Head of Legal & Company Secretary

Job Summary

As the Head of Legal & Company Secretary, this position is responsible to act as the Chief Legal Officer and the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and shareholders. The role entails ensuring that the Company operates within its legal framework and complies with all relevant laws and regulations. The role involves managing the Legal division efficiently, providing expert legal advice, mitigating risks, and ensuring effective communication and governance within the Company.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Corporate Compliance:

• Act as a point of communication between the Chairman/Board of Directors and shareholders.
• Prepare and finalize agendas and minutes for Board and committee meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Maintain statutory books and registers of shareholders, members, directors, and secretaries.
• Monitor changes in share ownership and maintain the register of shareholders.
• Ensure compliance with the Company's memorandum and articles of association, implementing necessary changes.
• Communicate Board decisions, policies, and instructions to relevant company stakeholders.
• Monitor changes in legislation and the regulatory environment, advising directors and ensuring compliance.
• Liaise with external regulators and advisers such as lawyers and auditors.
• Develop systems to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and statutory requirements.

Legal Advisory and Risk Management:

• Advise Management on obligations under the Companys Articles of Association, company law, and other relevant laws and regulations.
• Review and draft company agreements, borrowing documents, and other legal documents.
• Ensure effective mitigation of legal and contractual risks.
• Oversee the documentation of all types of finances, including syndicate documents, leases, rescheduling, restructuring, and renewals.
• Supervise the litigation portfolio, issue legal notices, and manage relationships with legal advisors.
• Advise other divisions on legal matters as required.
• File and follow up on criminal complaints against defaulters in various courts.
• Provide legal assistance in preparing cases and responses for regulatory bodies (NAB, SBP, FIA, GOP).

Communication and Corporate Records:

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on company procedures and developments.
• Deal with correspondence and communicate decisions to relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to meeting discussions, advising on legal, governance, accounting, and tax implications of proposed policies.

Education

Preferably LLB/ LLM/ Bar-at-Law/ CA.

Experience

At least 10-15 years of post-qualification relevant experience, ideally in a bank/DFI.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of company law and relevant regulations.
• Excellent legal drafting and advisory skills.
• Effective risk management and litigation management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage and supervise a legal division efficiently.
• Proficiency in liaising with regulatory bodies and external advisers.