Job Description

Advises other functions and managers using a broad range of legal skills
to advance the organisation's commercial agenda.

The Head of Legal East Africa Area will be responsible for leading the East Africa Area (EAA) legal team (3 FTE incl) with overall responsibility for legal and compliance for all Maersk entities within EAA. This role will report directly to the General Counsel IMEA and has dotted reporting lines to the EAA Managing Director and the EAA CFO. The Head of Legal East Africa Area will be part of the East Africa Area Leadership Team and will be based in Nairobi. In addition, this role will be part of the Regional Legal Leadership Team for IMEA. The Head of Legal East Africa has (2) two direct reports. The candidate should be a proactive legal business partner and proven manager of legal teams

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing  accommodationrequests@maersk.com. 

Key Responsibilities

• Legal business partner for management and other internal functions; advice to business​ and assessment of legal impact of business decisions​
• Manager of the EAA Legal Team; overseeing all legal matters in East Africa, developing, supporting and monitoring the legal counsels forming part of the EAA Legal Team with a strong focus on engagement and performance
• Regulatory advice: engagement with Regulatory Authorities​, response to letters from regulatory authorities, coordinating provision of regulatory licenses , advise to business on best way forward for regulatory challenges
• Contract review and negotiation of Ocean, Logistics & Services and Vendor contracts​; review of non-standard contract terms​, meetings with customers and vendors to negotiate contracts,
• Company Secretarial work​: ensuring company details are up to date​, coordinating changes in company details, managing of company secretaries , corporate structure management i.e. formation and dissolution of entities, board support:-advise on governance best practice and compliance matters.​
• Overseeing and handling litigation​; managing external counsel​, making strategic decisions and giving advice on litigation matters​
• Debt Collection​; supervising of debt collection efforts, onboarding and supervising external lawyers on collection matters and providing regular reports to the business​
• HR support​: provide legal support on employee related litigation matters​; assist in creating, reviewing and updating company policies.
• Training and SOPs​: Identify key training areas and developing training content and standard operating procedures, conduct training on legal matters

Competencies

• Contract Review and Negotiation: The ideal candidate should possess strong skills in reviewing and negotiating contracts. This includes the ability to analyze contract terms, identify potential risks, and negotiate favorable terms for the organization.
• Stakeholder Management: The candidate should be adept at managing relationships with various stakeholders, including clients, partners, and internal teams. This involves effective communication, understanding stakeholder needs, and ensuring their expectations are met.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are essential. The candidate should be able to convey information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. This includes the ability to present ideas, negotiate, and resolve conflicts.
• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge: The candidate should have a thorough understanding of relevant regulations and compliance requirements. This includes staying updated on changes in laws and regulations and ensuring the organization adheres to them.
• Understanding of Local Environment: The candidate should have knowledge of the local environment, including cultural, economic, and legal aspects. This helps in making informed decisions and adapting strategies to local conditions.
• Crisis Management: The candidate should be skilled in handling crises and unexpected situations. This includes the ability to develop and implement crisis management plans, communicate effectively during crises, and mitigate risks.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills are required. The candidate should be able to plan, execute, and oversee projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This includes coordinating resources, managing timelines, and addressing any issues that arise.
• Civil and Criminal Litigation Knowledge: The candidate should have knowledge of civil and criminal litigation processes. This includes understanding legal procedures, preparing legal documents, and representing the organization in legal matters.
• Administrative Skills: The candidate should possess strong administrative skills, including organizing and managing information, scheduling, and coordinating activities. This ensures efficient and effective operations within the organization.
• Integrity: The ideal candidate demonstrates the highest level of ethical standards and integrity in all legal matters. This includes adhering to professional codes of conduct and maintaining honesty and transparency in all interactions.
• Attention to Detail: The candidate exhibits meticulous attention to detail in legal documentation and analysis. This involves thoroughly reviewing documents, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring accuracy in all legal work.
• Proactive Approach: The candidate takes initiative in identifying legal risks and providing solutions. This includes anticipating potential issues, developing strategies to mitigate risks, and proactively addressing challenges.
• Collaboration: The candidate works effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. This involves fostering teamwork, communicating effectively, and building strong relationships to achieve common goals.
• Adaptability: The candidate shows flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic and fast-paced legal environment. This includes adjusting to changing circumstances, embracing new challenges, and remaining resilient under pressure..

Accountability

• Risk Management: The Head of Legal EAA is accountable for identifying potential legal risks, developing mitigation strategies and ensuring/negotiating favorable terms for the company in the East Africa Area.
• Legal Compliance: The Head of Legal EAA is accountable for ensuring the organization adheres to relevant regulations and compliance requirements. This involves staying updated on changes in laws and regulations and implementing necessary measures to maintain compliance.
• Litigation Management: The Head of Legal EAA is accountable for managing civil and criminal litigation processes in the East Africa Area. This includes preparing legal documents, representing the organization in legal matters, and ensuring effective resolution of disputes.
• Legal Spend in EAA: The Head of Legal EAA is responsible for managing legal expenses in the EAA. This includes budgeting, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring cost-effective legal support.
• Overall Team Performance and Engagement: The Head of Legal EAA is accountable for ensuring high-quality legal support within the team. This involves managing team performance, fostering engagement, and promoting a collaborative work environment.