Legal Manager

Key Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Leadership Develop and implement the legal strategy and annual legal plan aligned with business objectives and operational requirements in The Gambia. Lead the legal function, establishing clear processes, controls, approval thresholds, and service standards. Advise management on legal risks, regulatory changes, and compliance obligations.

Ensure legal activities are conducted ethically, transparently, and in accordance with company policies and applicable Gambian laws. Develop legal budgets and monitor expenditure against approved plans. Contract Management & Commercial Transactions Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements including service contracts, supply agreements, lease agreements, MOUs, and partnership agreements.

Manage the contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with Gambian law and company policies. Provide legal support for procurement transactions, tenders, and supplier negotiations. Advise on commercial terms, liability, indemnities, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Maintain complete and accurate contract documentation and audit trails.

Corporate Governance & Compliance Ensure the company complies with all statutory and regulatory requirements in The Gambia. Advise on corporate governance best practices and assist in the formation and management of subsidiary companies. Manage relationships with external counsel, regulatory bodies, and government agencies.

Oversee the maintenance of statutory books and corporate records. Ensure compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws, anti-money laundering regulations, and data protection laws. Risk Management & Dispute Resolution Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Manage pre-litigation disputes and coordinate with external counsel on litigation matters.

Conduct legal due diligence on potential partners, suppliers, and contractors. Develop and implement internal legal policies and procedures. Manage insurance claims and risk transfer mechanisms. Systems & Process Improvement Ensure accurate use of legal management systems and contract databases where applicable. Improve legal workflows, controls, reporting, and automation.

Develop standard legal templates, contract review tools, and compliance dashboards. Promote best practices and legal capability development across relevant teams. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Country Director / Managing Director. Strategic Advisory Provide timely, accurate, and strategic legal advice to the executive team on business decisions.

Monitor changes in Gambian legislation and advise on the impact on the business. Support HR and Finance departments on employment law, tax matters, and data protection issues. Advise on regulatory compliance and reporting requirements. Person Specification Qualifications Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized university.

Master of Laws (LL.M) in Commercial Law, International Business Law, or a related field is an advantage. Qualified to practice law in The Gambia and in good standing with the Gambia Bar Association. Fluency in French is required; strong English communication skills are an advantage. Experience Minimum of 7–10 years' post-qualification experience in legal practice or corporate legal advisory.

At least 3–5 years in a legal management or senior legal role, preferably within a large, multinational, infrastructure, services, construction, waste management, or operational environment. Demonstrated experience in contract drafting, negotiation, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. Experience managing legal operations in The Gambia or a comparable West African market, with knowledge of local legal and regulatory environments.

Experience with legal research tools and contract management systems. Experience managing multiple legal matters, sites, and competing operational priorities. Skills & Competencies Strong legal drafting, contract negotiation, and commercial analysis skills. Excellent French communication skills, both written and spoken is an advatantage.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. High level of integrity, confidentiality, attention to detail, and commitment to ethical legal practice. Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills. Ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines, and make sound commercial decisions.

Proactive mindset with strong risk-management and continuous-improvement orientation. Demonstrated expertise in cross-border transactions and international commercial law. Proven ability to manage external counsel and regulatory relationships across multiple jurisdictions. Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

Proficiency in legal research tools and contract management software. Cross-cultural competence and ability to work effectively across diverse legal systems.