JOB ADVERT : Legal Counsel

Position summary – purpose

The Legal Counsel ensures the legal security of the company’s operations across the entire value chain. Reporting to the CEO of the Company, he/she advises the leadership team in decision-making, oversees corporate affairs, contractual and regulatory matters, ensures compliance with applicable legal frameworks, anticipates risks, and actively contributes to responsible governance and the long-term reputation of the company in a complex, multistakeholder environment.

Key Accountabilities or Responsibilities

1. Advise the CEO on all strategic and operational legal matters.
2. Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts: EPC, mining conventions, transport agreements, co-development contracts, subcontracting agreements, community agreements.
3. Conduct regular and structured legal monitoring in the following areas: mining law, business law, labor law, environmental law, taxation, public procurement law, etc.
4. Ensure compliance of operations with local, regional, and international regulations, including permits, authorizations.
5. Manage litigation and pre-litigation: liaising with law firms, handling social, commercial, land, and institutional disputes.
6. Support internal teams in contract negotiations and resolution of operational legal issues.
7. Develop and implement internal policies for legal risk management and contractual governance.
8. Ensure the company’s legal secretariat: drafting minutes of Board meetings and General Assemblies, monitoring legal governance obligations, and managing relations with oversight bodies.
9. Train and raise awareness among managers and operational staff on legal obligations.
10. Represent the company before administrative, regulatory, and judicial authorities, as well as in consultation or monitoring committees.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Challenges

• Operate in a hybrid environment involving public law, private law, and sector-specific regulations.
• Navigate strict contractual requirements in a dynamic and evolving local context including cross border compliances.
• Maintain a strategic advisory role while ensuring strict legal compliance for a high-risk industrial project.
• Handle a high volume of documents, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously.

Working Conditions

Position based in Douala, at the company’s headquarters. Regular travel to different sites and occasional trips to Yaoundé. Direct collaboration with the CEO and cross functional interaction with the Projects, Finance, HSE, HR, and Communications departments, as well as legal advisors and local authorities.

Working Relationships

Internal CEO (direct reporting), Project, Finance, HR, HSE, Communications, and Operations teams. External Law firms, government authorities (mines, transport, environment, labor), industrial partners, investors, local communities, lenders, customs, income taxes, auditors, etc.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Business Law, Mining Law, Public Law, or International Law. 12-15 years of experience acquired in a renowned law firm or in a similar in-house position within an industrial company.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, mining law, labor law, fiscal law, corporate law, litigation, infrastructure law, environmental law and other relevant laws.
• Fluency in both French and English, written and spoken.
• Proven ability to negotiate, secure, and structure complex agreements.
• Autonomy, integrity, rigor, responsiveness, analytical thinking, and influential leadership.
• Strong adaptability to demanding, multicultural, and multi-stakeholder environments.

To apply

Send your up-to-date resume to the following address : hr.intern.saasab2e@gmail.com