Head of Legal & Company Secretary – Congo Brazzaville

Job Title: Head of Legal & Company Secretary – Congo Brazzaville

Industry: Banking

Location: Congo Brazzaville

Salary: Competitive package + bonus + comprehensive benefits

Role Purpose:

• Define organizational policies, manage, lead, and coordinate the Legal Department.
• Assist and advise Executive Management on the Banks various legal, regulatory, and functional matters.
• Manage and oversee all legal aspects relating to the Bank and its activities.
• Provide legal support to all departments of the Bank on matters relating to law and intellectual property. (Tax matters remain under Financial Control but may seek legal consultation when required.)
• Manage, appoint, coordinate, evaluate, and support external legal service providers engaged by the Bank.
• Act as the Banks General Secretariat.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and lead the Legal Department.
• Provide legal advice and support to all departments of the Bank.
• Manage legal disputes and oversee civil, commercial, and criminal proceedings that may impact the Banks operations.
• Support the Credit Director on legal and compliance-related matters.
• Provide legal support to business line heads and all functional departments.
• Identify, assess, manage, and mitigate legal risks affecting the Bank.
• Monitor and research local and international legal developments that may impact the Bank operations.
• Participate in negotiations and discussions involving internal stakeholders, external institutions, partners, and clients, providing legal advice and strategic input to the Bank and/or its representatives.
• Identify and assess the impact of local legislation and statutory requirements on the Bank.
• Keep Executive Management informed of legal and regulatory developments.
• Manage litigation in collaboration with external lawyers on behalf of the Bank.
• Defend and protect the Banks interests at all times.
• Act as General Secretariat for all Bank meetings, including Management Committee meetings and Board of Directors meetings.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Bank and external legal partners (lawyers, notaries, judges, regulators, etc.).
• Draft and/or contribute to the drafting of contracts and all legal documentation between the Bank and its business partners.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by Executive Management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Professionalism
• Effectiveness in the management of legal cases and matters
• Efficient management of the Banks legal facilities and resources
• Projection and preservation of a positive corporate image of the Bank

Profile & Job Requirements

Education

• Minimum of Bachelors/Masters degree (BAC +4/5) in Law.

Experience

• At least 5 years experience in the legal field, preferably within the banking sector.
• Proven experience and knowledge of the legal and banking environment within the CEMAC zone, including OHADA legislation.
• Fluency in French and English.

Key Required Competences

Knowledge

• Strong and proven expertise in general law, with specific experience in banking law, OHADA legislation, common law principles, contract drafting, legal research, and negotiation.
• Sound knowledge of statutory institutions, financial regulatory bodies, and compliance requirements.
• Solid understanding of corporate governance and compliance-related matters.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines at a senior level.
• Strong management and negotiation skills.
• High level of loyalty, honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Self-starter, highly organized, with the ability to work across multiple disciplines and systems while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Reporting Lines

• Reports directly to the Managing Director and the Group Legal Director.
• Supervises: All members of the Legal Department.