Legal & Compliance Officer (Contracts, Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Governance) at Cardinal Torch Company Limited

Cardinal Torch Company Limited was established in 2020 with the objective of transforming the commodity and agricultural trading sector in Nigeria and Africa by engaging in large-scale commodity trading and processing of semi and finished agricultural commodities with a particular emphasis on combined export and local consumption, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability within the sector.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Legal & Compliance Officer (Contracts, Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Governance)

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full Time

Job Summary

• We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Officer with a strong background in regulatory compliance, business advisory, contract law, Real estate, Tax, Intellectual Property, Labour and corporate governance.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all Cardinal Torch’s business operations and processes comply with relevant laws and regulations, providing strategic legal advice and business support to Cardinal Torch business activities, initiatives, drafting and reviewing contracts, and overseeing corporate governance matters. Previous experience in either Banking, Finance, Commodities will be an added advantage.
• In performance of your duties, the successful candidate shall work in conjunction with the Legal Officer (Dispute Resolution) under the supervision of the Company Secretary and General Counsel to report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Job Responsibilities
Legal:

• Liaison with all the subsidiaries within Cardinal Torch, service providers, external legal advisers, and government agencies.
• Maintenance and review of Legal Agreements.
• Developing and overseeing that Cardinal Torch meets its compliance obligations under relevant laws and the requirements of regulatory authorities.
• Negotiation, drafting and implementation of the terms of agreements in all business contracts and agreements.
• Responsible for providing legal support in controlling customer complaints to mitigate the risk of litigation
• Review all documentation that has legal implications for the company prior to execution and implementing.
• Ensure all contracts and commitments are brought to the attention and notice to the Company Secretary for vetting and approval.

Compliance/Business Advisory/Corporate Governance:

• Review of all relevant statutory laws and regulations applicable to the Cardinal Torch Company and ensure compliance with these.
• Ensure that business activities are conducted in conformity with all applicable laws, regulations, internal policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all regulatory permissions remain current and appropriate for business needs.
• Continual compliance risk assessment of company practices together with the development of internal policies and procedures, compliance training and protocols
• Serve as liaison for all regulatory bodies as well as maintaining relationships with relevant legal bodies and trade associations.
• Keep abreast of regulatory developments and industry initiatives and advise management accordingly.
• Liaise with third parties, together with the company’s management, that wish to understand the company’s control environment, compliance policies and procedures.
• Provide reporting with respect to regulatory requirements and developments
• Develop compliance checklists and prepare compliance reports, as and when due
• Inform the Internal Audit unit of any findings as regards non-compliance that may require investigation
• Ensuring compliance with best practices and any other duties as required by the Unit head
• Conduct regular compliance audits to ensure adherence to legal requirements.
• Provide legal advice on business strategies and initiatives.
• Assess and mitigate legal risks associated with business decisions, collaborate with management to support business objectives within legal parameters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensure contracts align with business objectives and comply with legal requirements.
• Manage contract life-cycle, including renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Advise on corporate governance principles and best practices.
• Facilitate board meetings and ensure compliance with governance guidelines.
• Maintain corporate records and documentation, conduct legal research on various issues as required
• Analyze and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations relevant to the organization and work closely with internal departments to provide legal support.

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Law Degree from a Reputable University in Nigeria Or Accredited Tertiary Institution: (Second Class Degree)
• Qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with 3 – 5years Experience.
• Post-Graduate Degree or Professional Certificate or Certificate of Proficiency in Corporate Governance, Company Secretarial Matters, Legal and Contract Drafting, Debt Recovery amongst others.
• Preferable Experience with Trade and Finance Instruments, Labor, Debt Recovery and Corporate Matters, Regulatory and Business Advisory Services.  
• Articulate, effective communication skills with the ability to communicate internally and externally (lawyers, regulators, auditors) at all levels.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Good time management skills.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.