The Corporate Lawyer works closely with the 54 FMCG Ethiopia Executive Team to make sure that the group companies are complying with the applicable regulations and laws and works with all stakeholders to make them understand and respect Ethiopian and relevant international laws where applicable. She/ He advises the Executive Team, the Board, the Shareholders on the applicable laws relevant and applicable to the business operations in Ethiopia, in relation to the business operations and transactions, and is building a team of professionals.

She/ He is responsible and accountable for ensuring that the 54 FMCG Group Companies’ business strategies, policies, and programs are supported by the necessary legal advisory and counsel, and executed in full recognition of legal implications and risks.

The Corporate Lawyers protect the 54 FMCG Ethiopia rights, interests and assets and provides legal advice and actions in relation to business operations, corporate transactions, shareholder relations, employment matters, legal cases, litigations and third-party management.

The role includes support of the strategic projects, identification of legal issues and options, analysis of possible legal and strategic solutions, and gives recommendations to the Management so that business objectives are met in compliance with the laws.  The position provides for ownership for delivery of the projects and assignments, to take managerial decisions (within the given authority), and may have direct reports (but not necessarily).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The principal duties and responsibilities of the Corporate Lawyer (Group Legal Advisor) typically may include:

•  Providing counsel, opinion and guidance on legal implications of all matters to the Executive Team, the Board of Directors, Shareholders and the Senior Managers of 54 FMCG companies.

• Organizing, structuring, handling and supervising corporate legal project (assignments) in regards to (including but not limited to): mergers & acquisitions and other corporate transactions, intellectual property, compliance issues, commercial transactions, contracts and agreements, lawsuits and litigations, other legal matters, etc.

• Outsourcing of the legal support to outside legal counsel as needed.

• Overseeing outside counsel work and budget as per agreed terms/engagements.

• Developing and continuously improving the Legal Manual, policies and procedures, contributing to other business policies and procedures effectiveness.

• Promoting within the Executive Team and Managers the Legal Compliance Awareness, practical compliance with rules and regulations, facilitate trainings and coaching.

• Directing and overseeing the timely preparation of the required monthly Department reports by highlighting key risks and areas, and call attention of the Executive Team.

• Assisting and deputizing COM&A in managing the Legal Department, training and developing the team (as required); supervising direct reports (if any).

• Preparing Budgets and control legal costs of the Department.

• Research, anticipate and protect the Companies against legal risks.

• Structuring, drafting and reviewing reports, legal documents, legal letters, etc.

• Managing litigations, as required, to represent the 54 FCMG Companies interests in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court hearings and litigations, arbitrations, etc.).

•  Liaising with various Government Offices and Agencies as required.

Job Requirements

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent knowledge of the Substantive and Procedural laws and legal frameworks of Ethiopia and practical knowledge of international laws.

• Ability to challenge Senior Leadership in a constructive manner and offer practical solutions

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills in both Legal and Commercial aspects

• Competent and confident presentation and communication skills (fluency in spoken and written English)

• Strong Commercial and Business awareness

• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills with Advocacy aptitude and attention to detail

• Active contributor to the development of the desired organizational culture

• High work ethic

• Administrative and managerial skills

• Advanced computer skills

• Dynamic individual with high energy levels and a Self-starter

• Multi-cultural sensitivity and openness

• Agility to work in high-paced environments and stress

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

•  LLB Degree is minimum.  LLM Degree in Law strongly preferable.  International Legal training is highly advantageous.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role within multinational / corporate organization or Top private practice law offices in Ethiopia, ideally experience in FMCG and foreign investments.

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of wide range of legal issues and commercial/ business implications.

• International experience is advantageous but not essential.

• Language skills:  Proficient Spoken/Written knowledge of English and Amharic; Oromifa is highly advantageous.

How to Apply

Application instruction

Please title your application with subject line: -"Corporate Lawyer (Corporate Legal Advisor)"

Candidates meeting the above-required qualifications are invited to send their CV through    careers@54fmcg.com 

Only those applicants who meet the above criteria will be contacted for an interview.

Application deadline: December 22nd, 2022