Legal Officer (Contract Specialist) at Dangote

Job Responsibilities

• Negotiating, Drafting, Review and execution of Agreements including but not limited to Non-disclosure Agreements, Oil & Gas Agreements, Sales/Purchasing Agreements, Sub-contracts, Consulting Agreements, Licensing Agreements, Master Agreements, review of customer proposed terms and conditions.
• Serve as the point of contact for customers on contractual matters. Act as contractual “middleman” between the Company’s User division and customers, ensuring timely review and approval/reconciliation of variations.
• On all standard and nonstandard contracts, provide redlined recommendations and often negotiate directly with customer attorneys or purchasing staff until consensus has been reached.
• Maintain contractual records and documentation such as receipt and control of all contract correspondence, contractual changes, status reports and other documents for all projects.
• As needed, provide guidance on contract matters to project managers or other operational staff, including training to new project managers and other employees in contracting practices and procedures.
• Develop and implement procedures for contract management and administration in compliance with Company policy. As appropriate, contribute to or influence company policies.
• Work with all departments/units of the Company to coordinate necessary requirements relating to contracts and relevant transactions.
• Extensive review of all relevant documents relating to various Contracts drafted, reviewed and/or executed. E.g., Bank Guarantees, Licenses, Permits etc.
• Work with relevant departments/units of the Company, to ensure adherence to broader finance and risk requirements such as revenue recognition, pricing and discounting policies, export controls etc.
• Ensure that signed contracts are communicated to all relevant parties to provide contract visibility, awareness, and interpretation to support implementation.
• Monitor transaction compliance (milestones, deliverables, invoicing etc.)
• Ensure contract close-out, extension, or renewal.
• Maintains and manages a comprehensive Contracts record database.
• Support in the handling of litigation matters to Logical Conclusion.
• Support in the engagement and liaison with External Solicitors to ensure judicious representation of the Company’s matters in court, alternative dispute resolution while mitigating cost for the Company.
• Support in negotiation of solicitors fees and payment of same.
• Some understanding of corporate governance.
• Perform other duties, as may be assigned by the Company Secretary/General Counsel.

Competence Requirement

• Extensive knowledge of drafting legal contracts and agreements.
• Extensive knowledge of Contracts and Legally binding documents.
• Extensive knowledge of current contractual language and terminology.
• Extensive knowledge on Litigation.
• Extensive understanding of corporate laws, securities laws & capital market
• Extensive knowledge of corporate governance principles.
• Extensive knowledge of industry regulations, policies etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an impeccable an impeccable mastery of the English language.
• Good organization skills and the ability to multitask on several projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of negotiation best practices, both in-person and in written form that considers cultural norms and the client’s best interests.
• Ability to work effectively alone and in a team for the achievement of organizational goals.
• Ability to pay attention to details and work with little or no supervision
• Awareness of dispute resolution processes, especially litigation
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws.
• Awareness of regulatory issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent time management and planning skills.
• Very good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Requirements

Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB).
• Relevant post-graduate degree is an added advantage.

Professional Qualification

• Membership of any of the following professional bodies is required: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Desired Experience

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in a legal function, preferably experience in drafting, reviewing and execution of all kinds of contracts.
• At least 5 years’ experience performing contract review and drafting function in a top-tier law firm or in Multinational Corporation.