Legal Compliance Officer at Illaj Holdings

Job Responsibilites

• Manage all corporate litigations and legal risks across the holding and its subsidiary.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements and all legal documents.
• Review subsidiary process to identify compliance issues and provide advice or training.
• Develop and oversee control systems to prevent or deal with violations of legal guidelines and internal policies.
• Manage the performance of internal audits and external audits of suppliers.
• Revise procedures, reports, etc., periodically to identify hidden risks or non-conformity issues.
• Draft, modify, and implement company policies.
• Collaborate with corporate counsels and HR department to monitor enforcement of standards and regulations.
• Assess the business’s future ventures to identify possible compliance risks.
• Monitor compliance, licensing, and company secretarial requirements of the holding company.
• Perform detailed research on legal matters and bring up recommendations for improved performance.
• Liaise with Regulators as well as internal business divisions to ensure a sound understanding of compliance requirements, and governance issues, and advise management of emerging compliance issues, thus guiding the group in the establishment of controls to mitigate risks.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to the holding company and its subsidiaries on a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on agricultural value chains.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Manage and resolve legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on legal developments in the agricultural sector.
• Develop and implement effective legal strategies to protect the company's interests and minimize legal risks.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide legal support for business initiatives and projects.
• Develop and deliver legal training programs to enhance legal awareness within the organization.
• Monitor and manage the company's intellectual property portfolio.
• Oversee the work of external legal counsel, as necessary.
• Stay current with Nigerian and international laws, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure compliance.
• Lead efforts to address any legal or compliance-related matters in collaboration with legal team

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in the agricultural sector or a related field.
• Must be called to the Nigerian Bar (BL) and possess a valid practicing license master's degree in any relevant field of study is an added advantage
• Membership in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) or a relevant professional body is desirable.
• Additional certifications or specialized training in agricultural law or related fields would be advantageous.

Job Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of Nigerian laws and regulations related to agriculture, land use, contracts, intellectual property, and corporate governance.
• Strong understanding of the entire agricultural value chain, from primary production to processing and marketing.
• Proven experience in providing legal counsel in a corporate setting, with exposure to diverse legal issues.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience in managing legal disputes and engaging with external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, government agencies, and community representatives.