Legal and Expansion Lead at Welcome2Africa

Job description

• As part of our expansion, we are seeking a Legal and Expansion Lead to play a critical role in shaping and overseeing our expansion efforts while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across all W2A entities. This role will support the CEO and provide leadership in legal matters, business expansion initiatives, and government relations, enabling the organization to scale successfully and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Strategy, Compliance, and Corporate Governance:

•  Contribute to the design and establishment of the W2A Holdings structure, ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
•  Provide strategic support in developing legal frameworks around employee benefits, such as stock options and bonuses.
•  Advise on and drive legal matters related to business development, expansion, contracts, and partnerships, fostering growth and ensuring legal alignment with W2A’s expansion goals.

Expansion Strategy, Business Development, and Government Relations:

• Lead W2A\'s strategic expansion into new regions and countries by building key partnerships and ensuring the necessary legal structures are in place.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government bodies and regulatory authorities in Nigeria, Africa, and internationally to support expansion efforts and facilitate regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the primary liaison for government and regulatory affairs, advocating for policies that align with W2A’s mission.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to engage stakeholders, including investors, government bodies, and international partners, to drive growth and promote investment and trade initiatives. 

Team Development and Leadership:

• Build and manage a high-performing legal and expansion team, providing guidance and support to ensure alignment with W2A’s strategic objectives.
•  Foster a collaborative culture, encourage professional growth, and set clear goals to develop team members\' capabilities.

Subsidiary Management and Integration:

• Provide legal oversight and support in the operational integration of W2A Trade, W2A Connect, W2A Asset Management, W2A Finance, W2A Foundation, and the W2A Extension and Aggregation Company.

Fundraising and Investor Relations:

• Collaborate with the CEO on fundraising efforts, investor engagement, and structuring investment opportunities that align with W2A’s mission.
•  Provide legal support in negotiations with investors, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and protecting the organization\'s interests.

Legal Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with W2A’s operations, expansion efforts, and partnerships while developing risk management policies to protect the organization’s interests.
• Oversee all of W2A’s internal policies and ensure best practices across all our activities.

Contract Negotiation and Management:

• Lead the negotiation, drafting, and review of contracts, including those with investors, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders, ensuring W2A’s interests are protected, and agreements align with strategic goals.

Support for Asset Management and Finance:

• Provide legal counsel and work with donors and development teams on investment management, trade finance, and microfinance activities, including the W2A Impact Fund, Diaspora Agri-Fund, and other initiatives within W2A’s finance and asset management aspirations.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) and membership in a recognized legal body; a Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is an advantage.
• Experience: 8+ years of legal experience, with a strong background in corporate law, government relations, project management, international expansion, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in supporting organizational growth, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, or international business expansion.
• Expertise in legal frameworks related to investment, trade facilitation, and asset management, particularly within African markets.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with government bodies and regulatory authorities, particularly in Nigeria and international jurisdictions.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of managing complex contracts and legal agreements.
• Ability to manage and mitigate legal risks in emerging markets and across multiple jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of the legal landscape in the UK, China, Belgium, Malaysia, and Nigeria is preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage for you and your dependents.
• Competitive Salary: Attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Flexible Work Environment: Support for work-life balance with flexible working hours.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with key stakeholders and international partners in the agribusiness and energy sectors.
• 13th-month salary, based on organizational performance.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with a diverse and talented team