Job Description

Regional Legal Counsel [Corporate & Compliance]

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 on the African continent (advantageous)
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Good attention to detail
• Methodical and thorough approach to work
• Organized
• Skilled at juggling tasks and prioritizing
• A desire to show initiative

Job Function

• Oversee all legal aspects in the allocated countries within SAREG.
• Travel to certain countries in SAREG as required.
• Act as a liaison for the Legal and Insurance departments of the Company division based in France.
• Manage all legal matters in the allocated countries within SAREG, including but not limited to the areas below.

Contracts

• Provide regular internal training on contractual issues and clauses in standard trading terms and bespoke contracts.
• Support risk mitigation efforts for all associated company contracts through effective negotiation and insurance, including:
  • Contract drafting, negotiation, and review (customers, suppliers & service providers, agents, third parties including commercial and residential lease agreements, and land/asset sale & purchase agreements).
  • Tender reviews.
• Highlight important risks to relevant parties (Country Managers, Country Legal Managers, etc.) to enable informed decisions on contractual risks, key provisions, and contract durations, with proper documented sign-off.

Claims (Litigation & Non-Litigation)

• Manage and support Country Managers and/or Country Legal Managers on claims, disputes, and litigation (customers, agents, suppliers & service providers, third parties, and insurance claims).
• Provide guidance and consider alternative approaches as needed.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel on litigation related to employment concerns.
• Ensure timely reporting, management, and resolution of associated company claims.
• Prepare claims and witnesses (if applicable) and monitor claims until closure.
• Ensure comprehensive and continuous reporting of all fraud, major litigation, and high-risk matters to Regional Managing Directors and Regional General Counsel (SAREG).
• Annually review external legal counsel's performance with Country Managers/Country Legal Managers, and negotiate rate structures for the upcoming year.

Insurance

• Ensure all local insurance covers are renewed on time and remain current.
• Confirm that all risks are adequately covered, taking into account Company business requirements, country-specific risks, and other local needs.
• Educate Country Managers and/or Country Legal Managers on global insurance covers and relevant policy terms to ensure the validity of coverage.

Galaxy System

• Ensure that all bespoke contracts (customers, suppliers & service providers, agents, third parties, etc.) for allocated countries are recorded in Galaxy and remain up to date.
• Record all litigation matters in Galaxy and keep files updated with the latest legal developments.
• Provide training and support for Galaxy system users in English-speaking African countries.
• Assist the Regional General Counsel with reporting, monitoring, and managing user allocation/licensing for the Galaxy system.

Reporting

• Provide timely and accurate monthly reports on all legal matters, including country risks, new legislation, impact on the company, litigation & non-litigation claims, legal contracts, etc., for allocated countries.
• Submit ad-hoc reports as needed.

General

• Provide legal opinions when required.
• Monitor legislative changes and inform relevant management of risks associated with companies within allocated SAREG countries.
• Ensure companies in allocated SAREG countries comply with relevant global and local laws & regulations.
• Conduct audits during country visits within SAREG to ensure compliance in legal, insurance, claims (litigation & non-litigation), corporate secretarial matters, and adherence to the group compliance program.