Legal, Governance and Compliance Manager at World Vision Uganda

Organization: World Vision Uganda

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Application Deadline: 19th September 2025

Key Requirement: Minimum 7-10 years of legal practice experience with expertise in corporate law, compliance, and risk management.

About World Vision Uganda

World Vision Uganda is a Christian Relief, Development and Advocacy Non-Government Organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. We currently work in over 41 districts in Uganda. World Vision is committed to the protection of children and we will not employ people whose background is not suitable for working with children. All employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where possible. "Our Vision for every child, Life in all its fullness. Our prayer for every Heart, the will to make it so."

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Board Governance Coordination

Provide effective governance support to the board to ensure optimal management support and performance.
Ensure the Board meets its legal mandates in accordance with the laws; and the governance processes are carried out in accordance with the requirements and policies of WV for an Intermediate Board.

Board Coordination

Manage the Board meeting plans, organize Board meetings and ensure that proper records are taken and minutes of WVU Board meetings are kept safely.
Follow up of Board meeting action plans and ensure responsible persons/parties complete the assigned tasks.
Organize Board Committee meetings to ensure their link with the Board meeting is strategic as per the Board work plan and follow up on management action points arising from these meetings.
Coordinate capacity building initiatives on governance for the Board and the WVU Senior Leadership Team.
Provide advice and guidance to the Board on their duties and responsibilities and on matters of ethics and good governance.
Manage and plan for Board field trips to the WVU Area Programmes to help deepen Board members understanding of WV's ministry.
Serve as a staff member for the Governance Committee of the Board for legal advice and secretariat support to the Committee.
Manage and update the Governance Risk Register and ensure it is followed up and referenced by the Board Committees.
Maintain the organizational membership register and ensure that all regulatory compliance issues of members are up to date.
Responsible for statutory compliance with the NGO Bureau.

Support the Board Chair

Prepare the quarterly Chair's report to the WVI President and other Partnership reports that may be deemed necessary for the purpose of WVU's governance accountability.
Coordinate the recruitment and selection processes (for Board members) in conjunction with the Board Chair and the Governance and Nominations Committee.

Manage the WVI Partnership requirements

Ensure Board members are updated; given guidance and access to Partnership Policies. Further, establish that new WV Partnership policies are owned, contextualized, implemented and monitored by the National Office.
Coordinate National Office peer review sessions in conjunction with the Partnership Peer Review Office and prepare the National Office Action plan on implementation of the Peer Review Report recommendations. Further, follow up on the implementation of the recommendations to ensure WVU's compliance
In conjunction with the Governance and Nominations Committee and the Board Chair, coordinate the Annual Board Self Review, individual and peer Board effectiveness review processes. In addition, ensure that the learnings inform Board work plan and development processes.
Managing the National Office Global Governance database.

Leadership of the Risk & Compliance function

To provide strategic leadership in risk management, governance, and compliance by developing and implementing risk management plans, maintaining an updated enterprise risk register, and ensuring effective mitigation measures.

Legal Advisory

To provide strategic legal counsel and support on operational, contractual, and regulatory matters, ensuring informed decision-making and the protection of the organization's interests.

Provide expert and strategic legal advice to management of significant issues that cut across legal and related areas such as external and internal partnering processes, grant-contracting processes, operations, (which includes evaluating and weighing multiple inputs and impacts of any decision and course of action).
Ensure that internal governance policies and procedures are reviewed regularly for alignment with partnership policies and national law.
Establish and implement organizational contract management procedures and ensure that they are regularly reviewed for effectiveness.
Establish a mechanism that encourages the coaching and development of all WVU employees in contracting practices and procedures and compliance thereof.
Establish a system that identifies areas of criticality or high risk from a legal perspective and designs contingency plans around each identified element.
Oversee and monitor progress of any legal proceedings including litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
Serves as the primary liaison to the external counsel for coordination and following through on ongoing litigation for a fast, effective and cost-efficient closure with the minimum risk to the organization.
Establish an audit process that regularly evaluates the legal position of the organization in regards to legal compliance.
Monitor changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment, to ensure that internal management policies and procedures for WVU are reviewed for relevance and effectiveness.

Support policy development & periodical reviews

Facilitate & advise the People & Culture Division in assessing legal risks related to disciplinary management and design relevant mitigation measures.
Engage in review (through a legal lens) of agreements, contracts and other legally-binding agreements such as organizational leases, allotment letters, key title documents etc. to ensure WVU's full rights.

Training and Capacity Building

To lead the design and execution of capacity-building initiatives, ensuring organizational alignment with legal, governance, and compliance standards while cultivating a culture of ethical excellence and accountability.

Foster, manage, and coordinate relations with Government of Uganda (GoU) institutions:

Monitor and analyse GoU environment in areas of priority for government relations work and liaise with relevant departments for continued engagement.
In collaboration with East Africa Regional Officer (EARO), engage with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Host Country Agreement as it relates to WVU so as to capitalise on all potential benefits under the Privileges and Immunities Act.

Additional Responsibilities

Participate and contribute in the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings and other special committees as assigned by the National Director and/or SLT.
Provide legal guidance during SLT and Senior Management Team (SMT) meetings, discussions and others requiring the same.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

A minimum of 7–10 years of experience in legal practice, with demonstrated expertise in corporate law, compliance, and risk management.
Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and legal documents
Experience supporting or advising Boards of Directors or senior leadership on governance practices and frameworks.
Familiarity with governance standards, statutory requirements, and best practices
Hands-on experience in developing and implementing enterprise risk management frameworks.
Comprehensive knowledge of national and international legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly in the NGO or corporate sectors.
Prior experience leading teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
Ability to provide strategic legal and compliance advice to support organizational decision-making.

Required Education, training, license, registration, and certification

Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB).
Diploma in Legal Practice (e.g., Dip. LP).
Certification from recognized governance institutions.

Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications

In-depth knowledge of corporate, labor, and contract law, as well as regulatory frameworks governing NGOs, corporations, or public sector entities.
Strong understanding of litigation processes and dispute resolution mechanisms
Thorough understanding of governance principles, including Board structures, roles, and responsibilities
Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating enterprise-wide risks.
Knowledge of risk management frameworks such as ISO 31000
Knowledge of industry-specific compliance requirements
Proficiency in legal research tools, compliance management systems, and risk assessment software.

How to Apply

All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to submit your application and complete Curriculum Vitae by applying online through visiting World Vision International's e-recruitment jobs portal at the web link below.