Corporate Secretariat Associate

Job Description

Job Title – Corporate Secretariat Associate
Location – Port Harcourt
Industry – Manufacturing
Employment Type – Full-Time
Experience Level – (5+ years)

Role Overview:
The Company Secretary & Legal Officer will be responsible for managing corporate secretarial functions, legal risk, and ensuring full compliance with Free Zone guidelines, Nigerian laws, and industry-specific regulations. The ideal candidate will have practical experience with Compliance Management Tools and a deep knowledge of Free Zone operations and governance standards.

Key Responsibilities:
Company Secretarial Duties:
• Organize board, management, and shareholder meetings; prepare minutes, resolutions, and meeting documentation.
• Maintain statutory records and ensure timely filings with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Free Zone Authorities.
• Ensure the company complies with provisions of CAMA, governance codes, and Free Zone operational guidelines.
• Act as a liaison between the company, board, and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate annual returns, board evaluations, and corporate filings.

Legal & Regulatory Compliance:
• Provide legal advisory services on commercial transactions, labor law, and industrial matters.
• Draft, vet, and review contracts, MOUs, vendor agreements, leases, and service-level agreements.
• Identify and manage legal risks, liaise with external counsel, and represent the company when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with Free Zone regulations issued by the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) or other applicable FTZ regulators.
• Manage regulatory audits, inspections, and permit/license renewals within the Free Zone.
• Monitor new legislation, regulations, and directives affecting the company’s operations.

Compliance Management Systems:
• Administer and enhance the use of compliance management tools or software
• Track compliance deadlines for licenses, tax exemptions, free zone levies, and corporate reporting.
• Automate reporting workflows and maintain dashboards for risk and compliance status.
• Conduct periodic internal compliance checks and staff training.

Requirements:
• Membership or certification with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)
• Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) is an added advantage
• Minimum of 5 years’ post-call experience, ideally in a manufacturing or regulated industry.
• Hands-on experience with Free Zone regulations (e.g., NEPZA, OGFTZA).
• Familiarity with compliance management tools and digital governance systems.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian corporate, labor, and industrial law.
• Excellent communication, legal drafting, and stakeholder management skills.