Senior Legal Officer

Organization: Society for Family Health (SFH)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-time

Application Deadline: Not specified

Introduction

Strong legal governance is essential for credible, compliant, and impactful humanitarian and public health work. As programs expand and partnerships grow, NGOs require experienced legal professionals who can protect institutional integrity while enabling effective operations. The Senior Legal Officer plays a vital role in ensuring that SFH’s activities comply with Nigerian laws, donor requirements, and best governance practices. This position is ideal for a seasoned legal professional who wants to apply corporate and commercial law expertise in a mission-driven organization that serves vulnerable populations.

Job Summary

The Senior Legal Officer provides comprehensive legal advisory and compliance support to SFH across its operations in Nigeria. The role oversees contract management, governance documentation, regulatory compliance, and litigation-related matters, while advising senior management and the Board. The successful candidate will help safeguard the organization’s legal standing and support efficient, compliant program delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents including contracts, leases, bids, sub-awards, and litigation-related documents.
• Manage the end-to-end contract lifecycle to ensure legal soundness, operational efficiency, and value for money.
• Prepare Board papers, legal memoranda, and governance documentation, including taking accurate meeting minutes.
• Handle statutory filings and corporate documentation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
• Provide legal advice on governance, compliance, and statutory obligations applicable to SFH entities.
• Conduct legal research using credible sources and apply relevant laws to operational and strategic issues.
• Support the management of court-related matters and liaise with external counsel when required.
• Work closely with internal departments to ensure contractual, regulatory, and donor compliance.
• Advise senior leadership on corporate and commercial law matters, including organizational structuring or restructuring.
• Manage regulatory engagements and compliance interactions with government and oversight agencies.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong legal drafting skills with the ability to present complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Solid understanding of corporate, commercial, and regulatory law in Nigeria.
• Excellent analytical and legal research capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-departmental collaboration.
• Sound judgment and the ability to provide practical, risk-aware legal advice.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Barrister-at-Law (B.L) qualification is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years post-call experience with increasing responsibility.
• Proven experience advising corporate organizations, government bodies, regulatory agencies, and individuals.
• Demonstrated competence in company secretarial duties, including CAC filings and Board support.
• Experience managing regulatory compliance and engaging with multiple oversight bodies.
• Hands-on experience advising on and handling matters across different courts.

Why This Role Is Important

This role ensures that SFH operates within the law while maintaining strong governance and accountability standards. By providing timely and accurate legal guidance, the Senior Legal Officer helps protect organizational assets, reduce risk, and support ethical program delivery. The position directly contributes to the sustainability and credibility of SFH’s public health interventions.

Benefits of Applying

• Opportunity to work with one of Nigeria’s most established health-focused NGOs.
• Exposure to complex legal matters in nonprofit, donor-funded, and public health environments.
• Professional growth through engagement with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Meaningful work that supports health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Salary Expectations

Competitive, based on experience and qualifications.

About the Organization

Society for Family Health (SFH) is a leading Nigerian non-governmental organization dedicated to improving public health outcomes, especially for underserved and vulnerable communities. Since its establishment in 1985, SFH has played a significant role in advancing family planning, maternal and child health, and disease prevention initiatives. The organization partners with government institutions, donors, and communities to deliver evidence-based health programs at scale. SFH is recognized for its strong systems, innovation, and commitment to accountability and impact.

Location, Deadline & How to Apply

• Location: Abuja, Nigeria
• Application Deadline: Not specified
• How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply through SFH’s official recruitment portal on Zoho Recruit.

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight experience in corporate, commercial, and nonprofit legal practice.
• Demonstrate hands-on involvement in contract management and regulatory compliance.
• Emphasize governance, Board advisory, and company secretarial experience.
• Clearly show your ability to provide practical legal advice in complex organizational settings.

This role is well-suited for legal professionals seeking to apply their expertise within a mission-driven NGO environment.