General Counsel/ Company Secretary at AfyA Care

Responsibilities:

Legal and Compliance:

• Lead and manage the legal and compliance function, ensuring timely legal guidance and risk mitigation.
• Develop, implement, and monitor company-wide compliance programs in alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advise the Board, CEO, and senior management on legal, regulatory, and industry matters affecting the business.
• Oversee corporate contracts, agreements, litigation, intellectual property management, and other legal activities.
• Provide legal support in areas such as corporate governance, risk management, and business ethics.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks including anti-money laundering (AML), anti-bribery, and data protection laws.
• Conduct internal compliance audits, investigations, and regulatory reporting, ensuring adherence to legal obligations.
• Stay current on legal and regulatory developments and provide proactive guidance on compliance risks.

Company Secretarial:

• Serve as the Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory corporate governance requirements.
• Organize and attend Board meetings, shareholder meetings, and related corporate events, preparing agendas, resolutions, and minutes.
• Facilitate communication between the Board, senior leadership, and shareholders, ensuring the timely flow of critical information.
• Ensure the company’s legal entities maintain compliance with corporate filing requirements, including corporate registers, filings with regulators, and other statutory obligations.
• Provide advice on corporate governance best practices, shareholder agreements, and structuring of legal entities.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Legal and Compliance team to deliver high-quality support across the organization.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align the legal and compliance strategy with the company’s objectives, risk tolerance, and business goals.
• Provide ongoing legal and compliance training to employees to enhance awareness and compliance throughout the organization.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the executive team, helping to identify and manage legal and regulatory risks proactively.

Other Responsibilities:

• Manage external legal advisors and service providers, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective legal support.
• Lead or support major transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee the legal aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications:

• Minimum Education: LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Preferred: Postgraduate qualification (LL.M) or professional certification in corporate governance (e.g., ICSA).

Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in legal, compliance, and governance roles, with 5+ years in a leadership position.
• Proven track record in managing legal and compliance functions at a senior level, particularly in corporate governance and company secretarial duties.
• Extensive experience in advising on corporate contracts, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
• Familiarity with key regulatory frameworks (e.g., AML, GDPR, anti-bribery, securities laws, etc.), with experience ensuring company-wide adherence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage Board-level matters and effectively communicate with senior stakeholders.