University of Zimbabwe - UZ

Legal Officer - Intellectual Property

Legal Jobs
Salary
Negotiable

Job Description

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following positions at the University of Zimbabwe

LEGAL AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
4. LEGAL OFFICER - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (x1 post)

Duties and Responsibilities


The successful candidate will report to the Legal and Corporate Affairs Director and will perform among other duties the following:-
 Managing, protecting and expanding the University’s patent portfolio, including proactively identifying and developing patentable IP and working closely with internal clients and/or outside counsel to prepare, file, and prosecute related patent applications.
 Counsel internal clients, including management and members of the Research and Development, technical operations, and corporate development teams, on
IP risks and opportunities.
 Review and assist in the drafting and/or negotiation of nondisclosure, research, license, and other agreements involving the use, transfer, or ownership of IP.
 Assess and advise on IP risks and opportunities in complex transactions.
 Work with the scientific staff to seek IP protection for clinical and later-stage developments that may extend the exclusivity period for company products.
 Provide IP due diligence support for corporate development activities and manage patentability, freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, and regulatory
exclusivity analyses.
 Provide support for adversarial proceedings involving company technology or products, including IP litigation,
 Develop a deep knowledge of the University’s existing and planned research and development programmes, business activities, and product candidates in the context of competitor activities, industry trends, best practices, laws, and regulations affecting IP.
 Train internal client groups to promote awareness of IP and its implications on various functions within the University.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications and Experience
 A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience in a law firm and/or in-house setting, with experience in IP laws and regulations.
 Significant knowledge in patent preparation and prosecution experience, including familiarity with both National, Regional and International IP Bodies rules, regulations, and practices.
 Knowledge of the role of an IP strategy in life cycle management.
 Ability to approach IP creation and protection with a strategic mindset by anticipating future business, competitive and legal risks, and opportunities and offering creative solutions.
 Experience in drafting and negotiating IP terms in business transactions required.
 Experience with collaborations, consortia, and license agreements is strongly preferred.
 Strong business acumen and the ability to creatively resolve business issues.
 Ability to manage outside counsel and other external resources for quality work product, value, and efficiency.
 Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
 Flexibility, willingness, and ability to take on diverse tasks.
 Ability to facilitate and contribute to collaborative decision-making processes and work effectively on cross-functional teams.
 IP qualification with accredited bodies a distinct advantage.
 Possession of a first degree in Law from an accredited law school is a must
 Admission to practice and membership to the Law Society of Zimbabwe/ or other recognised membership bodies is a prerequisite
 High levels of integrity and honesty.
 The ability to work in a highly autonomous role with minimum supervision.

How to Apply

APPLICATIONS
All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. Six copies of applications, including a curriculum vitae, giving full personal particulars indicating full name, place and date of birth; certified copies of national identification, birth certificate, proof of qualifications, employment and experience, present salary, telephone number and names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to:
Deputy Registrar, Human Resources
University of Zimbabwe
P O Box MP 167
Mount Pleasant
HARARE
Or Hand delivered to the Administration Block, door number 113
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 21 January 2022. Please note that
only short-listed candidates will be contacted