Executive Legal Officer at Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) Nigeria

Role Summary

• The Legal Executive Officer shall support the delivery of legal aid services, management of legal cases, drafting and review of legal documents, institutional legal compliance, stakeholder engagement, and legal advocacy initiatives.
• The officer will also contribute to strengthening women’s legal empowerment through legal counseling, public engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.
• The position plays a critical role in safeguarding WRAPA legal interests, minimizing institutional legal risks, supporting WRAPA client and stakeholder’s relationships, and ensuring organizational legal integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Legal aid, representation and client support services.
• Maintain legal research, documentation and case Management.
• Ensure timely documentation, tracking, and reporting of legal aid activities, legal interventions, and representation outcomes.
• Monitor legal, policy, and regulatory developments relevant to WRAPA operations, programmes, and advocacy priorities.
• Support in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), partnership agreements, vendor agreements, and other institutional legal documents.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, donor requirements, internal policies, and regulatory obligations affecting WRAPA operations.
• Support legal risk management processes and provide legal guidance on institutional, operational, and programmatic matters.
• Engage with courts, law enforcement agencies, government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and community stakeholders on legal and programmatic matters.
• Support advocacy initiatives, public engagement programmes, and awareness campaigns promoting women’s rights, gender justice, and legal reforms.
• Prepare periodic legal aid, compliance, and activity reports for management and institutional use.

Direct Reports:

• The Executive Legal Officer reports to the Secretary Genera, Director of Programme and Senior Executive Legal Officer

Working Conditions:

• The Ex. Legal Officer will work four days in the office and one day remotely from home. This may change subject to operational or economic circumstances.
• Must be available for virtual meetings and capable of responding to emails promptly during work hours.
• Occasional weekend work may be required based on organisational needs or exigencies.
• Travel to field sites, which may include rural or remote areas, to oversee program implementation and engage with beneficiaries.
• The role may involve working with challenging or distressed clients, particularly in cases involving violations or high placed aggressors.
• The position may require working under pressure, especially when handling urgent legal matters or high-stakes negotiations.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a recognized institution and must have being called to Bar.
• Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is mandatory.
• Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience as a Legal Officer or similar role.
• Experience working with NGOs, development organizations, advocacy groups, or public interest law institutions or public interest legal practice is desirable.
• Experience in women’s rights, gender justice, human rights, or social justice programming is an added advantage.
• Understanding of labour law, governance frameworks, contracts, compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Additional training in Human Rights Law, Gender Studies, ADR, or related areas is an advantage Strong ethical judgment and ability to handle confidential information
• Knowledge or experience on Nigerian laws relating to women’s rights, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), criminal law, family law, and Shari’ah law.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple legal matters simultaneously.

Physical Requirements:

• The position is primary sedentary, involving extensive desk work, computer use and document review vis a vis extended period of sitting during meetings, court appearances or consultations.
• Occasional lifting of files, legal documents, or equipment may be necessary.
• Routine repetitive tasks such as data management and other forms of documentation could be a regular part of the role, with mandatory physical breaks as a well-being practice.