Head, Legal and Compliance

About the role.

The Head, Legal and Compliance, who also serves as the Company Secretary, provides strategic legal and compliance leadership while supporting the governance framework of the organization. This dual role ensures adherence to all legal, regulatory, and corporate governance standards. Responsibilities include offering comprehensive legal, compliance, and governance services, supporting board and shareholder activities, managing risks, protecting intellectual property, and facilitating compliance with applicable laws. The Head, Legal and Compliance also plays a critical role in investor relations and maintaining statutory and regulatory documentation.

This role will report to the Chief Operations Officer with secondary reporting lines to the Board. 

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Company Secretarial Duties

• Serve as Company Secretary, providing administrative and governance support to the board and its committees.
  

• Plan and execute firm-wide board meetings, internal governance meetings, board committee meetings, and annual general meetings, including the preparation of meeting notices, agendas, and minutes.
  

• Maintain statutory books, including registers of members, directors, and secretaries, ensuring corporate regulatory filings are up to date.
  

• Provide guidance to the board on their responsibilities, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.
  

• Act as a liaison between the board, management, and shareholders, ensuring smooth communication and coordination.
  

• Facilitate interactions with investors while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
  

• Monitor changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment, advising management and stakeholders on appropriate actions.
  

• Provide contract documentation and negotiation support across the group.
  

• Manage the group’s litigation portfolio in partnership with external legal counsel.
  

• Review agreements to ensure the company’s interests are protected.
  

• Provide legal and risk advisory on corporate and commercial law issues, intellectual property protection, investment management, and sector-specific regulations.
  

• Maintain a detailed and efficient contract management and record-keeping system.
  

• Proactively manage the intellectual property portfolio across the group.
  

• Oversee relationships with external legal counsel and other legal service providers.
  

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory obligations and manage the interface with regulators.
  

• Facilitate and manage regulatory and compliance-related initiatives, particularly Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations.
  

• Execute legal and compliance training initiatives within the group.
  

• Maintain up-to-date information on developments and regulations relevant to the company’s business interests.
  

      Key Competencies

• A bachelor’s degree in law (LLB), Barrister at Law (Nigerian Law School).
  

• Minimum of 8 years' experience practicing law after call to bar, preferably with a focus on corporate law with minimum of 2 years leading a team.
  

• Minimum of 3 years legal practice in the financial services sector.
  

• Hand-on experience managing relationships and transactions with Capital Market Regulators.
  

• SEC Sponsored Individual Registration is strongly recommended.
  

• Deep knowledge of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract law, intellectual property, employment law, and litigation management
  

• Experience working with boards of directors, providing support for board meetings, and facilitating corporate governance processes.
  

• Excellent legal analytical skills with the ability to integrate legal advice and business knowledge, while providing balanced advice regarding risks and benefits
  

• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of legal professionals.
  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts and strategies effectively to senior management and stakeholders.
  

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct