Legal Manager

Job Summary:

The Legal Manager at the Joint Venture (JV) level will oversee and coordinate all legal and compliance matters across multiple subsidiary companies, including Lemi National Cement, Dire Dawa National Cement, Redfox, and Real Estate. This strategic role is crucial for ensuring legal protection, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective management of legal risks. The successful candidate will provide expert legal guidance, ensure cohesive legal practices across subsidiaries, and support the joint venture’s strategic objectives by mitigating legal risks and facilitating business operations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Approve and oversee the development and implementation of legal policies, procedures, and strategies across the joint venture’s subsidiary companies.

• Provide expert legal advice on contracts, agreements, and business transactions. Ensure that all legal documentation is thorough, accurate, and aligned with the joint venture’s objectives.

• Consult with top management and the Executive members for business decisions regarding existing and new investments. Provide strategic legal guidance to support decision-making processes.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations and legal standards. Implement best practices for regulatory adherence and risk management.

• Lead initiatives to manage and resolve legal disputes and litigation. Develop strategies for effective dispute resolution and risk mitigation.

• Oversee the management of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights, ensuring protection and enforcement of the joint venture’s IP rights.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management and various departments, to address legal issues and support business operations.

• Develop and implement training programs on legal compliance and risk management for employees across subsidiaries.

• Conduct regular audits and reviews of legal processes and compliance programs. Implement improvements to enhance legal and regulatory adherence.

• Represent the joint venture in legal proceedings and negotiations with external parties. Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulatory agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Prepare and present comprehensive reports on legal matters, including risk assessments and compliance status, to the Legal and Compliance Director and other stakeholders.

• Identify and address human resource needs within the legal function. Support recruitment, training, and development to build a high-performing legal team.

• Formulate, approve, and oversee the legal department’s work plan, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timely execution of legal initiatives.

• Mentor and coach legal team members, conduct performance evaluations, and provide ongoing feedback to support their professional growth and development.

• Address and manage disciplinary issues within the legal function, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies.

• Contribute to strategic decision-making processes and participate in committees and groups as needed.

Required Competencies and Abilities:

• Proven experience in managing legal functions across multiple companies or joint ventures, including providing strategic legal guidance and risk management.

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, legal compliance, and risk management practices.

• Experience working on joint ventures (JVs) and share companies, including formation, governance, and compliance.

• Exposure to international companies, including understanding of global legal practices and cross-border regulations.

• Very good knowledge of international law and Ethiopian Commerce Law, including relevant regulations and compliance requirements.

• Well-experienced in investment laws, including company formation, deformation, and dividends management.

• Experience with Ethiopian customs law and international marine law, including import/export regulations and maritime legal issues.

• Very good understanding of insurance law, including policies, claims, and risk management.

• Strong expertise in advising on investment decisions, dividend management, and international labor contracts, including preparation and management of complex agreements with foreign entities.

• Excellent analytical skills to interpret legal data, regulations, and contract terms.

• Advanced communication skills, with the ability to articulate legal strategies, influence stakeholders, and present complex legal information effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously, including setting priorities, managing resources, and meeting deadlines.

• Experience in managing legal budgets and ensuring financial efficiency.

• Ability to adapt legal strategies to changing regulatory conditions and business needs.

• Strong problem-solving abilities to address legal challenges and implement effective solutions.

Qualification and Experience:

• Master’s degree in law (LL.M.), Business Administration, or related fields with at least ten (10) years of relevant experience, including a minimum of five (5) years in a managerial role within a multi-company or joint venture environment.

• LLB degree in Law or related fields with at least twelve (12) years of relevant experience, including a minimum of six (6) years in a managerial role within a multi-company or joint venture environment.

How To Apply

To apply for the position at Lemi National Cement, please submit your application via email to recruit@leminationalcementplc.com, with "Legal Manager" clearly stated in the subject line. Physical applications will not be accepted. Ensure that your email is sent by 5:00 PM on September 8, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the company reserves the right to cancel the vacancy at its discretion.