ABOUT ALU
ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.
They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.
Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.
We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.
HOW WE WORK
As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.
The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.
ABOUT THE ROLE
ALU is hiring a dynamic Legal Business Associate to protect and advance the organisation’s legal interests while ensuring full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In this critical role, you will support ALU’s Senior Legal Counsel in driving legal strategy, implementing team projects, providing expert counsel across diverse corporate and legal matters. You will collaborate closely with the Senior Legal Counsel and members of the Legal team, other internal teams and external partners to manage legal risks, ensure regulatory adherence, and uphold the organisation’s integrity. Your responsibilities will include advising on complex legal issues, drafting and reviewing contracts and policies.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.
The Legal Business Associate will form part of the Legal Department, where we encourage our team members to challenge the status quo and come with smart, scalable solutions, with a view to improving operational efficiency whilst effectively mitigating risks and ensuring legal compliance. We’re a group of dynamic, friendly and purpose-driven team players who are dedicated to contributing positively and with impact to ALU’s mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Company Registration, Compliance & Corporate Regulations.
- Support in completing formalities and administration for the incorporation of any new entity at ALU.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations in Rwanda and Mauritius and any new jurisdiction.
- Provide legal advice on regulatory matters, including licensing and operational approvals.
Company Secretarial Duties
- Liaise with outsourced service providers to ensure efficient handling of company secretarial duties such as statutory filings, record maintenance, and board documentation.
Legal Advice & Risk Management
- Provide sound legal counsel to internal stakeholders on a variety of legal issues, including corporate, contractual, and employment matters.
- Conduct legal risk assessments and recommend solutions to mitigate risks.
- Support the Business Performance Director and Chief Risk Officer in overseeing and reviewing ALU’s Risk Management Framework.
- Support in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing various contracts, templates, agreements, and other legal documents.
- Advise HR on employment/staff related legal matters.
- Keep ALU updated on changes to applicable laws and regulations, including employment laws, that may impact operations.
- Ensure that staff are aware of their legal and contractual obligations and understand company policies related to legal risk management and regulatory compliance.
Policies & Processes
- Assist in the development, implementation, and review of ALU’s policies and procedures to ensure sound practice and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Provide guidance on the creation and management of internal controls and frameworks.
Business Continuity Regulation & Planning
- Collaborate with relevant teams to support the development and maintenance of business continuity plans, ensuring legal aspects are addressed.
- Advise on regulatory requirements and best practices related to business continuity.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Assist in coordinating the management of litigation cases and resolution of legal disputes, including litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
- Work with external legal counsel as needed for complex legal matters or litigation cases.
Corporate Governance & Board Management
- Support the Senior Legal Counsel in implementing corporate governance initiatives.
Data Privacy & Protection
- Provide support in ensuring compliance with applicable data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR) and advise on data protection matters, where required.
- Assist in developing internal processes for handling personal data to safeguard against breaches.
Training and Awareness
- Provide and manage training to relevant stakeholders on a variety of topics that promote legal compliance and risk management.
Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal, by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) and a valid licence to practise law.
- 6+ years of legal experience in corporate, commercial and employment law.
- Expertise in compliance, risk management, corporate governance, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with company secretarial duties and working with outsourced services.
- Strong knowledge of data privacy laws and regulations, business continuity planning, and risk management.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with litigation and dispute resolution is a plus.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Ability to critically analyse complex legal issues, identify risks, and develop effective solutions.
- High level of accuracy in reviewing contracts, legal documents, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proactive, able to manage multiple projects, multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- A team player who has the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent changes and evolving regulatory landscapes.
- Uphold the highest standards of ethics and legal integrity, ensuring that company actions align with legal obligations and ethical guidelines.
