Legal Officer at Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN)

Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) was established in 1998 as a non-governmental Organization to serve as a collective voice of PLHIV in the Country. The Organization is registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria in September 2004. NEPWHAN is now Seventeen (17) Years Old as a vibrant patient community network in Nigeria. The network formed since 1998 has established structures at the zonal and all States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and as well saddled with the responsibility of coordinating, supervising and monitoring activities and programs of over 1, 030 support groups membership across the Federation making it one of the biggest Patient network in Africa. Our GOALNEPWHAN has formed constituent bodies; Association of Youth Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (APYIN), Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), Association of Religious Leaders Living with and Personally Affected by HIV/AIDS (NINERELA+) to advocate and provide HIV programming intervention for the specific needs of their targets and members.

We are recruiting a qualified and motivated candidate to work independently in the position below:

Job Title: Legal Officer

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Contract
Project: GLOBAL FUND - NAHI PROJECT

Job Summary

• Serves as a key point of legal advice on NEPWHAN and its member’s legal issues to ensure protection of NEPWHAN interest.

Principal Functions
Tactical:

• Advice NEPWHAN on local and international legal matters including civil, criminal, contractual laws that may affect NEPWHAN activities or its members across the 36+1 state.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation/regulations and give adequate legal advice in order to reduce NEPWHAN risk liability.
• Advice NEPWHAN on legal matters relating to property acquisitions or rentals.
• follow up with all NEPWHAN members legal issues as it relates the Gender based Violence, Stigmatization and discrimination
• Demonstrate ownership of the all matters and advice NEPWHAN on any legal peculiarities.
• Evaluate the impact of new laws regulations and legislations that may affect NEPWHAN or its’ employees and activities and make recommendations to the National Coordinator.
• Keep abreast of global and local best practices as it relates to the department’s activities.
• Continuously assist in reviewing the departments/teams activities and make recommendations for improvement and implement approved initiatives to ensure enhanced performance of the team.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

Operational:

• Ensure effective case management strategy and adequate representation in litigation matters involving NEPWHAN.
• Monitor Litigation (including any alternative dispute resolution mechanisms) by and against NEPWHAN and manage NEPWHAN legal exposure in matters.
• Oversee searches and due diligence on title verification, CAC searches, corporate searches/enquiries etc.
• Give qualitative legal advice on title verification/due diligence and ensure proper documentation for property and site related acquisitions.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with lease terms in approving renewals.
• Draft Deeds, contract Agreements, Addendums and other legal related documents as may be required.
• Ensure maintenance of database and adequate filing of all NEPWHAN litigation matter, disputes and properties and other related legal documentation.
• Ensure safe custody of all litigation and property related files and documents.
• Assist in implementing the units work programs and plans in line with agreed upon procedures and guidelines.
• Assist in planning and managing the human and material resources of the department/team to optimize performance, morale and enhance productivity.
• Manage inter-functional relations to ensure synergy across the various departmental functions
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members and manage subordinate performance towards the achievement of overall team objectives
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the National Cordinator.

Educational Requirements

• First degree in Law.
• MBA or relevant post graduate/ professional qualification is desirable.

Experience, Skills & Competencies:

• 5 years relevant work experience, with at least three (3) years in a Supervisory role in the NGO sector, UNAIDS, WHO, USAID, The Global Fund, PEPFAR etc funded projects.
• Knowledge of donor regulations including UNAIDS, The Global Fund and/or other foreign government development agencies, and other multilateral development agencies.
• Ability and willingness to flex work hours to accommodate multiple time zones, as needed.
• Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of their status, religion, ethnicity, class or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Personal commitment to NEPWHAN’s mission and goals
• Good oral and written English language skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex financial, compliance and operational issues into layperson language.

Application Closing Date
27th February, 2023.