General Counsel at Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is the manager of Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. It was established as an independent agency by an act of the National Assembly in May 2011.

The NSIA is set up to receive, manage and invest in a diversified portfolio medium and long term revenue of the Federal Government, State Government, Federal Capital Territory, Local Government and Area Councils, in preparation for the eventual depletion of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources, as well as the development of critical infrastructure in Nigeria that will attract and support foreign investment, economic diversification, growth and job creation.

Driven by a private sector philosophy in outlook and orientation, the NSIA adopts global best practices in its operational systems, processes and procedures, and values the competencies, talents and differences of its diverse group of employees. Amongst other strengths, the NSIA has assembled an exceptional team, with a broad diversity of educational and professional experiences, which shares a common passion to achieve the NSIA mandate.

As part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen its operations and enhance its capacity to achieve its goals, the NSIA seeks to recruit exceptional, result- oriented and suitably qualified professionals to fill the vacant position:

Job Title: General Counsel

Ref No: ES00S5
Location: Abuja
Reporting To: The Chief Executive Officer

Job Description
The successful candidate will be responsible for the provision of legal services to the Authority on litigation, land/property document perfection, contracts and other transactions that have legal implications in order to effectively mitigate the Authority’s exposure. A key component of this role will be to provide comprehensive advice to management on the legal implications of proposed policies, decisions and actions.

Key responsibilities will be to:

• Ensure that the NSIA complies with appropriate requirements as stated in the NSIA Act and other legal documents guiding its establishment and existence.
• Coordinate, monitor and ensure the Authority’s overall compliance with statutory and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Provide on-going legal and regulatory advisory for operational and investment-specific matters across the organisation, as well as, interact with relevant regulatory authorities on behalf of the NSIA.
• Manage relationships with external solicitors and arbitrators. Monitor and advise on litigation claims and ensure minimal damage is sustained by the Authority.
• Coordinate the drafting of all legal documentations between the Authority and third parties as required, as well as, liaise with relevant authorities in perfection of title documents for the Authority’s acquired properties.
• Handle routine and complex contract disputes and negotiations, as well as corporate matters.

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes

• A good first degree in Law (L.L.B. and B.L.) and qualification to practice in Nigeria. Relevant professional and postgraduate qualification(s) will be an advantage.
• A minimum often (10) years’ relevant experience, four (4) of which must have been at a strategic management level.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the Nigerian legal system.
• Excellent written and oral communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Maturity and tact, including the ability to relate with different levels of authority within the legal sphere.

In addition, candidates for all roles must possess the following attributes:

• Proven leadership, negotiating and influencing skills.
• Excellent networking skills, particularly relationship-building, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good understanding of the NSIA mandate, regulations and operating environment
• High ethical standards and level of integrity.

Remuneration
An attractive, highly competitive remuneration package and a pleasant working environment await the successful candidates.

Application Closing Date
16th September, 2014

Method of Application
To apply, please quote the appropriate reference number as the subject of your e-mail and send your current curriculum vitae (prepared as a Microsoft Word document, and saved with your full names) to: [email protected]

Please include in your application, a statement of how you meet the advertised criteria, as well as names and contact details (including telephone and e-mail addresses) of three referees who are knowledgeable about your professional achievements and abilities.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The NSIA Act can be sighted on http://nsia.com.ng

Note: The position are based in Abuja, Nigeria. The roles are open to Nigerians within and outside the country. Women are strongly encouraged to apply for any of the positions on offer.