Manager, Legal Services (Legal Adviser and Company Secretary) at a Reputable Company

A Reputable Company is recruiting suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Manager, Legal Services (Legal Adviser and Company Secretary)

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: Two years (renewable)
Department: Legal
Reports To: Senior Manager, Legal Services; Chief Company Secretary & Legal Advisor
Preferred Candidate: Female (as part of our commitment to gender diversity)

Job Summary

• The Manager, Legal Services will be on the Legal Advisory and Company Secretarial Team, providing expert legal advice and corporate governance support to the Company under the guidance of the Chief Company Secretary & Legal Advisor.
• The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in the power sector, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and corporate secretarial functions.
• Preference will be given to highly qualified female professionals who demonstrate strong leadership and sector experience.

Objectives of the Role
The main objectives of the Manager, Legal Services, under the guidance of the Chief CS/LA are:

• To protect the legal interests of the Company through expert advisory, contract management, litigation management, and regulatory engagement.
• To ensure efficient corporate governance practices by providing secretarial services to the Board and its Committees.
• To build a proactive legal culture that supports successful project delivery within the power sector.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities
Legal Advisory Services:

• Draft, review, and negotiate key agreements, including EPC Contracts, PPAs, Project Financing Agreements, Consultancy Contracts, and Procurement Agreements.
• Advise on regulatory compliance, licensing, public-private partnerships, project finance, and other project-related matters.
• Monitor emerging legal and regulatory issues that could impact the company’s projects or operations.
• Under the supervision of the CS/LA manage all litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) matters involving the company.
• Engage and manage external counsel when required, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality of service.
• Ensure compliance with Nigerian laws, regulatory requirements, and international best practices related to the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Company Secretariat Duties:

• Prepare Board and Committee meeting agendas, notices, and accurate minutes.
• Maintain statutory registers and ensure timely regulatory filings
• Provide advice to the Board on corporate governance matters and organize governance training sessions.
• Support the Board in ensuring good governance, accountability, and transparency.

Project and Contract Management Support:

• Conduct legal due diligence for project procurement and stakeholder transactions.
• Review and advise on procurement processes to ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory standards.
• Support negotiations with partners, vendors, contractors, financiers, and government agencies.
• Liaise with relevant power sector regulators such as NERC, NBET, TCN, ICRC, and FMoP on compliance issues and project approvals.

Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Mentor junior legal officers and foster professional development within the legal department.
• Develop and implement internal legal and compliance policies, templates, and procedures.
• Promote a culture of legal awareness and preventive risk management

Deliverables
The Manager, Legal Services will be expected to deliver:

• Comprehensive legal advice memos on key company matters.
• Duly reviewed and negotiated contracts supporting project execution.
• Regular reports to the Chief CS/LA on legal risks and mitigation strategies.
• Annual Corporate Governance Compliance Report.
• Up-to-date statutory records and timely regulatory filings.
• Legal input into project bids, procurement, and transaction documents.
• Well-organized Board and Committee meetings, with timely circulation of minutes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Barrister at Law (BL) certifications; Master’s Degree (LL.M or MBA) is an added advantage.
• 10 years post-call legal practice experience, with 5 years in a leadership or advisory capacity.
• Strong background and hands-on experience in the Nigerian power sector, energy projects, and infrastructure financing.
• Proven experience serving in a project-based or corporate environment.
• In-depth knowledge of Nigerian corporate law, energy sector regulations, PPP frameworks, and procurement laws.
• Strong contract negotiation, drafting, and risk management skills.
• Proficiency in liasionrelationships in the Power sector

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to prioritize competing tasks.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multicultural, and high-pressure project environment.

Reporting and Supervision:

• The Manager, Legal Services will report directly to Senior Manager Legal services and the Chief Company secretary / Legal Advisor.
• Will liaise regularly with the Commercial Department, Senior Management Team, external regulators, legal service providers, and project stakeholders.

Duration:

• This is a project-based, contract position, renewable Two years, subject to individual performance.

Application Closing Date
12th May, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: wallnorthconsult@gmail.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates who meet the required qualifications will be contacted.