts etc.
• Offer training on relevant legal topics such as contract management, employment law, and safeguarding.
• Train relevant staff and leadership teams on Ethiopian legal frameworks and their implications for humanitarian operations.

External Collaboration and Advocacy

• Communicate and negotiate with external parties on legal issues, fostering trust.
• Represent the organization in forums and advocate for policy changes to improve humanitarian operations.
• Manage complex legal matters with multiple stakeholders and engage in advocacy for humanitarian legal frameworks.
• Ensure the Safeguarding of program participants and employees through promoting an environment of awareness and upholding the code of conduct provisions of Medical Teams Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Child & Vulnerable Adult protection, and harassment-free workplace policies.

Additional activities

• Provide guidance on regulatory compliance, ensuring that all organizational practices align with local laws and international standards.
•  Offer legal training sessions to HR team, staff on relevant legal topics, such as contract management, employment law, and safeguarding procedures.
• Support the HR department in recruitment ,onboarding, handling discplinary issue
•  Monitor updates in local and international laws and regulations to keep the organization informed of changes that could impact operations.
•  Facilitate legal due diligence for new projects, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations before launch.
• Conduct internal investigations related to allegations of misconduct or legal concerns, reporting findings to senior management.
• Draft legal memos and provide consultations to help inform decision-making for management and program teams.
• Support the development and implementation of risk management policies to protect the organization from potential legal liabilities

Physical Conditions  

This position requires frequent travel to areas located in remote areas with very basic living conditions.

NOTE:  The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position.  Duties, responsibilities, and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department, or organization. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned; The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change.

Department: HR

Team: HR and Admin, Finance , Logistics, Program and Operation

Reports to (position): HR and Admin Manager

Location(s): Addis Ababa

Work Days & Hours: Monday-Saturday, 40-48 hours/week, occasional weekends and public holidays

Travel: Regular travel to field offices