Legal Officer at Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN)

Job Summary

• Serves as a key point of legal advice on NEPWHAN and its member’s legal issues to ensure protection of NEPWHAN interest.

Principal Functions
Tactical:

• Advice NEPWHAN on local and international legal matters including civil, criminal, contractual laws that may affect NEPWHAN activities or its members across the 36+1 state.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation/regulations and give adequate legal advice in order to reduce NEPWHAN risk liability.
• Advice NEPWHAN on legal matters relating to property acquisitions or rentals.
• follow up with all NEPWHAN members legal issues as it relates the Gender based Violence, Stigmatization and discrimination
• Demonstrate ownership of the all matters and advice NEPWHAN on any legal peculiarities.
• Evaluate the impact of new laws regulations and legislations that may affect NEPWHAN or its’ employees and activities and make recommendations to the National Coordinator.
• Keep abreast of global and local best practices as it relates to the department’s activities.
• Continuously assist in reviewing the departments/teams activities and make recommendations for improvement and implement approved initiatives to ensure enhanced performance of the team.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

Operational:

• Ensure effective case management strategy and adequate representation in litigation matters involving NEPWHAN.
• Monitor Litigation (including any alternative dispute resolution mechanisms) by and against NEPWHAN and manage NEPWHAN legal exposure in matters.
• Oversee searches and due diligence on title verification, CAC searches, corporate searches/enquiries etc.
• Give qualitative legal advice on title verification/due diligence and ensure proper documentation for property and site related acquisitions.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with lease terms in approving renewals.
• Draft Deeds, contract Agreements, Addendums and other legal related documents as may be required.
• Ensure maintenance of database and adequate filing of all NEPWHAN litigation matter, disputes and properties and other related legal documentation.
• Ensure safe custody of all litigation and property related files and documents.
• Assist in implementing the units work programs and plans in line with agreed upon procedures and guidelines.
• Assist in planning and managing the human and material resources of the department/team to optimize performance, morale and enhance productivity.
• Manage inter-functional relations to ensure synergy across the various departmental functions
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members and manage subordinate performance towards the achievement of overall team objectives
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the National Cordinator.

Educational Requirements

• First degree in Law.
• MBA or relevant post graduate/ professional qualification is desirable.

Experience, Skills & Competencies:

• 5 years relevant work experience, with at least three (3) years in a Supervisory role in the NGO sector, UNAIDS, WHO, USAID, The Global Fund, PEPFAR etc funded projects.
• Knowledge of donor regulations including UNAIDS, The Global Fund and/or other foreign government development agencies, and other multilateral development agencies.
• Ability and willingness to flex work hours to accommodate multiple time zones, as needed.
• Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of their status, religion, ethnicity, class or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Personal commitment to NEPWHAN’s mission and goals
• Good oral and written English language skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex financial, compliance and operational issues into layperson language.