Legal Officer at BUA Foods

OBJECTIVES

• Ensure that our company’s processes remain in compliance with all existing laws and regulations.
• Provide any needed legal counsel. Interpret and clarify any vague language in-laws and regulations as they apply to the company.
• Aid with the drafting of contracts and other legal agreements used by the company.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES

Specifically, the candidate’s duties will include:

• Drafting and review of contracts, agreements and other legal documents, instruments, or legal issues.
• Promptly monitor, alert and advise on identified and potential risks and threats in the company’s regulatory environment with respect to issues of contracts, key regulatory compliance and local content compliance.
• Promptly and properly monitor execution and rendition of returns on all regulatory compliance status and returns from relevant business units and interfaces.
• Interface and monitor external consultants and solicitors for effective delivery of legal jobs / assignments.
• Provide legal advice for all of the Company’s operations and joint venture businesses in Nigeria. He/she will ensure compliance with the Group’s corporate legal policies, local and international laws, statutory requirements, and, partner agreements.
• Review, draft, project-manage and negotiate a wide range of legal and commercial agreements with governments, government agencies, joint venture partners and Communities.
• Provide comprehensive legal advice on proposed policies, decisions and actions; contracting, litigation, leases, procurement, employment, corporate governance, regulatory compliance; intellectual property matters and other issues, as they arise.
• Liaise with relevant regulatory authorities, joint venture partners and other stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must possess LLB from a reputable university. Possession of a higher degree will be of advantage.
• Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association or any other relevant professional body is essential,
• Minimum of twelve (5) years’ post-call experience in commercial legal practice, with emphasis in oil and gas industry.
• Proven experience in assessing legal risks in E&P operations, as well as, proffering legal advice on joint venture agreements, of taker agreements, crude oil agreement etc.
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with Nigeria’s legal and regulatory framework for E&P businesses is essential.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as, excellent interpersonal & negotiation skill.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Good knowledge and solid background in corporate and commercial laws and company secretariat practice
• Understands the basic structure and format of contractual documents as well as the key principles and contents of the law of contract especially in relation to oil and gas business and other commercials; and applies the correct legal terms and conditions.
• Demonstrates fair knowledge of legal and regulatory issues in business and commercial transactions, especially with respect to commercial contracts and particularly the oil and gas business.
• Acceptable knowledge of commercial, financial, banking, taxation, labour, property, energy and conveyance laws etc.
• Good knowledge of documentation and information management and reporting
• Understands the basic process of contracts negotiation, verification, execution, administration and perfection.
• Strong flair for rigorous academic research and meticulous analysis of business, financial and commercial issues or implications.

In addition, eligible candidates for this position should possess:

• Significant working experience in Nigeria
• Excellent leadership, planning and organization, as well as, people management skills.
• Excellent relationship management skills.