Cottco is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Officer to join its legal team. As the Legal Officer, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal support and strategic guidance to the organization, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities
• Provide legal advice to management on decisions with legal implications as may be assigned by Company
Secretary and Legal Advisor
• Assist the Company Secretary and Legal Advisor in preparing and reviewing proposed legal documents such as contracts, leases, Service Level Agreements and other legal instruments.
• Advise and assist the management team on a wide range of legal matters, including contracts, commercial transactions, intellectual property, labor and employment, and corporate governance
• Draft, review, and negotiate various legal documents, such as agreements, leases, licenses, and corporate policies
• Ensure the company’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards
• Manage the company’s litigation and dispute resolution processes, including representing Cottco in court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution forums
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate legal risks, and develop policies and procedures to address them
• Stay up-to-date with changes in relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices, and provide timely updates to the management team
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor, providing strategic advice and recommendations to support the company’s business objectives
• Manage the work of external legal counsel, as needed, to ensure efficient and effective legal representation
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the company’s overall legal strategy

Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor of Laws Degree
• A relevant Master’s Degree in Law is an added advantage
• Must be a registered legal practitioner with the Law Society of Zimbabwe
• Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience, preferably in a corporate legal role or a reputable law firm
• Demonstrated expertise in contract law, commercial transactions, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance,
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex legal and business issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts in a clear and
concise manner
• Proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing strategic legal advice
• In-depth knowledge of the agriculture and/or manufacturing industries, and the associated legal landscape, would be an advantage
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.