Job Description
The Legal Officer / Recovery Manager is responsible for overseeing the organization's legal affairs and managing the recovery of delinquent and non-performing loan portfolios.
The role ensures strict compliance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal credit policies while minimizing credit losses and safeguarding the institution's legal and financial interests.
This position plays a critical role in enforcing loan agreements, managing litigation processes, supporting credit risk management, and providing legal advisory services across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Loan Recovery & Credit Risk Management
Develop and implement effective recovery strategies for overdue and non-performing accounts.
Manage and monitor delinquent loan portfolios to ensure timely resolution.
Negotiate settlements, restructuring arrangements, and repayment plans.
Initiate and oversee collateral realization and enforcement proceedings.
Track recovery performance against agreed targets and prepare periodic recovery reports.
Work closely with credit and risk teams to reduce non-performing loan (NPL) ratios.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure all credit documentation and recovery processes comply with applicable laws, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies.
Maintain compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines and other statutory requirements.
Liaise with external solicitors, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory authorities.
Manage litigation processes, including court filings, case follow-ups, and legal representation coordination.
Conduct legal due diligence on collateral documentation and loan agreements.
Legal Advisory & Documentation:
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, loan agreements, and other legal instruments.
Provide legal opinions and advisory support to management and operational departments.
Conduct legal research to guide business transactions and strategic decisions.
Ensure corporate compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree.
Barrister-at-Law (BL) qualification.
4 - 7 years post-call experience in legal practice, loan recovery, credit administration, or financial services.
Prior experience in banking, microfinance, or financial institutions is highly preferred.
Strong knowledge of debt recovery laws, contract law, insolvency procedures, and financial regulations.
Proven experience managing litigation and enforcement processes.
Core Competencies:
Strong negotiation and recovery management skills.
Sound legal reasoning and analytical ability.
High level of integrity and professionalism.
Attention to detail with strong documentation accuracy.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to manage multiple cases and meet performance targets.
Proficiency in legal drafting and case management systems.