Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST)

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is a government agency established in 1990 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 211 as amended) with a mandate to develop and implement strategies for integration of Science and Technology into the national development process.

UNCST invites applications from suitably qualified Ugandans for the position below, based at its offices on Plot 6 Kimera Road, Ntinda, Kampala.

Position

Senior Science Officer – Legal

Department

Executive Secretary

Contract Duration

Two (2) Years

Job Purpose

To provide expert legal advisory and assurance services to UNCST by interpreting and applying national and international laws, policies and regulations governing science and technology.

The role involves conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing litigation and safeguarding the Council’s legal interests to enable UNCST to execute its mandate and mitigate legal risks.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and opinions to the Executive Secretary, Management and the Governing Council on matters affecting the Council’s mandate, operations and decisions.
• Interpret and advise on the application of the UNCST Act, subsidiary regulations and other national and international laws, treaties and protocols governing science, technology and innovation.
• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of contracts, memoranda of understanding, grant agreements, service agreements, material transfer agreements and other legal instruments to which the Council is party, ensuring protection of the Council’s interests.
• Conduct legal research and prepare position papers, legal briefs and advisories on emerging legal issues in science, technology, innovation, biosafety, bioethics, intellectual property, data protection and access and benefit sharing.
• Spearhead the development, review and reform of the Council’s legal and regulatory framework, including drafting bills, regulations, guidelines and policy instruments.
• Ensure compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory and governance obligations, including public procurement, employment, data protection and public finance management laws.
• Manage litigation and dispute resolution involving the Council, including liaison with the Attorney General’s Chambers and external legal counsel.
• Represent the Council, as authorised, before courts, tribunals, arbitration panels, regulatory bodies and during negotiations with third parties.
• Establish and maintain a legal risk register, identify legal and compliance risks and recommend mitigation measures to Management.
• Provide legal support to the Council’s regulatory functions, including research clearance, biosafety, access and benefit sharing and technology transfer.
• Provide legal counsel on human resource and administrative matters, including disciplinary proceedings, employment contracts and staff grievances.
• Serve as Secretary or legal adviser to Council and Management committees as assigned, while advising on corporate governance, fiduciary duties and conflict of interest management.
• Maintain custody of the Council’s legal documents, contracts, title deeds, seals and statutory registers.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of contracts and legal instruments.
• Advise on protection, registration and management of the Council’s intellectual property and intellectual property arising from supported research and innovation activities.
• Build legal awareness and capacity across the Council through briefings, training and guidance notes on legal obligations and risk avoidance.
• Supervise, mentor and appraise assigned staff and coordinate the work of the legal function, including consultants and external service providers.
• Prepare periodic legal reports, compliance statements and analytical summaries for Management, the Governing Council and oversight bodies.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws Degree from a recognised institution.
• Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Uganda.
• Enrolment as an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and membership in good standing of the Uganda Law Society.

Added Advantage

• Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) or related field, preferably specialising in:
  • Intellectual Property Law.
  • Environmental Law.
  • Health Law.
  • Technology and Innovation Law.
  • International Law.
  • Commercial/Contract Law.
  • Public Administration.
• Training or certification in:
  • Contract management.
  • Arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
  • Corporate governance.
  • Legislative drafting.
  • Data protection.
  • Public procurement law.

Work Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Minimum of six (6) years’ relevant post-enrolment legal working experience, with at least three (3) years served at Officer level or equivalent in a reputable public or private sector organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in contract drafting and negotiation, legal advisory services, regulatory compliance and litigation management.
• Experience advising a statutory body, regulatory agency, research institution or public entity will be a distinct added advantage.
• Practical exposure to legal issues arising in science, technology and innovation, including:
  • Intellectual property.
  • Biosafety.
  • Research ethics and regulation.
  • Access and benefit sharing.
  • Data protection.
  • Technology transfer.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising and mentoring staff.

Technical Competencies

Applicants should possess:

• Thorough knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and laws governing public bodies, including:
  • UNCST Act.
  • Public Finance Management Act.
  • Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.
  • Employment Act.
  • Data Protection and Privacy Act.
  • Related statutes and regulations.
• Working knowledge of international legal instruments relevant to science and technology, including:
  • Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • Nagoya Protocol.
  • Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
  • Intellectual property conventions.
• Advanced legal drafting skills in:
  • Contracts.
  • Agreements.
  • Legal opinions.
  • Pleadings.
  • Bills.
  • Regulations.
  • Guidelines.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills, including use of electronic legal databases and research tools.
• Competence in litigation management, arbitration, mediation and other dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Ability to identify, assess and advise on legal and compliance risks and develop practical mitigation measures.
• Sound understanding of corporate governance, board procedures, fiduciary duties and statutory record-keeping.
• Competence in standard ICT applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and legal records management systems.

Key Competencies and Skills

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Unquestionable integrity, professional ethics and adherence to advocate confidentiality obligations.
• Sound judgement, objectivity and ability to provide candid legal advice, including in challenging situations.
• Strong negotiation, persuasion and advocacy skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to translate complex legal issues into clear guidance for non-legal audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, including engagement with government ministries, Attorney General’s Chambers, development partners and courts.
• Leadership, supervision and mentoring ability.
• High attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness.
• Resilience and composure under pressure, including in contested and adversarial environments.
• Ability to work independently, manage workloads effectively and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork, flexibility and commitment to continuous professional development.