Legal Officer at LAPO Microfinance Bank

LAPO Microfinance is a pro-poor financial institution committed to the empowerment of low-income Nigerians through creation of access to responsive financial services on a sustainable basis. The institution was founded as a non-profit entity by Mr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe while working as a Rural Co-operative Officer.

LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited exists to address the economic and social subjection of a large number of Nigerians through provision of financial services to micro, small and medium enterprises on affordable terms. LAPO Microfinance Bank provides a range of financial services which enable low-income households enhance their productive capacity; build and consolidate their economic and manage their risks. These products and services include loans, savings, micro-investment and micro-insurance services.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Legal Officer

Location: Lagos

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain and periodically review the List of Law firms retained by the Microfinance Bank indicating names, addresses, staffing etc.
• Provide legal support and documentation in respect of external funds received; review legal agreements and ensure adequate documentation for all sanctioned funds received;
• Review ongoing suits/cases and provide legal opinion accordingly
• Review all third party agreements and provide legal opinion before execution
• Maintain a Register of all Agreements entered into by the microfinance bank outlining nature, parties, dates, duration etc
• Review progress of outstanding litigation, liaise with and manage external lawyers
• Ensure performance of contractual Instrument for compliance to terms and identify conflicts or changes requiring resolution at contract renewal
• Develop all resolutions emanating from contractual obligations
• Prepare, review and modify contractual instruments to assist and support various business activities
• Review all contracts or any other documentation where the Company has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to the executive management’s attention
• Review and advise management on legal implications of internal policies and procedures.
• Draft contracts, agreements and review internal policies and ensure that they are in compliance with all statutory or legal requirements.
• Negotiate, review and draft documentation for business transactions and prepare and advise on the necessary checklist to be adopted to ensure information is submitted on time
• Assist in the formulation, implementation and/or amendment of Company policies
• Perform other duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned by the Head of Department

Key Performance Indicators

• Soundness of legal advice
• Zero error in legal agreement
• Rate of infractions in legal operations and risks
• Timeliness in the preparation and submission of minutes and reports to Executive Risk Management committee
• Error rate in reports and minutes produced
• Level of compliance with contractual obligations

Job Requirements
Education:

• A good Bachelor's Degree in Law.
• An LLM will be an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience, at least 5 of which should demonstrate proven track record in contract negotiation and drafting.
• Experience should demonstrate ability to provide accurate and effective legal counsel with proven track record of adding value to an organisation through the development of comprehensive contract documents that mitigate risk and penalties.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online