Company Secretary at Doheney Services Ltd

Position Summary

• The Company Secretary is responsible for overseeing legal and regulatory compliance, ensuring effective board operations, maintaining statutory records, and supporting the governance structure of the organisation. The role involves managing compliance with national laws and sector-specific regulations while ensuring seamless coordination among various regulatory agencies and joint venture partners.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Governance and Board Support

Board Meeting Management and Governance Excellence

• Organise and facilitate Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, and Annual General Meetings in line with applicable corporate laws and governance standards.
• Prepare board meeting agendas in collaboration with the Chairman and CEO.
• Ensure board meetings meet quorum and regulatory requirements.
• Provide impartial governance advice to the Board.
• Facilitate board induction, professional development, and performance evaluations.

Board Documentation and Record Keeping

• Prepare and maintain accurate minutes of meetings and key resolutions.
• Custody and management of the company seal and statutory documents.
• Distribute board materials and reports in advance of meetings.
• Monitor implementation of board decisions and provide regular progress reports.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Statutory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with corporate legislation, including filing requirements with regulatory agencies.
• Maintain statutory registers and oversee updates on directorships, shareholding, and other corporate structures.
• Coordinate statutory returns, filings, and notifications.
• Ensure adherence to continuous disclosure and reporting obligations.

Joint Venture Governance

• Manage governance obligations under joint venture and shareholders’ agreements.
• Navigate multi-party governance dynamics, ensuring fair representation and transparency.
• Monitor compliance with incorporated joint venture structures and public sector governance standards.

Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Compliance

• Oversee FTZ licensing and operational compliance in line with regulatory authority guidelines.
• Liaise with FTZ regulators for documentation, permits, and customs procedures.
• Manage FTZ-related tax and legal benefits.
• Handle disputes through designated FTZ resolution frameworks.

International Trade and Industry-Specific Compliance

Trade and Commercial Law

• Manage legal aspects of international trade, including customs compliance and cross-border contracts.
• Ensure adherence to trade agreements and export control laws.
• Protect intellectual property within the FTZ and beyond.

Petrochemical Industry Compliance

• Ensure compliance with sector-specific regulations and the requirements of national petroleum regulatory authorities.
• Manage permits and environmental impact assessments.
• Oversee compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards specific to the industry.

Licensing and Permits

• Coordinate the issuance, renewal, and modification of licenses and permits.
• Facilitate regulatory approvals for expansions and new operations.

Corporate Administration and Legal Affairs

Contract and Document Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate legal agreements including commercial, joint venture, and vendor contracts.
• Oversee execution and documentation of all strategic legal arrangements.
• Engage and coordinate with external legal counsel as needed.
• Manage intellectual property registrations and technology licensing.

Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Relations

• Handle official corporate correspondence and regulatory disclosures.
• Coordinate shareholder communications and support activities like dividend payments and general meetings.
• Manage media and press releases related to corporate matters.
• Serve as liaison with regulators, legal advisers, auditors, and institutional stakeholders.

Risk Management and Internal Governance

Governance Risk Oversight

• Identify and mitigate governance-related legal and reputational risks.
• Design and implement internal policies and governance frameworks.
• Coordinate with internal audit on compliance assessments.
• Maintain corporate manuals and governance standards across units.

Crisis and Emergency Governance

• Develop response protocols for governance emergencies and investigations.
• Coordinate urgent board meetings and stakeholder briefings.
• Lead communication efforts during governance-related crises.

Required Qualifications

Educational Background

• LL.B from a recognised university and qualified to practice law in Nigeria.
• OR Membership of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
• OR Membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) or equivalent.
• A master’s degree in Law (LL.M), Business Administration (MBA), or Corporate Governance is preferred.
• Additional certifications in governance, risk, or compliance are an added advantage.

Professional Experience

• 12–15 years of experience in legal, corporate governance, or company secretarial functions.
• 8–10 years in a senior Company Secretary role within complex private or public organisations.
• Experience with joint ventures, especially involving public-private partnerships.
• Exposure to free trade zone operations or export-oriented businesses is preferred.
• Experience in process industries such as petrochemical or oil and gas is highly desirable.

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of CAMA 2020, sector-specific regulations, and corporate law.
• Familiarity with FTZ rules, international trade compliance, and petroleum sector regulations.
• Expertise in board governance, risk management, and legal advisory.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership, crisis management, and team development capabilities.