Legal and Compliance Advisor

Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time, (Contract Staff)
Reports to: Admin/HR Manager

Job Purpose

The Legal and Compliance Advisor provides legal guidance and ensures the organisation’s full compliance with Nigerian laws, donor requirements, policies, and board governance. The role supports the Board and Management in managing legal risk, maintaining regulatory compliance, and strengthening organisational accountability and integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Provide legal advice to the Board and Management on governance, constitutional reviews, organisational operations and contracts.
• Review, draft, and advise on contracts, MOUs, partnership agreements, employment contracts, and donor agreements.
• Identify legal risks and recommend mitigation measures to protect the organisation’s interests.
• Support dispute resolution, disciplinary processes, and liaise with external legal counsel when required.

Regulatory & Statutory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant Nigerian laws and regulations, including:
  • Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA)
  • Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requirements
  • Labour and employment laws
  • Data protection laws (NDPR)
• Coordinate statutory filings, returns, and documentation with CAC and other regulators.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting NGOs and advise Management accordingly.

Governance & Board Support

• Support the Board of Trustees on governance, constitutional reviews, best practices and legal obligations.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing board resolutions and governance documents.
• Ensure Board decisions and organisational practices align with the organisation’s constitution and governing documents.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL. B).
• Call to the Nigerian Bar is mandatory.
• Corporate laws experience.
• A Master’s degree or professional certification in compliance, governance, or related fields is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ post-call experience, preferably with NGOs, development organisations, or donor-funded projects.
• Proven experience in regulatory compliance, contract management, and organisational governance.
• Familiarity with donor compliance frameworks (UN, EU, USAID, DFID, etc.) is an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Nigerian NGO, labour, and corporate law
• Excellent contract drafting and review skills
• High ethical standards and sound professional judgement
• Strong analytical, advisory, and risk-management skills
• Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and handle sensitive matters with confidentiality

Working Relationships

• Internal: Board of Trustees, Executive Director, HR, Finance, Programme Teams
• External: Regulatory bodies, donors, external legal counsel, auditors