About the Job

As  the head legal counsel you will provide legal advice, guidance and support to the business. A very important task is to draft, review and negotiate business related contracts (IT/IP, privacy). You proactively will be participating in cross functional teams to engage and implement new business. Another important part of the job is to draft, review, advise and revise compliance policies and procedures to ensure that our clients’ practices remain compliant with all current laws, rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Commercial contracts role carrying out a variety of commercial legal work and delivering bespoke legal advice to the business.
• Assist with reviewing, drafting, negotiating and structuring of a broad range of commercial contracts, including master services agreements, IT services agreements, such as SaaS arrangements, partnership agreements and other business agreements.
• Work closely with the business and the Sales Team at various stages of the contracting process. This includes:
  • Supporting the pre-contracting process, e.g. inputting and reviewing MSA’s in line with contracting guidelines and best practices;
  • Advising on legal issues regarding contracts and assisting with contract renewals and termination;
  • Preparing contract summaries, risk reports and stakeholder briefing documents.
• Communicate and negotiate with external parties (external clients, partners, external counsel, etc.)
• Advise on all contentious and litigious matters involving third party integration arrangements.
• Develop integrated relationships and credibility with key members of businesses and across functions.
• Liaise with and manage relations with relevant stakeholders (including operations / engineering / HR /marketing/Finance/product colleagues) to deliver a high standard of legal advice, acting as the initial point of contact / support and trusted adviser.
• Provide risk management advice to the business.
• Ensure governance practices and monitor the effectiveness of controls.
• Support in legal due diligence during fundraising.

Critical Competencies

• Education: University Degree (s) in Law.
• Completion of professional training by the Nigerian Law School and call to Bar.
• 3 to 5 years post-call experience with at least 2 years in financial service, Insurance company, fintech industry or a reputable commercial law firm.
• Thorough understanding of basic legal principles; good knowledge of Law of Contract, Company Law Practice; Legal Drafting etc.
• Excellent grasp of legal research, advisory and analysis.
• In-depth communication skills – drafting, review, negotiation.
• Excellent logic and comprehension, excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent problem-analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Great command of English (written, spoken).
• Excellent team leader.