About the position
Job Description
This is a pivotal, high-autonomy role reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, serving as the sole governance expert within the Legal and Compliance function. You will be the central pillar ensuring statutory integrity and best-practice corporate governance across a complex group structure spanning multiple entities in SA and other African nations.
This position offers exceptional exposure, moving beyond traditional secretarial duties to include significant input into governance frameworks, compliance health checks, and direct engagement with executive committees. If you thrive in an environment that values accountability, proactive problem-solving, and professional maturity, and you are adept at managing complex administrative and regulatory landscapes with minimal supervision, this role is designed for you. You will have the opportunity to shape governance processes and build lasting relationships with external advisors across the continent.
Responsibilities
- Governance Leadership: Own the end-to-end management of all board and committee meetings, including meticulous preparation, accurate minute-taking, and timely distribution of materials for the holding company and operational entities.
- Statutory Integrity: Ensure flawless compliance with all statutory and regulatory filing requirements across all Sub-Saharan African jurisdictions and Mauritius, proactively managing all corporate registrations and licence renewals.
- Executive Liaison: Act as the primary governance interface, confidently engaging with the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Committee members, ensuring all governance documentation and reporting meet executive standards.
- Framework Development: Support the continuous review, implementation, and maintenance of corporate governance frameworks, policies, and procedures across the group entities.
- Risk & Audit Support: Conduct regular governance health checks, monitor legislative changes, and provide critical governance documentation and support during internal and external audits.
- Contract & Asset Management: Oversee the maintenance of critical registers, including insurance and assets, and manage the lifecycle, budgeting, and compliance of Letters of Engagement (LoEs) for all external service providers.
- Legal Administration: Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Legal & Compliance team, including managing filing systems, supporting legal document preparation, and coordinating external counsel engagements.
Requirements:
Must-Haves (Essential)
- LLB, BCom Law, or BA Law degree.
- Minimum 3-4 years of dedicated experience in Company Secretarial, Corporate Governance, or a closely related legal support role.
- Proven experience managing statutory compliance and filings for multi-jurisdictional entities, ideally within Africa.
- Exceptional proficiency in MS Office with strong administrative discipline, including accurate filing and record-keeping.
Nice-to-Haves (Beneficial)
- Relevant governance qualification, such as a Chartered Governance Institute certification.
- Previous experience within a listed company or a regulated multinational organisation.
Desired Skills:
- company secretary
- Corporate Governance
Desired Work Experience:
About The Employer:
Client Summary
Our client is a dynamic and rapidly expanding enterprise operating across numerous African jurisdictions. They are dedicated to growth and innovation within their sector, underpinned by a robust commitment to high standards of corporate governance and compliance across their multi-entity structure. This is an opportunity to join a lean, high-impact Legal and Compliance team where your expertise will directly influence operational stability and strategic compliance across the continent.
