What you would be expected to do
1. Legal Strategy and Compliance
- Develop and implement the company’s legal strategy, aligning it with overall business goals.
- Identify and assess potential legal risks and liabilities.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies and implement preventive measures.
- Ensure the organization complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry
- standards.
- Monitor changes in legislation and regulations, adapting the company’s policies and procedures accordingly
2. Fundraising – negotiations and documentation
- Lead primary negotiations and drafting (along with external counsels where applicable) for all fundraising (debt, equity, structured/mezzanine).
- Handle legal due diligence by investors and their advisors.
- Advise on matters related to board composition, shareholders’ rights, and corporate
- structure
- Ensure completion of all conditions related to funding (both pre and post) in a timely manner and handle periodic reporting/compliances related to legal
- Develop standard templates used frequently in fund raise, like NDAs, term sheets, ESG policy matters, standards disclosures, etc.
3. Intellectual Property
- Register, protect, and manage the company’s intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights
- Handle intellectual property disputes and licensing agreements
4. Contract Management and standardization – Customers, suppliers, and service providers
- Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, and legal documents
- Provide guidance on contract terms and ensure that they are in the company’s best interest
- Ensure any and all obligations with respect to ESG are reflected in customer and supplier contracts to the extent applicable.
- Manage contract disputes and resolutions as necessary.
5. Litigation and Dispute Resolution (including Tax and HR)
- Manage and oversee litigation and legal proceedings involving the company.
- Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary.
- Seek cost-effective solutions and negotiate settlements where possible.
6. Corporate Governance
- Ensure that the company operates in compliance with corporate governance principles.
7. Regulatory Affairs
- Maintain knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements.
- Establish relationships with relevant regulatory agencies and oversee regulatory submissions as needed.
8. Networking & Administrative functions
- Create and develop a roster of preferred attorneys and law firms across geographies for various activities listed above.
- Manage the legal budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource allocation.
- Provide legal advice and guidance to the executive team and various departments within the company
- Develop and deliver legal training and education programs to enhance legal awareness throughout the organization.
You might be a strong candidate if you
A minimum of 8 years of experience in legal practice, with significant experience in corporate
Graduate / Post-graduate degree in Law and membership in the bar association and commercial law
Significant experience/exposure to legal frameworks under English and African law
Familiarity with fundraising documentation standards like NVCA, LMA, etc.
Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
