Head, Legal Services at Unified Payments Services Limited

Unified Payment Services Limited is a group of companies with services including Banking, Payment Scheme, Financial Technology, Digital Commerce, Value Added Service, Payment Solutions, Software Solutions, etc. Unified Payments is a principal member or licensed acquirer of American Express, Mastercard, Visa and UnionPay; and has been instrumental in building the infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s modern payments ecosystem.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head, Legal Services

Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Objectives

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Legal Services Department, ensuring that the Company’s interests are fully protected in all legal and regulatory matters.
• Lead the development, review, and implementation of legal policies, frameworks, and processes that safeguard the Company’s operations and reputation.
• Serve as the principal legal advisor to executive management, the Board, and business units on all legal and compliance matters.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal guidance and support to the Company’s leadership on business decisions, transactions, and risk management.
• Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and review of high-value and complex contracts to ensure the Company’s interests are protected.
• Ensure effective governance, legal compliance, and risk management across all business operations and units.
• Represent the Company in engagements with regulators, external counsel, and other stakeholders on legal and compliance matters.
• Manage relationships with external solicitors and ensure cost-effective and satisfactory resolution of outsourced matters.
• Supervise the custody, management, and retrieval of legal instruments, executed contracts, and other critical documents.
• Provide leadership to the Legal Services team by setting performance goals, mentoring staff, and building legal capacity within the department.
• Develop and maintain a robust compliance framework to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies.
• Provide timely updates to the Board and Executive Management on emerging legal risks, regulatory changes, and litigation matters.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Call to the Nigerian Bar (B.L).
• A postgraduate degree (LL.M or MBA) and relevant professional certifications (e.g., ICSAN, IBA) will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years post-call legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the financial services, fintech, or a reputable commercial law firm.
• Proven expertise in corporate and commercial law, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and governance.
• Strong track record in managing complex legal matters and leading legal teams.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent knowledge of Company Law, Contract Law, and Financial Services Regulations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to influence and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: judith.okolie@up-ng.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email.