Specialist, Legal Services (Contracts and Advisory) at 9mobile Nigeria

9mobile, previously known as Etisalat Nigeria, is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria. It offers a range of services, including mobile and data services, enterprise solutions, and more. As with most large organizations, legal considerations are critical to maintaining smooth operations and ensuring compliance with industry standards. One of the key roles within the company’s legal department is the Specialist, Legal Services (Contracts and Advisory). This position is vital in ensuring that all contractual engagements and advisory services adhere to the necessary legal frameworks.

Role Overview

The Specialist in Legal Services (Contracts and Advisory) is responsible for providing legal support to 9mobile, focusing on the drafting, reviewing, and management of contracts. The role also involves offering advisory services to different departments within the organization to ensure that the company remains legally compliant in its operations.

Some of the core responsibilities of this role include:

• Contract Drafting and Review: Ensuring that all contracts the company enters into are legally sound, clear, and favorable to the company’s interests.
• Legal Advisory: Providing legal advice to different departments on matters such as regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Compliance: Ensuring that 9mobile operates within the bounds of local and international laws, particularly in the telecommunications sector.
• Dispute Resolution: Handling any disputes that may arise from contractual agreements or regulatory issues.
• Negotiation: Assisting in the negotiation of contracts, ensuring favorable terms for the company while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Key Skills and Qualifications

For one to be considered for the position of Specialist in Legal Services (Contracts and Advisory) at 9mobile, the following skills and qualifications are essential:

1. Legal Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) is required, followed by completion of the Nigerian Law School.
2. Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a legal role, particularly within the telecommunications industry or corporate environment, is typically required.
3. Contract Law Expertise: An in-depth understanding of contract law is crucial for this role. The candidate should be familiar with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
4. Regulatory Knowledge: The telecommunications industry is highly regulated in Nigeria. Knowledge of regulations governing telecommunications and data services is important.
5. Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide solutions is key to succeeding in this role.
6. Communication and Negotiation: Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with internal departments and external partners.

Challenges Faced by Legal Specialists in Telecommunications

The telecommunications industry is dynamic, with regulations evolving as technology advances. A legal specialist in this field must be prepared to deal with various challenges, including:

• Rapid Technological Change: As technology evolves, so do the laws governing the use of that technology. A legal specialist must stay updated on these changes.
• Complex Contracts: Contracts in telecommunications often involve multiple parties, including vendors, government bodies, and consumers. Ensuring that all parties are satisfied while protecting the company’s interests can be difficult.
• Data Privacy: With the increasing importance of data, ensuring that 9mobile complies with data protection regulations, such as Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), is critical.

For more information on NDPR: Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.

Career Path and Opportunities

For legal professionals, working at a leading telecommunications company like 9mobile can be highly rewarding. As a Specialist in Legal Services, one can progress into more senior roles such as Legal Manager or Head of Legal Services. Moreover, the telecommunications sector offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for growth, particularly as the industry expands with new technological developments.

FAQs

1. What are the primary responsibilities of a Specialist, Legal Services (Contracts and Advisory)?

   • The primary responsibilities include drafting and reviewing contracts, providing legal advisory services to different departments, ensuring compliance with regulations, and resolving any legal disputes that may arise.

2. What qualifications are needed for this role?

   • A Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB), completion of the Nigerian Law School, and at least 3-5 years of experience in a legal capacity, preferably in telecommunications or a corporate setting.

3. What are the key challenges in this role?

   • Key challenges include dealing with complex contracts, staying updated on evolving telecommunications regulations, and ensuring data privacy and compliance with laws like the NDPR.

4. What are the career prospects for a legal specialist in the telecommunications industry?

   • A legal specialist can progress into more senior roles such as Legal Manager or Head of Legal Services, with opportunities for growth in other areas such as regulatory compliance and risk management.

5. What is the importance of legal services in the telecommunications sector?

   • Legal services are crucial for ensuring that the company complies with industry regulations, protecting the company’s interests in contractual agreements, and mitigating legal risks.

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For more information about career opportunities at 9mobile, visit their official careers page: 9mobile Careers.