JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel advises, proposes, and participates in the strategic decision-making of the subsidiaries and the Group. He acts as a link between the legal department, operational staff, management, and decision-making bodies. Positioned in a regional function, he or she provides legal assistance to all Group countries.

MISSIONS

Innovator and true leader, he or she will have to reshape the legal department by using various levers such as:

Legal Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure the company's operations across all 10 African countries comply with local laws, regulations, and international best practices.
• Implement robust risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks that could impact the company's operations and reputation.

Contract Management

• Oversee and enhance the contract management process to ensure that all contracts are drafted, negotiated, and executed in line with legal requirements and best practices.
•  Develop and maintain a repository of standardized contract templates to streamline the contracting process while minimizing legal risks.

Corporate Governance

• Senior management on corporate governance matters, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, as well as best corporate governance practices.
• Regularly review and update corporate policies and procedures to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management
• Develop and implement a proactive approach to resolving disputes, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to minimize litigation costs and reputational risks.
• Manage external legal counsel effectively in cases of litigation, ensuring efficient and cost-effective representation.

Intellectual Property Protection

• Safeguard the company's intellectual property rights through the registration, monitoring, and enforcement of trademarks, copyrights, and patents across all relevant jurisdictions. Conduct IP due diligence for potential mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships.

Compliance Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver comprehensive compliance training programs for employees and stakeholders to foster a culture of ethics and integrity throughout the organization.
• Keep the team abreast of changes in laws and regulations that could impact the business.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Ventures

• Provide legal counsel and due diligence support for potential mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures to ensure smooth and compliant transactions.
• Draft and negotiate agreements related to these transactions to protect the company's interests.

Ethics & Anti Corruption Initiatives

• Establish and maintain an effective ethics and anti-corruption program to prevent and detect any unethical or corrupt practices within the company.
• Ensure compliance with international anti-corruption laws, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act.

Data Privacy & Security

• Develop and implement data privacy policies and procedures to protect customer and employee data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
• Monitor regulatory developments in data privacy and security to adapt the company's practices accordingly.

Collaboration & External Engagement

• Foster productive relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, industry associations, and legal communities, to stay informed of relevant legal developments

SKILLS REQUIRED

Essential

• International and Regional Law Expertise: A strong understanding of regional and international laws, treaties, and conventions is essential when operating in multiple African countries and dealing with cross-border transactions and legal issues.
• International Law Expertise: A strong understanding of international laws, treaties, and conventions is essential when operating in multiple African countries and dealing with cross-border transactions and legal issues.
• Corporate Law: Proficiency in corporate law is crucial for handling issues related to corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and compliance with company regulations.
• Contract Law: Sound knowledge of contract drafting, negotiation, and review is necessary to ensure the company's interests are protected in various cross-border agreements and contracts.
• Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: A solid grasp of data protection laws and cybersecurity measures is critical for safeguarding sensitive company and customer data across borders.
• Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of relevant industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements in each African country will help the company avoid legal issues and potential penalties.
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation: Experience in alternative dispute resolution methods and litigation management is valuable when dealing with legal conflicts in different jurisdictions.
• Anti-Corruption and Ethics: Expertise in anti-corruption laws and ethics programs will ensure the company operates with integrity and compliance with international standards.
• Regulatory Advocacy: Experience in engaging with regulators and government agencies to advocate for the company's interests and contribute to the development of favorable policies and regulations.
• Technology and Legal Software: Familiarity with legal research tools, document management systems, and technology solutions will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the legal department

Desirable

• Cross-border Transactions: Experience and expertise in dealing with complex cross-border transactions, including international financing, foreign investments, and regulatory approvals, are highly valuable.
• Employment and Labor Law: Understanding the labor laws in each African country of operation is vital for managing employment contracts, labor disputes, and compliance with local labor regulations.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Law: Proficiency in IP law is essential for protecting the company's intellectual property rights, trademarks, patents, and copyrights across different jurisdictions.
• Tax Law: Understanding the tax laws and regulations in each country of operation is crucial for managing tax liabilities and structuring transactions efficiently.
• Risk Assessment and Management: The ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and develop risk management strategies is essential for protecting the company's interests.
• Due Diligence: Skill in conducting due diligence for potential mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships is crucial for informed decision-making

PROFILE

Education level: Higher education specialising in law (Master 2 or equivalent or an international foreign qualification (LLM/Master of Laws) or dual training (such as business school)

Experience

• Essential: International law firm training and some degree of senior level experience (7-10 PQE)
• In-house experience in senior capacity (Senior legal counsel, General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer) with cross-border operations and exposure to African continent
• Desirable : International law firm partner-level; Significant in-house experience within cross-border organisation with strong exposure to African continent
• Strong interested in business /commercial environment in Africa (i.e. based on professional background to date or personal upbringing / family connections)

SOFT SKILLS AND PERSONALITY PROFILE

Essential

• Leadership: excellent managerial skills
• Cross—cultural capabilities: fluent in French and English (professional level)