Head, General Counsel at Nestoil Plc

We’re on an evolutionary journey where we’re changing our story. We are looking to hire an experienced Head, General Counsel, to join our diverse team in our Company.

In this role, you will be accountable for guaranteeing that all legal services across the Obijackson Group are carried out effectively including preparing contracts, contracting external solicitors, liaising with regulatory agencies, preparation of regulatory reports and managing relationships with regulatory bodies for all business operations 

As Head General Counsel, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing and monitoring the annual budget as well as goals/strategies for the Legal Department
• Overseeing the formulation of legal strategies to ensure minimal interruptions to company operations from third parties.
• Providing leadership to the legal function and company secretariat activities.
• Providing legal advice on all business transactions with third parties including all legal documents and newspaper publication to avoid or minimize exposure to potential litigation.
• Attending business and transactional meetings with different business units, department and affiliate companies with a view to providing legal guidance to the transactions and businesses.
• Coordinating the drafting, vetting, and reviewing of all legal documents and agreements relating to all operations in Obijackson Group (e.g. supplier/vendor contracts, insurance contracts, employee contracts, service level agreements) and ensuring company standards are properly complied with before signing new deals/executing the agreements.
• Liaising with Government agencies to ensure that Obijackson Group obtains relevant licenses, permits and approvals for business operations.
• Conducting training and presentation to Management on various legal aspects of the businesses with a view to achieving legal guidance.
• Overseeing the preparation of legal guidelines for projects to mitigate possible litigation, arbitration, staff and/or community unrest and other situations capable of disrupting company operations. 
• Advising management in all contractual negotiations and arrangements.
• Monitoring changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment, and advising management on current legislation, regulatory issues, or legal risks that might impact Obijackson’s strategies and operations.
• Liaising with the Group’s attorneys/external legal service providers to defend the company in all litigation cases and ensure minimal subsisting injunctions

What are we looking for?

• First Degree in Law (LLB, BL) Possession of a Postgraduate degree in Corporate Law will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 12 years as a Legal Practitioner/Adviser, with at least 4 years in a supervisory role.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Nigeria (ICSA), its professional equivalent or minimum of 4 years in company secretarial function.
• Proven hands-on technical competence and experience in dealing with and advising on matters of corporate, business and commercial law, encompassing contracts/agreements, litigation, arbitration and legal risk management.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively – oral and written.
• Deep knowledge of and very current with developing legal issues and trends, institutional policies and procedures, regulations and by-laws as well as the legal environment within which they operate.
• Excellent planning and record management skills.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Strong leadership skills, intuitiveness and ability to pay attention to details.
• Strong analytical and crisis management skills.
• High level of integrity, objectivity and professionalism.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office Suite i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint