Terms of reference for legal officer at Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative (SAFI)

Introduction

Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative (SAFI) is a farmer-centered and youth-led community-based organization dedicated to providing objective, research-based knowledge to address farmers' environmental and agricultural needs. SAFI is seeking a Legal Officer (consultant) to examine and revise its contracts and organizational policies to make sure they are current, compliant with the law, and in line with SAFI's goals.

Purpose of the Assignment

This consultancy's principal objective is to give SAFI legal knowledge by examining, revising, and modernizing its current contracts and procedures. This will guarantee that SAFI's legal structure is strong, safeguards its interests, and efficiently supports its activities.

Scope of Work

The Legal Officer will undertake the following tasks:

• Perform an in-depth review of SAFI's current policies, comprising financial management, human resources, governance, and program implementation, among other areas. To guarantee adherence to pertinent legislation and industry best practices, find any gaps, discrepancies, or areas that need updating.
• Create and revise SAFI's policies in light of the review's conclusions, making sure they are clear, consistent, and compliant with the law. When necessary, this entails creating new policies. 
• Analyse SAFI's current agreements with service providers, partners, and other parties. Determine any potential risks, ambiguities, or areas of concern.
• To safeguard SAFI's interests, maintain clarity and enforceability, and reflect contemporary best practices, draft and modify SAFI's contracts. When necessary, this also entails creating new contracts.
• Give SAFI broad legal assistance on issues pertaining to its operations, such as ensuring that applicable laws and regulations are followed.
• Write a thorough report that summarizes the review's conclusions, outlines the suggested changes to contracts and procedures, and offers suggestions for further legal considerations.

Deliverables

The following deliverables are expected from the Legal Officer:

• A brief report outlining the consultant's understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and timeline. (Due within 3 days of commencement)
• A complete set of draft amended policies, clearly indicating the changes made and providing justifications for the amendments. (Due within 10 days of commencement)
• A complete set of draft amended contracts, clearly indicating the changes made and providing justifications for the amendments. (Due within 15 days of commencement)
• Incorporating feedback from SAFI on the draft documents. (Due within 18 days of commencement)
• A comprehensive report summarizing the review findings, outlining the final amendments to policies and contracts, and providing recommendations for future legal considerations. (Due within 21 days of commencement)

Duration of Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within three (3) weeks (21 calendar days) from the date of contract signing.

Qualifications and Experience

The Legal Officer should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) and a valid practicing license.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in legal practice, preferably with experience in non-profit organizations or community-based organizations.
• Demonstrable experience in reviewing, drafting, and amending policies and contracts.
• Strong understanding of relevant laws and regulations governing non-profit organizations.
• Excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Reporting and Supervision

The Legal Officer will report to the Executive Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative (SAFI). 

Remuneration

Payment for the consultant's services will be made after all deliverables have been satisfactorily completed. Schedules for payments can be discussed and decided upon.

Application Process

Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV, a cover letter outlining their relevant experience, and a proposed work plan (including a timeline) to office@safi-ug.org by 5:00pm on March 28, 2025.