Role context
The British Council in Nigeria works in three strategic business areas; Arts and Culture; English; Education. We are looking to recruit an intern to join our Business Support Services Unit. The intern will be based in Lagos and will provide legal, governance, operational and executive administrative support to the General Counsel & Company Secretary (who is a member of the Nigeria Senior Leadership Team). The role will provide exposure to legal operations, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, compliance and strategic business support activities The intern will also be required to support with Support Leadership Team projects and initiatives, working under the supervision of the General Counsel & Company Secretary.
Main accountabilities
Under the overall guidance of the General Counsel & Company, the intern duties will include:
Providing legal and administrative support to the General Counsel & Company Secretary, including drafting, reviewing, formatting and proofreading legal, governance and business documents. Managing and maintaining document repositories, SharePoint sites, records and filing systems for the Legal Unit and Senior Leadership Team to ensure accurate record keeping and timely access to information. (the SharePoint site is an e-platform for the storage, organization, sharing of information)
Supporting the implementation, monitoring and reporting of Senior Leadership Team initiatives, projects and action plans, including coordinating updates from stakeholders and preparing management information reports. For example, organising internal meetings and workshops including logistics planning as delegated by the General Counsel & Company Secretary.
Coordinating meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagements, including diary management, scheduling, logistics, preparation of briefing materials, minute taking and follow-up on agreed actions. Supporting high-level stakeholder engagement activities, including coordination of visits, meetings, external partnerships and executive events. Managing correspondence on behalf of the General Counsel & Company Secretary, including responses relating to partnerships, sponsorships, governance matters, stakeholder engagement, events, legal enquiries and strategic relationships. Responding to emails and letters on requests for British Council engagement, sponsorship, partnerships, attendance at events and meetings. Managing correspondence in this regard.
Assisting with internal and external audit processes by coordinating information requests, maintaining supporting documentation and tracking actions arising from audits and reviews.
Assisting with contract administration, agreement tracking and maintaining records of legal and commercial documentation.
Supporting compliance, governance, audit and risk management activities, including coordinating information requests and maintaining supporting documentation.
Supporting data protection and information governance activities, including maintaining records and coordinating relevant compliance actions.
Preparing correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, reports and meeting materials for internal and external stakeholders.
Supporting the British Council''s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by ensuring inclusive administrative practices and promoting accessibility considerations in meetings, events and communications.
Supporting compliance with British Council safeguarding policies and procedures and maintaining awareness of safeguarding requirements relevant to the role.
Condition of employment
Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country
Candidates are expected to have researched whether they have the right to live and work in the country in which the role is based. Given that our offices have different legal status depending on the work we do in those countries, we recommend that you contact HR in country for additional information on the likelihood of securing a visa. Only at its discretion will the British Council provide support so please check first whether visa support is offered.
Qualifications
Assessment stage
A recent graduate (graduated within the last 3 years) with excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
Demonstrate strong attention to details and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Have good time management and scheduling skills.
Be confident in communicating with senior stakeholders.
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Role specific knowledge and experience
Minimum/essential
Desirable
Assessment stage
Have strong written and oral communication skills in English;
Be proficient in Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint.
Work experience as a Legal Assistant, a Personal Assistant, an Office Administrator or an Executive Assistant.
A legal background (for example, a degree in Law) or an interest in legal work even if you do not have a legal degree. Note – this is not a requirement and applicants without a legal background will be considered.
An interest in international relations.
Project coordination or project management experience, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
Experience supporting legal, governance, compliance, risk or executive office functions.