Associate Director of Legal Affairs

Associate Director of Legal Affairs

Department: Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)

Duty station: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Report to: Director of Legal Affairs

Deadline: Open until filled

UCA Background:

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org

Summary of Position:

The Associate Director of Legal Affairs will provide strategic legal guidance and support to UCA, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, managing legal risks, and assisting with a broad range of legal matters. This role requires exceptional legal acumen, strong leadership abilities, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality legal advice in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support to the Director of Legal Affairs by providing strategic and tactical advice
• Offer expert legal counsel on a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, litigation, employment law, land law and corporate governance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management and different units, to identify legal risks and develop effective mitigation strategies
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including construction contracts, vendor agreements, and partnership agreements.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Manage and oversee litigation matters, including coordinating with external counsel, developing legal strategies, and representing UCA’s interests in court or alternative dispute resolution proceedings where applicable.
• Assist with mergers and acquisitions, due diligence processes, and other strategic transactions.
• Develop and implement organization-wide legal policies and procedures to ensure compliance and minimize legal risks.
• Stay current with changes in laws and regulations that may impact UCA's operations and provide timely advice and recommendations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators, government agencies, and external legal counsel.
• Oversee the operations of the Office of Legal Affairs in the Director’s absence.
• Effectively manage and develop the legal team
• Travel to other UCA offices in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Minimum of 7 years of legal experience, preferably in a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Strong knowledge of the laws and regulations of at least one of UCA Founding States (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) with a focus on areas such as litigation, land law, Intellectual Property, or compliance.
• Proven experience in drafting, negotiation, and reviewing complex documents.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound legal advice and make informed decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Strong leadership abilities with a demonstrated history of managing and developing legal teams.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in English, Russian, and at least one of the languages of UCA's Founding States (Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik).

How to Apply

Please submit your application (cover letter, CV and contact information of three references) on https://tinyurl.com/3hbxmzxf

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities.