Legal Officer at The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

Job Objective and Summary

• The Legal Officer provides effective legal services and compliance advice to the institution (including its subsidiary) in the most efficient manner.
• He/She provides support in the delivery of corporate governance and regulatory compliance responsibilities.
• The role reports to the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser.

Core Responsibilities

Provision of Legal Advice

• Provides assistance in the management of relationship with specialist external legal firms and practitioners, as required.
• Transfers files to external lawyers and monitors performance.
• Reviews and ensures updates to the Bank’s documents as needed.
• Participates in collaboration with the Legal Adviser, legislative and regulatory changes or developments that might affect the institution’s operations or Board activities, and ensures briefing of the Board to aid informed decisions.
• Analyses formal complaints against the Bank/its subsidiary and provides advice on measures of action.
• Ensures that proper legal consultations are provided to departments / units.
• Conducts review on texts of standard contracts, agreements and forms.
• Assists with the registration of agreements for submission to ministries, governmental departments, relevant administrations and agencies.
• Prepares Memorandum of Understanding, bills and statutes on administrative matters and conduct research on appropriate emerging legal issues.

Meetings and Representation

• Provides representation to the Bank in ensuring the efficient handling and winning resolution of all negotiations and disputes.
• Participates in meetings with clients and concerned parties to discuss related legal matters.

Competencies

Knowledge:

• Understanding of legal issues including governance and legal compliance
• Understanding of the financial services industry policies and principles/p>
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices
• Knowledge of conflict management
• Knowledge of administrative laws
• Understanding of ethical rules and laws

Technical Competencies:

• Demonstrates expertise in negotiation, arbitration and contracts
• Demonstrates expertise in providing advice at Board/Top Management level
• Demonstrates expertise in dispute resolution
• Expertise in the application of principles and instruments of Company Law
• Excellent communication skills (Oral & Written)

Behavioural Competencies:

• Problem-solving/decision making ability
• Creativity
• Ability to perform multiple tasks
• Teamwork, collaboration and networking skills
• Accuracy and attention to details

Qualifications

Educational Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Law
• Possession of a Post graduate qualification (i.e. LLM) is an added advantage

Professional Qualifications:

• Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years post call cognate experience in a financial regulatory environment is required.