Legal Manager

Established in 2016, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (Heritage Energy) is an affiliate of Heritage Oil Limited (HOIL) a Jersey-headquartered international Oil and Gas company. Heritage Energy is also the Operator of the flagship Asset, OML 30 in the Niger Delta, which is a Joint Venture Partnership between NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL).

Our focus is to explore underappreciated basins and assets to create value for all stakeholders – the host communities, host governments, and ultimately our shareholders, in a sustainable and responsible way.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Legal Manager

Location: Ikoyi, Lagos
Department: Legal 
Directly Reports to: General Manager, Legal & Company Secretary
Supervises: Legal Officer and Legal Counsel (dotted reporting)

Job Summary

• Provide strategic oversight of key functions within the Legal department including contract negotiation and regulatory compliance, navigate complex legal landscapes, foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including governmental agencies and host communities, and provide expert counsel on operational and transactional matters in such a way as to mitigate legal risks and align the company legal framework with the company strategic goals.

Key accountabilities

• Drive legal representation in host community engagements, fostering positive relationships and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
• Oversee the development of organizational policies and processes that ensure comprehensive compliance with legal and statutory requirements and the company’s strategic goals.
• Provide valuable insights in meetings that proffer guidance on the legal and governance implications of proposed policies and actions.
• Oversee the drafting and review of contracts to safeguard the company’s interests, ensuring alignment with overall strategic objectives and risk management practices.
• Collaborate with the Line Manager on Tender Board activities, preparing and delivering presentations to the Board on legal matters to ensure compliance and strategic alignment.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with OML 30 Joint Venture partners, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders, including NUPRC, NCDMB, EFCC, NIS, and NPF.
• Oversee the Litigation Cause List, ensuring timely updates and strategic recommendations for next steps, enhancing the organization’s responsiveness to legal challenges.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive Legal/Regulatory Compliance Register to ensure Company compliance.
• Identify potential legal risks and proactively recommend solutions to eliminate or mitigate these risks, contributing to the organization’s resilience and strategic planning.
• Provide strategic support in secretariat functions during meetings, ensuring effective documentation and follow-up to drive accountability.
• Oversee the legal budget and defense of spend at performance with SUBCOM; providing analysis and justification for expenditures while ensuring alignment with organizational performance metrics.
• Lead negotiations with external parties on contracts and legal disputes, aiming for favorable resolutions that support the company’s strategic interests.
• Manage complex legal issues that intersect with various business areas, offering strategic guidance to enhance decision-making processes.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes and trends, providing timely reports and insights that inform the organization’s legal strategy.
• Liaise with external counsel to manage litigation effectively, drafting briefs for engagement and representing the company in court when necessary.
• Review and supervise the work of Legal Counsel and Legal Officers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the legal team.
• Address ancillary matters related to key responsibilities.

Requirements

• 12 - Years Proven experience either from the O&G law practice of a law firm or within an O&G coy or both
• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) & Nigerian Bar Qualification.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Oil & Gas and Corporate law Demonstrated ability to create legal defensive or proactive. strategies Outstanding communication and written skills.
• Masters’ in law will be considered an advantage.