Job Summary
The Deputy Counsel provides strategic legal support. The role supports the General Counsel in ensuring legal compliance, mitigating risks, drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on governance and policy matters, and ensuring that all organizational activities align with both regulatory standards and the organization's faith-based values. The organization is a faith-based NGO (a church) of international affiliation with branches in up to 4 continents.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory and Compliance
Provide legal advice on corporate, contractual, regulatory, and operational matters.
Ensure the company's activities comply with applicable laws, including labour, intellectual property, and data protection regulations.
Monitor and interpret changes in legislation relevant to enterprise development and faith-based organizations.
Assist in maintaining appropriate licenses, registrations, and statutory filings.
Contract Management
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements with partners, clients, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Develop and maintain standard contract templates and ensure consistency with organizational policies.
Safeguard the company's interests while promoting transparent and ethical business relationships.
Governance and Policy Support
Support the General Counsel in advising management and the Board on governance matters.
Participate in developing and reviewing organizational policies and procedures to ensure legal soundness and alignment with Kingdom values.
Assist in ensuring the organization adheres to corporate governance best practices.
Dispute Resolution and Risk Management
Support the management of legal risks, disputes, and claims involving the organization.
Liaise with external counsel on litigation or specialized legal matters when necessary.
Develop risk mitigation strategies and promote compliance awareness across departments.
Training and Capacity Building
Conduct internal training and awareness sessions on legal compliance, ethics, contracts, and corporate governance.
Mentor team members on legal and ethical decision-making consistent with organizational values.
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree and Barrister-at-Law (B.L) qualification from the Nigerian Law School.
Minimum of 5 - 7 years post-call experience in corporate/commercial law, preferably in a corporate or advisory environment.
A Master's degree (LL.M) or professional certifications will be an added advantage.
Strong knowledge of Nigerian corporate, commercial, and labour law.
Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Ability to integrate legal insight with organizational strategy and faith-based principles.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and advisory skills.