Lawyer and Company Secretary

Job Description

• Location: Adenta, Accra
• Grade: 16

Purpose

VisionFund Ghana Micro Credit Limited requires the services of a Lawyer and Company Secretary. The Lawyer and Company Secretary is responsible for the efficient administration of a company, particularly ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. He/she is also responsible for ensuring that the Institutions’ contracts are appropriate and executed in a legally acceptable manner. He/she is expected to work with the VisionFund Ghana Board, providing administrative support to the Board. The Lawyer and Company Secretary is expected to ensure that decisions of the Board are implemented on behalf of VisionFund Ghana Micro Credit Limited in a timely manner.

Legal Obligations

• Draft and review company agreements and corporate documentation to ensure the correct status thereof in accordance with the pertinent legislative framework.
• Prepare, approve, sign and seal agreements leases, legal forms, and other official documents on the company’s behalf, as authorised by the Board of Directors or the executive responsible.
• Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act and rules made there-under and other statutes and bye-laws of the company.
• Ensure that the business of the company is conducted in accordance with its objects as contained in its memorandum of association.
• Ensure that affairs of the company are managed in accordance with its objects contained in the articles of association and the provisions of the Companies Act.
• To advise, in conjunction with the company’s solicitors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or other executive, in respect of the legal matters, as required.
• Filing of various documents/returns as required under the provisions of the Companies Act.
• Provide legal advice on contracts as well as review to guarantee the best interests of VisionFund Ghana.
• Engage legal advisors and defend the rights of the Company in the Courts of Law, where applicable
• Coordinate activities and services provided by external counsels or auditors.
• Provide accurate, relevant, and timely advice to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other members of staff on a variety of legal topics that relate to the business products or services.
• Partner with the Recovery Department on legal recovery suits
• Maintain books and registers of the company as required under the provisions of the Companies Act.
• Provide support in reviewing Board policies for administrative and governance compliance
• Ensuring that statutory forms are filed promptly.
• Providing members and auditors with notice of meeting.
• Filing of copy of special resolutions on prescribed form within the specified time period.
• Sign the statutory returns and applications.
• Update VFG Governance Dashboard on regular basis 3 Days after CEO Approval –i.e. New board members update, Signed Board meeting minutes and Board meeting schedules.
• Participate in all Global Center (GC) Trainings and activities and advice appropriately.
• Liaise with Board Members to endorse all auditable board docs on close of 1st quarter and all relevant board orientation and documentation from VisionFund International (VFI).

Board Management and Administrative functions:

• In consultation with the Board Chair, prepare the Board’s calendar of activities, organise the annual and extraordinary general meetings, attend such meetings as required, and to ensure compliance with the legal requirements and make correct record thereof.
• In consultation with Board Committee Chairs, prepare meeting agenda and Board packs, organise and attend Board committee meetings.
• Prepare accurate records of proceedings of all Board meetings, including Board committee meetings. Follow up on meeting action points and matters arising.
• To attend all Board meetings in order to ensure that the legal requirements are fulfilled and provide such information as necessary.
• Manage the Board Chair’s diary
• Have custody of the seal of the Company.
• Manage correspondence with the Board of Directors of the company on various matters.
• Manage all correspondence between the Board, company, the shareholders, and the regulator.
• On behalf of the Board, liaise with the regulator on matters related to business and/or governance, to ensure business continuity and compliance.
• Create and manage a repository of all company and Board documents

Other duties:

• Be actively involved in all spiritual activities of the Institution.
• Perform any other functions related to the smooth running of the company, or Board matters as assigned by the Board Chair, the Chief Executive Officer, or immediate supervisor.

Required Skills or Experience

QUALIFICATION

• Minimum of an LLB from an accredited institution.
• Qualified professional Lawyer and Company Secretary.
• Full or partial ICSA qualification with experience in a similar role for not less than 3 years.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Should have demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse professional backgrounds and persona
• Should have good communication skills
• Demonstrate good team spirit and team building skills
• Should have a good track record of integrity, conduct and firm with controls;
• Ability to work effectively with good presentation skills, both oral and written
• Experience of good public relations skills and ability to relate well with people from diverse backgrounds;
• Attention to detail and has foresight;
• Must demonstrate skills of one who is dynamic, innovative, pro-active and self-motivated.