Head Legal

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Legal to lead the organization's legal function and provide sound legal counsel that supports business growth while ensuring regulatory compliance and mitigating legal risks. The ideal candidate will possess over 12 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), with a strong background in corporate and commercial law, governance, litigation management, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiations. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to executive management and play a critical role in protecting the organization's legal and reputational interests.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Advisory

Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, Executive Management, and business units on legal and regulatory matters.

Interpret laws, regulations, and industry policies affecting the organization.

Advise on legal implications of strategic initiatives, partnerships, investments, and expansion plans.

Corporate Governance

Provide Strategic legal advice to board, executive management, business duties on Legal and regulatory matters.

Interpret laws, regulations, and industry policy affecting the organization.

Advice on legal implications of strategic initiatives, partnerships, investment and expansion plan.

Contract Management

Draft, review, negotiate and manage broad range of commercial agreements.

Ensure contracts adequately protect the organization's interests and minimize legal exposure.

Oversee contract lifecycle management and documentation.

Regulatory Compliance

Monitor changes in applicable laws and regulations and advise management on their impact.

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and liaise with relevant government agencies and regulators.

Collaborate with Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit teams to strengthen governance frameworks.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Manage all litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution matters.

Coordinate and supervise external solicitors and legal consultants.

Develop legal strategies to minimize litigation risks and costs.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Lead, mentor and develop the legal team.

Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and eternal Legal Partners.

Manage the legal department’s budget and resources effectively.

Policy Development

Develop and periodically review legal policies, procedures and governance frame work

Drive legal awareness by organizing training sessions for employee on legal and regulatory matters.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / SKILLSET

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree from a recognized institution.

Barrister at Law (B.L.) qualification from the Nigerian Law School.

Must be called to the Nigerian Bar and qualified to practice in Nigeria.

Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is required.

Master’s degree (LL.M, MBA or related discipline) is an added advantage.

Additional certifications in Compliance, Corporate Governance, Arbitration, or Commercial Law will be an added advantage.

Experience Requirements

Minimum of 12 years post-qualification legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.

Experience within the financial services, investment, banking, fintech, or corporate sector is highly desirable.

Proven experience handling high-value commercial transactions, corporate governance, and regulatory matters desirable.

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Minimum qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to: recruitment@optivacp.com using the position as subject of email.

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