Job Summary
The Head of Legal will lead the organisation’s legal function and provide strategic legal advice to the Board, Management, and business units. The role is responsible for protecting the organisation’s legal interests, managing legal and regulatory risks, ensuring compliance with applicable Nigerian laws, overseeing contracts and disputes, and supporting sound corporate governance.
Job Description
Provide legal advice to the Board, Management, and various business units on corporate, commercial, employment, regulatory, and operational matters.
Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts, agreements, MOUs, NDAs, leases, service agreements, and other legal documents.
Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and contractual risks affecting the organisation.
Ensure compliance with applicable Nigerian laws, regulations, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
Oversee litigation, disputes, legal claims, and other contentious matters, including the management of external solicitors.
Advise Management on employment and labour-related legal matters in collaboration with HR.
Provide guidance on corporate governance, statutory obligations, Board matters, and company secretarial requirements where applicable.
Maintain proper custody of corporate, legal, statutory, and contractual records.
Monitor changes in legislation and regulations and advise Management on their potential impact on the business.
Develop and review legal policies, procedures, templates, and compliance frameworks.
Support major business transactions, investments, partnerships, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives from a legal perspective.
Liaise with government agencies, regulators, external counsel, consultants, and other relevant stakeholders.
Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop members of the Legal/Compliance team.
Provide legal training and awareness sessions to employees where necessary.
Prepare legal reports and provide regular updates to Management and the Board on significant legal risks and matters.
Requirements
LL.B. from a recognised university.
B.L. and Call to the Nigerian Bar.
8–12+ years post-call experience, with significant experience in corporate/commercial law and legal management.
Strong knowledge of Nigerian corporate, commercial, contract, labour, regulatory, and company law.
Proven experience in contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
Experience managing litigation and external legal counsel.
Strong understanding of corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
Excellent legal research, analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
Strong leadership, stakeholder-management, and problem-solving abilities.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, attention to detail, and commercial awareness.
LL.M., MBA, or relevant postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
Professional certifications in Corporate Governance, Compliance, Arbitration, or Risk Management are an added advantage.
Relevant experience in the organisation’s industry is an added advantage.