Senior Manager – Legal Services

Job Description

The purpose of the Senior Manager Legal Services position is the provision and co-ordination thereof of legal advisory and dispute resolution to the Authority on all issues affecting the operations of the Authority, particularly Investment and support functions related issues and; ensure effective, timely, effective provision of legal services; proactively identify, mitigate, monitor and manage legal risks and generally vet and provide quality assurance of other legal staff’s work to Authority Secretary’s Office. The position also deputises the Authority Secretary and assists to co-ordinate matters in the Legal Directorate.

Key Responsibilities
Proactively advises on the interpretation, impact and effect of the relevant laws and general conditions affecting various areas of the Authority’s operations to enhance compliance.
Conducts and represents the Authority in the courts of law or Alternative Dispute Resolutions (‘ADR’) and/or coordinate the selection, appointment and performance of external legal representatives to ensure court and ADR rulings are favourable to the Authority.
Reviews and assesses new legal suits and advises on the implications and recommend options available to effectively defend the Authority.
Identifies and flags legal risk trends to assist the Authority devise effective strategies to mitigate and manage such potential legal risks;
Maintains and manages on a proactive basis a contracts and risk register to mitigate and manage risks under the various contracts entered into by the Authority
Monitors and tracks the performance and execution of assignments by direct reports & external counsel on behalf of the Authority.
Conducts or coordinates legal due diligence on proposed investments, projects or new ventures, and operations undertaken by the Authority to mitigate, manage and minimise incidental legal risks.
Co-ordinates research and advise on the legal and regulatory requirements for proposed laws generally impacting the Authority operations.
Manages the legal budget by negotiating competitive fee structures, monitors expenditure to avoid overruns
Prepares for court cases including coordinating attendance of witnesses and availability of relevant documentation required.
Reviews legal user requirements and facilitate the development of relevant legal processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of legal services.
Under the instruction of the Authority Secretary, liaises with the various regulatory agencies to ensure the relationships created are mutually beneficial to both the agencies and NAPSA.
Attends to and coordinate the preparation of various legal reports in line with the directorate’s reporting timelines;
Identifies, establishes and updates the Authority Regulatory Universe;
Manages or Coordinates the Legal Directorates Risk Control Self-Assessment Dash Board
Reviews, advises and sensitises staff on implications of new and old laws, internal policies and procedures to ensure all NAPSA staff are aware of individual responsibilities
Drafts board/board committee meetings minutes as assigned and within set timelines.
Monitors staff compliance with laws and regulations and legal policies and conducts gap analysis, and makes recommendations to remedy such identified gaps.
Works with core business Investments to develop, draft and vet standard legal documentation, processes and procedures   necessary for effective property management;
Provides necessary legal support in the recovery of rental arrears, including initiating negotiations to enter into payment plans and obtaining requisite management approvals.
Prepares and coordinate relevant legal reports or motivations requiring support and approval by the Executive Committee and or the Board.
Develops and nurtures relationships with key internal and external stakeholders involved in property management to ensure effective and efficient management of Authority rental properties; procurement of certificates of title and conveyance transactions.
Identifies training needs of direct reports and recommend appropriate training interventions to enhance staff competencies critical for the delivery of quality and timely services.
Coordinates the work of direct reports to ensure efficient and effective delivery of the Directorate’s deliverables.
Coordinates Directorate Meetings and periodic reporting to Authority Secretary
Coordinates the Directorate Reports to Executive Management and the Board
Attends to any other responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Grade 12 Certificate with 5 ‘O’ levels with credit or better, including Mathematics and English
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Masters Degree in Law or business-related field is an added advantage
Valid Practicing Certificate
Minimum Experience Required
Not less than seven (7) years’ experience in legal practice at a management level in an organisation of similar size or reputable law firm and with similar scope in legal complexity in contract management.