Head Of Legal Services At Lovonus Microfinance Bank

Lovonus Microfinance Bank is seeking a proactive, highly experienced, and strategic Head of Legal Services to lead our legal unit. The successful candidate will oversee all legal affairs, manage litigation and loan recovery legal processes, advise executive management and the Board on corporate governance, manage contract negotiations, and ensure the Bank's business practices and transactions comply with statutory legal frameworks and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, accurate, and timely legal advice to Executive Management and the Board of Directors on corporate, operational, and regulatory matters.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and execute commercial contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), credit/loan agreements, security documentation, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Oversee all external litigation, police/investigative liaison, debt recovery legal actions, and dispute resolution processes involving or against the Bank. Manage relationships with external solicitors to ensure efficient service delivery and cost control.
• Work closely with the Compliance and Risk units to monitor developments in financial regulations, CBN guidelines, NDIC mandates, and statutory requirements affecting microfinance institutions.
• Supervise the legal vetting of land documents, asset perfection, searches at corporate registries (CAC) and land registries, and ensure valid perfecting of security for credit facilities.
• Support board administration, organize board/committee meetings, prepare board charters, take precise minutes, and maintain official corporate records and filings.
• Identify potential legal vulnerabilities and operational risks across all departments, implementing proactive measures to safeguard the Bank's assets and reputation.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Call to the Nigerian Bar (B.L). A Master's Degree in Law (LL.M) is an added advantage.
• Active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in good standing.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 7 - 10 years post-call experience in corporate/commercial law, litigation management, and legal advisory.
• At least 3 - 5 years of progressive supervisory or managerial experience in a financial institution, microfinance bank, fintech, or commercial bank.
• Technical Competencies:
• Deep understanding of banking operations, debt recovery procedures, corporate law, and CBN/NDIC regulatory frameworks.
• Proven expertise in drafting, negotiating, and vetting complex financial and commercial contracts.
• Sound knowledge of collateral perfection and land registry searches.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and leadership capabilities.