Legal Counsel - Central Africa at Nokia Nigeria

General Purpose
• Lead all legal support to the business in the Central African region
• As part of the legal department’s dynamic resourcing plan, provide support to NOKIA’s other regional business
• Providing legal advice on a wide range of agreements with the customers and suppliers
• Provide legal training and education to business colleagues on NOKIA policies, commercial law, compliance and other relevant legal matters for the sub-region and company
• Lead all legal risk management initiatives in Central Africa to instill a positive, world class legal compliance culture and full adherence to internal and external governance requirements
• To review current processes in the organization, identify improvements and lead the change process
• Coordinate with all functions in identifying, developing and implementing improvements in line with NOKIA standards, processes and policies

Main Responsibility Area
• Acts as a source of expert current knowledge of all legal, ethics & compliance programs and supports the development of an effective and pragmatic compliance culture
• Initiates a communication program that ensures a clear understanding of legal compliance standards required of individuals conducting high risk activities in the business
• Assess level of compliance with established policies, procedures and standards, across the organization as well as adequacy of internal controls within business, financial processes and operations
• Performs proactive risk assessment to identify business processes in the sub-region and region which may represent a risk for the company, with an emphasis on financial, business controls and efficient business processes
• Responsible for reporting and escalating risks, legal issues and best practices to Head of L&C for the MEA Region
• Coordinate with all functions in identifying, developing and implementing improvements in response to legal requirements, legislation changes and company policy requirements
• Participates in all the applicable subregion business approval boards and meetings, responsible for reporting and escalating legal issues and the relevant risks to the Head of L&C for the MEA Region.

Position Description
• Unquestionable level of integrity with the ability to work as an enabler to the business in line with company policy and procedures
• Provide legal guidance and support to NOKIA’s Central African Business for day-to-day activities and work with the MEA L&C team as part of the legal department’s dynamic resourcing plan, to provide support to NOKIA’s other regional business
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts with third parties
• Proactively manage legal risks arising from complex business transactions
• Supports ethics and compliance initiatives
• Keeps the Central Africa Leadership Team informed about the changes in legislation and relevant legal topics affecting the business
• Provides legal guidance in tenders alongside the contract management and other functions
• Monitors and efficiently manages engagement of external counsels and the legal budget

Basic Requirements:
• 7 - 10 years PQE
• Trained/qualified at a top tier, reputable corporate/commercial law firm
• Experience of working in a multi-national or regional company legal department.
• Excellent academic record and working references / credentials
• Experience in ethics and compliance, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act   
• Admitted, or qualified to be admitted, to practice law in one jurisdiction in Central Africa

Preferred Requirements:
• Experience in the IT, technology, projects, software, telecommunications industry.
• Very strong individual contributor
• Strong leadership and business relationship skills
• Experienced in commercial, technology, IPR, business, labour, contract and competition law.
• Experienced in negotiating and drafting infrastructure and technology, business development, including those agreements covering a number of markets

Other Requirements:
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills
• Fluent in written and oral English.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of management and third parties
• Capable of travel, to all other MEA Region countries on a short term business trips