Legal Manager

Job Description

Dashen Breweries is a major player in the rapidly developing Ethiopian Brewery market. Our Vision is to be Ethiopia’s Number One Brewing Company and our Purpose is to “Delight Consumers, Enrich Communities and Enhance Ethiopian’s Progress”.

Our flagship Brands, Dashen, Bale’ageru and Jano are renowned for their great taste and quality. In addition to our Brewery in Gondar, we have a new leading edge Brewery at Debre Birhan, the first of its kind in Africa. Given the continued growth and future expansion of Dashen Breweries, the following opportunity exist.

Job Summary: -

Drafts all legal documents on behalf of the brewery and ensures agreement are based on acceptable and applied legal norms. Represent the brewery at the court of law and submits defenses on behalf of brewery. Renders legal advice to all departments and services of the brewery and provides legal background helpful for negotiations.

Key Responsibilities: -

Outputs and Accountabilities

• Effective management of legal risk e.g. through clear commercial advice to business functions, contract negotiation and documentation, management of litigation, labor law brand protection, competition/antitrust and driving ethical and compliant behavior to drive sustainable growth.
• Provide advice/Council and responses on arising legal issues affecting the business for all departments including the head Office and the two plants.
• To Draft, review, negotiate and finalize legal documents including contracts and agreements pertaining to Dashen business.
• Partners with line management to identify the options for achieving business objectives within appropriate legal constraints and will advise on the optimal solution, considering cost, risk and commercial consequences, laws and regulations relevant to business operations.
• Provide updates and legal briefs on all changes to laws and regulations within Ethiopia.
• Represent the Brewery before justice system (Courts, prosecutor office, Tax Review Commission and so on), arbitration, and any tribunals or administrative proceedings
• To manage litigation and dispute resolution by or against the business including management of external counsel and other service providers.
• Interface with external regulator, supervisory bodies and third parties regarding legal and compliance matters of the company.
• Follow up compliance by ensuring that all applicable proclamations, laws, directives, rules and regulations are properly implemented in the company and their availability in each department and work units.
• Ensure all licenses and certificates are renewed on time and up-to-date
• Planning, Organizing, coordinating and monitoring the legal service department.
• Perform any other duties assigned by his/her immediate supervisor

Job Requirement

Required Qualification & Experience

• LLB degree in Law
• At least 8 years progressive work experience and exposure on a diverse range of legal issues and broad understanding of Ethiopian and international laws with a proven track record of drafting, reviewing and editing agreements and contracts out of which 2 years in a managerial level.

Key competency & Behavioral Skill

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing and negotiation.
• Experience Exhibiting sound practical judgment.
• Ability to work as a member of multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain confidential organization and staff information
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Willingness to travel within the country
• Ability to grasp complex areas of law rapidly and accurately
• Ability in solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward.
• Commitment to Dashen values.
• Highly organized with good administration skills for order and information management, able to develop filing systems and databases to ensure an auditable stream.
• A high level of computer literacy