Overview

The Legal Assistant assists the Head of Unit (HoU) in executing the functions of the Legal Unit, as assigned or delegated by the HoU. The role involves prioritising tasks, handling multiple responsibilities to meet deadlines, and representing the HoU in committees and meetings to support university work and external partners.

Responsibilities

Provide timely and well‑researched legal advice or opinions to the Vice‑Chancellor and university units on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters.
Draft, review, and revise legal documents including contracts, service agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), leases, conveyances, legal notices and formal correspondences.
Ensure statutory, standing and ad‑hoc committees are properly constituted and provide ongoing legal support for their operations.
Serve as a member of statutory and ad‑hoc university committees, offering clear legal guidance during deliberations.
Advise university management on contractual and commercial issues, identifying legal risks and assisting in negotiations.
Provide input on intellectual property, copyright, patents, licensing and research agreements, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards.
Represent the university in legal disputes, preparing case files, court documentation and appearing before courts or tribunals as required.
Advise on selection, retention and management of external counsel, preparing briefs and acting as liaison.
Monitor changes in national laws and regulations affecting higher education and advise leadership on policy implications.
Interpret statutes, university regulations and government directives relevant to university operations, including employment, procurement, contracts, land tenure and corporate governance.
Provide regular legal updates to university management, maintain records of legal opinions and case outcomes, and undertake other legal assignments as delegated.

Requirements

LL.B degree (essential).
Minimum of 2 years work or internship experience in law offices or relevant institutions.
Ability to conduct independent legal research.
Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders inside and outside the university.
Ability to work under pressure and deliver promptly.
Sound knowledge of Gambian laws and university regulatory frameworks.
Experience in drafting legal instruments, contracts and policy documents.
Strong advocacy and legal research skills.
Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly to non‑legal stakeholders.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Outstanding interpersonal and presentation skills.
Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
Proficiency in computer and internet usage, especially word‑processing.

Benefits

None specified.

• Company: Job Agency • Location: The Gambia • Type: other