Legal Officer (Freight Forwarding Company) iRecruiters Africa at iRecruiters Africa Limited

Job Summary:

• Our client is looking for an exceptional Legal Officer who will perform both the legal and executive assistant role. The candidate will ensure that the company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations thereby ensuring industry best practices.
• The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the legal compliance and risk management of our companys operations in the freight forwarding industry. You will play a crucial role in safeguarding the companys interests and advising on legal matters related to our daily operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal & Compliance Function

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and legal documents related to shipping, logistics, and freight forwarding. Ensure that they are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with international, national, and local laws, regulations, and industry standards that impact the companys operations.
• Handle legal disputes and liaise with external counsel when necessary.
• Develop strategies for dispute resolution, including negotiations, mediation, or litigation as needed.
• Keep abreast of changes in legislation and regulations in the freight forwarding and logistics industry. Provide guidance on how these changes may affect the companys operations.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with business operations and provide guidance to management on risk reduction and avoidance strategies.
• Ensure that the company operates in adherence to all corporate governance guidelines and standards. Assist in corporate filings and governance matters.
• Protect and manage the companys intellectual property, trademarks, and patents.
• Conduct legal research to provide guidance and support to various departments on legal matters.
• Educate and train employees on legal issues and company policies to ensure a culture of legal compliance.
• Manage existing relationships with external solicitors.

ESG Strategy Function

• Develop and implement the companys ESG strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and industry best practices.
• Stay up to date with ESG trends, regulations, and reporting frameworks to drive continuous improvement and enhance the companys sustainability performance.
• Identify and assess ESG risks and opportunities across the organization and develop appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures.
• Establish and track ESG goals, targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and ensure compliance with sustainability commitments.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to measure and report on the companys ESG performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Operations, Human Resources, Finance, and Legal, to integrate ESG considerations into business processes and decision-making.
• Engage with external stakeholders, and industry groups, to communicate the companys ESG initiatives and respond to inquiries or requests for information.
• Coordinate with the Communications and Marketing teams to develop and implement ESG-focused communications and marketing strategies to enhance the companys brand reputation.
• Support the development and delivery of ESG-related training programs to raise awareness and foster a culture of sustainability throughout the organization.
• Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and forums to stay abreast of emerging trends, share best practices, and contribute to thought leadership in the ESG field.

Administrative Function

• Manage the executive teams calendars, schedule appointments, meetings, and events, and ensure timely reminders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the Chief Executive Officer and internal/external stakeholders. Handle calls, emails, and other forms of communication with professionalism and discretion.
• Make travel arrangements, including booking flights, accommodations, and transportation, and preparing detailed itineraries.
• Prepare agendas, take minutes, and distribute meeting materials. Coordinate logistics for both internal and external meetings.
• Create, edit, and proofread documents, presentations, and reports as needed. Maintain and organize electronic and paper files.
• Track and reconcile expenses, prepare expense reports, and ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines.
• Assist with ad-hoc projects, research, and assignments as requested by the executive team.
• Oversee the offices day-to-day administrative tasks, including ordering supplies, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring office functionality.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Requirements

• A bachelors degree in Law (LL.B.) with a valid license to practice law.
• 5+ years of experience as a legal officer or in a similar role, preferably in the logistics, transportation, or freight forwarding industry.
• Strong understanding of international and domestic laws related to shipping, logistics, and freight forwarding.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, make sound judgments, and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency in legal research and contract drafting.