COORDINATION AND LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION

Functions:

The Division performs the following functions:

• To coordinate and oversee the delivery and harmonization of legal services across MDAs and LGAs to ensure compliance with national laws and policies;
• To supervise and maintain records of Law Officers and State Attorneys across government institutions, including their areas of specialization and deployment, through an integrated legal information system;
• To coordinate and manage outsourced legal services and OAG-designated desks to ensure quality, accountability, and consistency in legal representation and advice;
• To organize and oversee legal projects, professional meetings, legal clinics, and public legal awareness programs aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and public understanding of legal matters;
• To serve as the central body for coordinating and monitoring the OAG's participation in international and regional legal frameworks, treaties, and conventions in collaboration with relevant MDAs;
• To provide legal and policy advice to MDAs participating in international meetings or negotiations to ensure alignment with national interests and legal frameworks;
• To coordinate and track the negotiation, ratification, domestication, and implementation of international and regional legal instruments, ensuring compliance with reporting and treaty obligations;
• To provide comprehensive legal advice to MDAs, LGAs, public corporations, and other government institutions on civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative matters;
• To advise the Government on constitutional developments, rule of law, and human rights issues, and support the Office of the Solicitor General in preparing and managing government litigation; and
• To handle and resolve complaints and inquiries from individuals and institutions through the OAG Contact Centre and regional offices, ensuring transparency and accountability in the delivery of legal services.

This Division is led by a Director and comprises three (3) Sections as follows:

i. Intragovernmental Legal Affairs Section

ii. International Legal Affairs Section

iii. Legal Services Section.

I. Intragovernmental Legal Affairs Section

This Section is led by Assistant Director.

The Section performs the following activities:-

• Coordinate the general supervision of Law Officers and State Attorneys appointed or employed in the Office of the Attorney General, Ministries, independent departments, executive agencies and local government authorities to gauge their needs;
• Keep and maintain data base of Law Officers and State Attorneys appointed or employed in the Office of the Attorney General, Ministries, independent departments, executive agencies and local government authorities through Information System;
• Keep and maintain records of Law Officers and State Attorneys regarding areas of practice and specializations;
• Coordinate matters regarding outsourced legal services;
• Coordinate OAG Designated Desks;
• Organise, plan and oversee various aspects of legal projects or legal operations within the OAG;
• Liaise with MDAs, LGAs and OAG staff regarding legal duties execution matters;
• Coordinate events and professional meetings;
• Support the discharge of the functions of the Advocate Committee;
• Liaise with the NPS, OSG and OCPD regarding the discharge of their functions that has a bearing on the functions of the OAG; and
• Handle complaints from individuals through the Contact Centre and OAG Regional Offices.

The Section will be led by an Assistant Director.

II. International Legal Affairs Section

This Section is led by Assistant Director

The Section performs the following activities:-

• Serve as the central coordinating body for all matters involving international and regional legal obligations, ensuring that MDAs' activities align with national legal frameworks and treaty commitments;
• Coordinate attendance and representation of the OAG at sub-regional, regional, and global legal and policy meetings, ensuring the country's positions are effectively presented and defended;
• Maintain oversight of emerging trends in international law and institutional frameworks, providing timely advice to MDAs to ensure alignment with global standards;
• Collect, document, and maintain comprehensive records of international meetings, ratifications, reservations, and preparatory materials (travaux préparatoires) related to treaties undertaken by Tanzania;
• Provide legal and policy advice to MDAs participating in international meetings or negotiations, ensuring consistency with domestic law and government policy positions;
• Coordinate the negotiation, signing, ratification, domestication, and implementation of international and regional treaties, conventions, and agreements in collaboration with relevant MDAs;
• Develop country position papers, briefs, and legal opinions for international and regional engagements, in consultation with MDAs and other stakeholders;
• Act as a liaison between the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other MDAs on matters of international and regional legal cooperation;
• Track and report to the government on the status of compliance with international and regional legal obligations, including the submission of periodic reports to treaty bodies or intergovernmental organizations; and
• Advise government agencies on international dispute resolution mechanisms, including arbitration, mediation, and proceedings before international courts and tribunals, and represent the country where necessary.

III. Legal Services Section

This Section is led by Assistant Director.

The Section performs the following activities:-

• Provide legal advice to MDAs, LGAs, public corporations, parastatal organizations and other government institutions office routine work and participation in the meetings;
• Provide legal advice on matters originating from the Judiciary;
• Provide legal advice on notice to sue the Government in the court of law;
• Participating in the preparation of civil matters for or against the Government under the coordination of the Office of the Solicitor General and rendering legal advice accordingly;
• Provide legal advice on matters of a criminal nature;
• Maintain list of cases of criminal and civil nature within and outside the country, both local and international, concerning the United Republic or its citizens and advise accordingly;
• Advise the government on matters relating to the constitution, constitutional developments, rule of law and human rights; and
• Provide legal advice on matters relating to the Office of the Attorney General.