Legal Adviser and Company Secretary

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Legal Adviser and Company Secretary Important Information: Department: Legal Contract Duration: Indefinite Pay band: 8 Location: Abuja & Lagos, Nigeria Closing Date: Applications will close at 22:59 UK time on 27 August 2026 Right to work: You must have the legal right to work in the country at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. The Role: The main purpose of this role is to serve as the Legal Adviser and Company Secretary for the British Council in Nigeria, providing strategic legal, governance and regulatory leadership to ensure compliance with applicable laws, statutory obligations, corporate governance requirements and data protection regulations. The role holder is the principal legal adviser to the Board, Country Director and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team, providing relevant and focused legal advice, overseeing legal risk management, corporate governance, litigation, contracting and regulatory compliance across all areas of the organisation, including corporate, commercial, programme management, employment, operations, contracting and data protection Main accountabilities but not limited to the following: General Counsel - Legal, Regulatory & Compliance * Serve as the principal legal adviser to the Board, Country Director, Senior Leadership Team and business functions, providing strategic, commercial and risk-based legal advice. Provide legal oversight across all areas of the organisation, including corporate, commercial, employment, intellectual property, regulatory, data protection and operational matters, working closely with other key stakeholders. * Coordinate the Nigeria operation's internally and externally sourced legal advice. * Coordinate compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, working closely with Finance and Tax, People Function, Procurement, Safeguarding, Information Security, Facilities and other business functions to ensure organisational compliance. * Act as the focal point of communication in Nigeria for British Council and company litigation matters and for legal advice. Lead the management of disputes, investigations, litigation, regulatory enquiries and enforcement matters. Company Secretary & Corporate Governance * Serve as Company Secretary to the British Council companies in Nigeria, ensuring compliance with applicable company legislation, corporate governance requirements and the Companies' governing documents. * Arrange and manage Board and Annual General Meetings. * Advise directors on their statutory duties, fiduciary responsibilities, corporate governance obligations and good governance practices. Data Protection, Information Governance & Privacy * Serve as the Nigeria Data Protection Officer (DPO), acting as a point of contact for data protection and privacy matters, supported by the IGRM SSA lead. * Ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), GAID and other relevant privacy legislation, British Council global data protection policies and other applicable information governance requirements. * Support learning and development by delivering data protection awareness programmes, workshops and targeted training. Relationship and stakeholder management * Build and maintain excellent relationships with internal partners and stakeholders within and across the Nigeria operation, to ensure effective, integrated and joined-up delivery of agreed business objectives. * Proactively build and maintain relationships with specific external stakeholders in the UK, regional and in Nigeria, and develop professional networks. Consultancy, analysis and problem solving * Apply advanced knowledge and technical specialism to solve a range of complex issues across the British Council operations. * Deploy a range of specialist methodologies, approaches and technologies to support the provision of high-quality services and advice. * Distil complex concepts and analysis into cogent and persuasive business case presentations, which convincingly influence decision-makers about the need for significant changes to policy or practice. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion * Consistently create an inclusive and anti-racist organisational culture, being aware of your own biases and taking action to mitigate against these. Ensuring people feel valued and are treated equitably, with support for people’s well-being and mental health particularly through periods of significant change. * Have a deep understanding of and take accountability for putting the British Council’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and anti-racism into practice. To make time for and visibly engage with learning and development related to EDI and anti-racism. Requirements of the role: * A qualified legal practitioner with active membership of the Nigerian Bar Association * Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from a recognised institution * Barrister at Law (B.L.) and call to bar certificate from the Nigerian Law School * NYSC certificate * Experience in an advisory role to the board of directors, senior leadership team or another similar group * Strong organisational and problem-solving skills * High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information * Ability to multitask under pressure in a fast-paced environment * Experience in a leadership role which involves oversight and accountability for risk management and compliance Desirable: * Post graduate qualification or specialised training in corporate governance or related * Membership of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators or similar organisation A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org