Legal Counsel

Job description

CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY — RECRUITMENT NOTICE

Chalimbana University invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced, innovative, and results-oriented candidates to fill the position of Legal Counsel.

Reports to: The Registrar

Role Overview

The Legal Counsel is the University’s principal legal adviser, responsible for providing professional legal advice, opinions, and services to Council and Management. The position ensures that the University’s activities, transactions, and decisions comply with the law, and that its legal interests are protected.

Job Purpose

To provide sound legal advice and services to the University, including legal opinions, drafting and vetting of contracts and agreements, conveyancing, and the management of litigation. This is to ensure compliance with the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 as read together with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021, other applicable legislation, and the University’s statutes, regulations, and policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise Council and Management on the University’s activities and transactions involving the analysis, interpretation, and application of the Higher Education Act and other statutes, to ensure compliance with the law.
• Provide Council and Management with legal opinions on matters of policy and any other legal matters affecting the University.
• Provide legal services in conveyancing, legal drafting, trusts, contracts, agreements, and litigation, and ensure that they are effectively and efficiently executed.
• Draft, review, and vet contracts and agreements for the procurement, disposal, and exchange of equipment, machinery, services, buildings, and property, as well as memoranda of understanding and partnership agreements.
• Examine the circumstances of civil disputes or charges alleging infringements of the law, and represent or coordinate the representation of the University in litigation and other legal proceedings.
• Determine the applicable law from appropriate law codes, statutes, regulations, and previous decisions when writing opinions and preparing pleadings, defences, and grounds of prosecution.
• Conduct title searches to establish the legal ownership of property before the University enters into contracts for the leasing, acquisition, or disposal of property.
• Support the drafting and review of University statutes, regulations, and policies to ensure that they are legally sound and consistent with applicable legislation.
• Prepare the sectional budget in liaison with the Finance Department.
• Prepare quarterly and annual operational performance reports.
• Perform any other lawful duties as may be assigned by the Registrar or the Vice-Chancellor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent with at least five (5) credits or better, including English Language.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree from a recognised institution.
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court and Supreme Court of Zambia.
• A valid practising certificate from the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ).
• Minimum of 2 to 3 years’ relevant post-admission to the bar work experience.
• A Master of Laws (LLM) Degree will be an added advantage.
• Experience in a university, public institution, or large organisation, particularly in contracts, conveyancing, employment law, and litigation, will be an added advantage.

Key Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Sound knowledge of higher education, employment, contract, property, procurement, and administrative law.
• Excellent legal drafting, research, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Proven litigation, dispute resolution, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to provide clear, practical, and timely legal advice to Council and Management.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and deliver within deadlines.
• Proficiency in computer applications and legal research tools.

Terms of Appointment and Remuneration

The appointment shall be based on the University appointment guidelines, subject to a probationary period of three (3) months and satisfactory performance during the probationary period, as well as the University’s operational requirements. An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered.

Mode of Application

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit:

• An application letter clearly stating the position applied for
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications
• Evidence of Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) evaluation and validation of all qualifications
• Valid Professional Body Membership / Practising Certificate

Applications should be addressed to the Registrar, Chalimbana University, and sent by email to:

📧 Email: jobs@chau.ac.zm

Subject line: “Application for Legal Counsel”

Closing Date: 20th November, 2026

Chalimbana University is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.