Dangote Group is one of Nigeria’s most diversified business conglomerates with a hard – earned reputation for excellent business practices and products’ quality with its operational headquarters in the bustling metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria in West Africa.

Job Summary

• We are seeking a diligent and astute Legal Officer to join our team.
• The successful candidate will act as the primary custodian of the company’s legal affairs, ensuring that our manufacturing operations—from raw material sourcing to the distribution of finished polypropylene sacks—comply with all relevant local and international laws.
• You will play a pivotal role in mitigating risk, managing regulatory compliance (specifically regarding environmental and factory acts), and drafting commercial agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Contract negotiation and management:

• Draft and negotiate all types of contracts ensuring that they are handled from assignment to execution with quick turn-around time and minimal errors.
• Maintain a contract management system and ensure timely renewals and compliance with contract terms.
• Identify potential risks in contractual arrangements and ensure that the company’s interests are protected.

Dispute Resolution:

• Ensure that matters are managed or settled to a successful conclusion.
• Liaise with external counsel and witnesses and collate evidence as required.
• Support internal investigations and settlement negotiations as required.

Compliance:

• Ensure that all returns and filings on behalf of the company are made before the deadlines.
• Maintain a compliance register along with the appropriate statutory records.
• Ensure availability of statutory documents and ensure timely and accurate correspondence with regulators.

Project Management:

• Assist in project planning and resource allocation.
• Ensure deadlines are met and costs are not exceeded.
• Coordinate communication among stakeholders

Debt Recovery:

• Follow up on recovery actions on debtors.
• Liaise with debt recovery agents to ensure debt repayments or resolutions.

Advisory:

• Provide accurate and timely legal advice to management and departments.
• Ensure the company’s activities and policies comply with all laws and regulations.
• Monitor and interpret changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices that may affect the company.

Corporate Governance:

• Support in the preparation of board meeting documentation.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards.
• Assist in developing and implementing internal policies and compliance frameworks.

General/Miscellaneous:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for the achievement of the company’s goals.
• Provide a report every week on assignments handled during the week.
• Execution of any other matters as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
• Call to Bar certification (B.L) is mandatory.
• Member of the Nigerian Bar Association, etc.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of post-call experience.
• Prior experience in the Manufacturing, FMCG, or Industrial sectors is highly preferred.
• Demonstrable experience dealing with environmental regulatory bodies is a strong asset.

Skills & Competencies:

• Drafting Prowess: Ability to draft clear, concise, and watertight commercial agreements.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of Environmental Protection laws and Factory/Labor laws.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills, particularly regarding procurement and sales contracts.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to spot liabilities in fine print.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal factory management and staff.