Regional Legal Counsel

Boardroom Appointments; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is looking for a Regional Legal Counsel to oversee legal aspects in allocated African countries. The successful candidate will manage contracts, support claims, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations while aiding cross-departmental functions. A strong background in the legal corporate environment, especially with African legal issues, is preferred, along with relevant qualifications. This role requires travel to designated countries.

Qualifications

• 12 years experience in the legal corporate environment.
• Experience in the African continent is advantageous.
• Must have legal qualifications and a methodical approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all legal aspects in designated countries.
• Act as a relay between Legal and Insurance departments.
• Responsible for all legal matters related to contracts.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Ability to prioritize tasks

Initiative

Education

B Proc, B Juris, B Com Law, or LLB

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Regional Legal Counsel

Minimum Requirements

• One of the following legal qualifications: B Proc, B Juris, B Com Law, or LLB (preferably an LLB)
• 12 years experience in the legal corporate environment
• Experience in the African continent (advantageous)
• Computer proficiency: Word, Excel & PowerPoint
• Good attention to detail
• Methodical and thorough approach to work
• Organised
• Good at juggling tasks and prioritizing
• A desire to show initiative

Job Function

• Oversee all legal aspects in the countries allocated within SAREG. Travel to certain countries within SAREG as part of the role.
• Act as a relay between the Legal and Insurance departments of the Company’s South Africa division in France.
• Responsible for all legal matters in the allocated countries, including but not limited to: Contracts; provide regular internal training on contractual issues, clauses in standard trading terms, and bespoke contracts; support risk mitigation for all contracts of the Company and associated companies by drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts (customers, suppliers, service providers, agents, 3rd parties, including commercial and residential lease agreements, and land/asset sale and purchase agreements).
• Reviewing tenders, highlighting key risks to Country Managers, Country Legal Managers, and other relevant parties for informed decision‑making regarding contractual risks, provisions, and contract durations, and ensuring proper documented sign‑offs for contracts.
• Claims (Litigation & Non‑Litigation): manage and support Country Managers and Country Legal Managers with all claims, disputes, and litigation involving customers, agents, suppliers, service providers, 3rd parties, and insurance claims; provide guidance and consider alternative approaches when needed; support liaising with external legal counsel for litigation, especially related to employment concerns; ensure timely and accurate reporting, management, and closure of all claims for the Company and associated companies; properly prepare claims and witnesses (where applicable) and closely monitor claims until resolution; report all fraud, major litigation, and high‑risk matters to Regional Managing Directors and Regional General Counsel (SAREG).
• Review external legal counsel service levels annually with Country Managers and/or Country Legal Managers and assist in negotiating best rate structures.
• Insurance: ensure all local insurance covers are renewed annually and kept up‑to‑date; ensure all risks are adequately covered, considering business needs and local country‑specific risks and requirements; ensure Country Managers and/or Country Legal Managers are familiar with global insurance covers and relevant policy terms, restrictions, and requirements.
• Galaxy System: ensure all bespoke contracts (customers, suppliers, service providers, agents, 3rd parties, etc.) for allocated countries are recorded and updated in the Galaxy system; ensure all litigation matters are recorded in Galaxy and regularly updated with the latest legal developments; provide training and support for Galaxy system users in English‑speaking countries in Africa; assist and support the Regional General Counsel with reporting, monitoring, and user allocation/licensing in the Galaxy system.
• Reporting: provide timely and accurate monthly reports on legal matters (including country risks, new legislation, litigation & non‑litigation claims, legal contracts, etc.) in the prescribed format for all allocated countries; provide ad‑hoc reporting as required.
• General: provide legal opinions as required; monitor changes in legislation and update relevant management on any risks to the Company and associated companies in allocated countries; ensure compliance with relevant global and local laws and regulations for all companies in allocated countries; conduct audits during visits to allocated countries in SAREG to ensure compliance with legal, insurance, claims, corporate secretarial, and compliance program matters.