Job Description

Regional Legal Counsel

Minimum Requirements:

• One of the following legal qualifications: B Proc, B Juris, B Com Law, or LLB (preferably an LLB)
• 12 years experience in the legal corporate environment
• Experience in the African continent (advantageous)
• Computer proficiency: Word, Excel & PowerPoint
• Good attention to detail
• Methodical and thorough approach to work
• Organised
• Good at juggling tasks and prioritizing
• A desire to show initiative

Job Function

• Oversee all legal aspects in the countries allocated within SAREG.
• Travel to certain countries within SAREG as part of the role.
• Act as a relay between the Legal and Insurance departments of the Companys South Africa division in France.
• Responsible for all legal matters in the allocated countries, including but not limited to:

Contracts

• Provide regular internal training on contractual issues, clauses in standard trading terms, and bespoke contracts.
• Support risk mitigation for all contracts of the Company and associated companies by:
  • Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts (customers, suppliers, service providers, agents, 3rd parties, including commercial and residential lease agreements, and land/asset sale and purchase agreements).
  • Reviewing tenders.
  • Highlighting key risks to Country Managers, Country Legal Managers, and other relevant parties for informed decision-making regarding contractual risks, provisions, and contract durations.
  • Ensuring proper documented sign-offs for contracts.

Claims (Litigation & Non-Litigation)

• Manage and support Country Managers and Country Legal Managers with all claims, disputes, and litigation involving customers, agents, suppliers, service providers, 3rd parties, and insurance claims.
• Provide guidance and consider alternative approaches when needed.
• Provide support in liaising with external legal counsel for litigation, especially related to employment concerns.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting, management, and closure of all claims for the Company and associated companies.
• Properly prepare claims and witnesses (where applicable) and closely monitor claims until resolution.
• Report all fraud, major litigation, and high-risk matters to Regional Managing Directors and Regional General Counsel (SAREG).
• Review external legal counsel service levels annually with Country Managers and/or Country Legal Managers and assist in negotiating best rate structures.

Insurance

• Ensure all local insurance covers are renewed annually and kept up-to-date.
• Ensure all risks are adequately covered, considering business needs and local country-specific risks and requirements.
• Ensure Country Managers and/or Country Legal Managers are familiar with global insurance covers and relevant policy terms, restrictions, and requirements.

Galaxy System

• Ensure all bespoke contracts (customers, suppliers, service providers, agents, 3rd parties, etc.) for allocated countries are recorded and updated in the Galaxy system.
• Ensure all litigation matters are recorded in Galaxy and regularly updated with the latest legal developments.
• Provide training and support for Galaxy system users in English-speaking countries in Africa.
• Assist and support the Regional General Counsel with reporting, monitoring, and user allocation/licensing in the Galaxy system.

Reporting

• Provide timely and accurate monthly reports on legal matters (including country risks, new legislation, litigation & non-litigation claims, legal contracts, etc.) in the prescribed format for all allocated countries.
• Provide ad-hoc reporting as required.

General

• Provide legal opinions as required.
• Monitor changes in legislation and update relevant management on any risks to the Company and associated companies in allocated countries.
• Ensure compliance with relevant global and local laws and regulations for all companies in allocated countries.
• Conduct audits during visits to allocated countries in SAREG to ensure compliance with legal, insurance, claims, corporate secretarial, and compliance program matters.