About the position
Our client, a leading International Logistics company based in Durban, is looking to fill the junior position of Legal and Risk Counsel.
Purpose of the Role:
A commercial legal, risk and insurance role supporting the Head of Legal & Risk across contract management, insurance, claims, risk management, governance and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
Contract & Document Support:
Assist the Head of Legal & Risk by reviewing, negotiating, amending and, where required, drafting commercial, operational and corporate documentation, including:
- Service Level Agreements, Master Service Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, joint venture, acquisition and sale agreements.
- Lease, finance and security agreements, including loan agreements, guarantees, suretyships, pledges and cessions.
- Confidentiality, intellectual property and data protection documentation, including NDAs, trademark-related matters and related agreements.
- Internal policies, procedures, trading terms and conditions and other compliance documentation.
- Reviewing third-party and customer contract templates, identifying legal, commercial and insurance risks, recommending amendments and participating in contractual negotiations where required.
Legal Risk Management:
Support the Head of Legal & Risk by:
- Collating information and documentation for disputes and litigation and liaising with external attorneys and stakeholders as required.
- Managing the day to day contract approval process across business units under the Marine Liability Insurance Programme, including assessment of contractual liabilities, liaison with brokers and business stakeholders, and escalation of material matters to the Head of Legal & Risk where appropriate.
Regulatory Compliance and Advisory:
- Provide legal support and draft memos (for review by Head of Legal & Risk) on various legislation which includes:
- National Ports Act and transport related legislation.
- International maritime conventions.
- NEMA, NEMWA and other environmental legislation.
- Labour legislation such as the LRA, EEA and OHSA.
- POPIA, sanctions and anti-corruption legislation.
- Commercial statutes such as Companies Act and Competition and Tax Laws.
- Stay updated with changes in legislation and their impact on business operations.
- Support Head of Legal & Risk to develop, implement, and update internal policies and procedures for compliance and risk management, aligned the company's policies.
Legal Research and Training Support:
- Conduct legal research and prepare draft memos (for review by Head of Legal & Risk) for management and for business units.
Insurance, Risk Management and Transaction Support:
- Support the management of the company marine liability insurance programme and company group-led insurance programmes, including contractual risk assessments, policy interpretation and communication of insurance requirements to business units.
- Coordinate processes and meetings with external stakeholders in connection with insurance renewals and claims and administration of cell captives.
- Support major projects, acquisitions and business development initiatives with legal due diligence.
- Participate in risk committee meetings and support the implementation and monitoring of the operational risk management program, including maintenance of risk registers, monitoring mitigation actions and liaison with insurance brokers.
Administrative:
- Maintain registers pertaining to contracts, ethics and training declarations and trademark renewals.
- Analyse and report on claims, survey and risk trends, including preparation of management and committee reports.
- Attend and take minutes at relevant meetings
Governance Support:
- Assist with corporate governance matters including Board resolutions and statutory, records.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Matric / Grade 12 Senior Certificate
- LLB Degree (essential)
- Completed articles or equivalent experience in a corporate, commercial legal, risk or compliance environment
- Good drafting and contract interpretation skills
- Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in high-volume environment
Advantageous:
- Understanding of international legal frameworks in the logistics industry advantageous
- Exposure to commercial law or contract drafting
- Logistics / supply chain / maritime industry exposure
If you are interested in applying for this role, please send a detailed copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed]
If you have not been contacted within two (2) weeks, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Desired Skills:
- Drafting documents
- legal support
- Risk Management
