Zormelo & Associates Staffs Up

Our client, Ghana’s gas aggregator with the aim of supplying sufficient fuel to meet the increasing energy needs in the country seeks to fill the position of Principal Legal Officer with a highly motivated and results driven individual

The selected individual will be responsible for supporting the Manager, Legal in the review and drafting of natural gas sales and related agreement, management of the unit and other assigned tasks.

Job Description

Job Title:  Principal Legal Officer

Contracts

• Lead or participate in the negotiation of agreements, coordinate inputs from internal and external stakeholders and consultants and drive contract cycle from drafting through to completion of the negotiation process and/or contract execution
• Manage contracts by following up on key milestones and notifying and educating relevant persons and/or department about contractual responsibilities and deadlines
• Research and advise various issues in oil and gas as may be assigned
• Liaise/engage with external partners – government, Parliament, International Oil Companies etc – as necessary
• Assist with dispute resolution processes

Compliance

• Analyse and advise on national and international legislation impact on the work of the Corporation
• Assist with the designing and drafting the company’s policies & standards
• Lead and supervise research on commercial and regulatory compliance matters

Leadership

• Oversee the preparation of personal development plans for junior staff and ensure and report on completion of development objectives of staff
• Supervise, mentor and train junior members of the team

Administrative

• Participate in the preparation of the Legal Department’s budget
• Coordinate and manage the work of external legal consultants

Requirements

• Admission to Ghana Bar
• Master’s Degree in Law; Master’s Degree in Petroleum Law will be an advantage
• Master’s degree in oil and gas is an advantage but not required
• Minimum of 8 – 10 years’ experience corporate and commercial legal experience as in-house lawyer in a reputable company or law firm with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in oil and gas contract drafting, negotiation and management.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, laws dealing with the petroleum industry, commercial transactions and contract administration;
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills – able to influence and persuade in decision making processes both internally and externally
• Previous external stakeholder relations
• Commercial acumen – must be able to work with key business partners and put legal analysis in its proper commercial context to maximise business results for all parties
• Excellent organisational skills – able to handle multiple priorities with minimum supervision
• Ability to draft clear, professional and legally robust correspondence, contractual documentation, policies and other documentation as required
• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to build and maintain good relationships both internally and externally at all levels
• Strong team leadership and people management skills
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects in a timely manner
• Understanding of legal risk management processes
• Ability to provide independent advice (orally and in writing) to senior level management on highly technical matters;
• Proven ability to delicately solve sensitive matters
• Ability to take control, exercise leadership, initiate action, give direction and take responsibility
• Strong analytical skills