Legal Officer / Recovery Manager

Elizabeth Maddeux Limited is seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Legal Officer / Recovery Manager to oversee the organization's legal affairs and strategically manage the recovery of delinquent and non-performing loan portfolios. This pivotal role ensures stringent compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal credit policies, while actively working to minimize credit losses and safeguard the institution's legal and financial interests. The successful candidate will be instrumental in enforcing loan agreements, managing litigation processes, supporting robust credit risk management, and providing essential legal advisory services across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Loan Recovery & Credit Risk Management:
  • Develop, implement, and refine effective recovery strategies for overdue and non-performing accounts.
  • Proactively manage and monitor delinquent loan portfolios to ensure timely resolution and minimize exposure.
  • Negotiate and finalize settlements, restructuring arrangements, and viable repayment plans with debtors.
  • Initiate and oversee collateral realization and enforcement proceedings in accordance with legal frameworks.
  • Track recovery performance diligently against agreed targets and prepare comprehensive periodic recovery reports for management.
  • Collaborate closely with credit and risk teams to analyze trends, identify potential risks, and actively reduce non-performing loan (NPL) ratios.
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance:
  • Ensure all credit documentation, recovery processes, and operational activities strictly comply with applicable laws, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies.
  • Maintain up-to-date compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines and other relevant statutory requirements.
  • Act as a primary liaison with external solicitors, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory authorities on legal and recovery matters.
  • Effectively manage litigation processes, including preparing court filings, conducting diligent case follow-ups, and coordinating legal representation.
  • Conduct thorough legal due diligence on collateral documentation and all loan agreements to mitigate legal risks.
• Legal Advisory & Documentation:
  • Draft, meticulously review, and skillfully negotiate a wide range of contracts, loan agreements, and other critical legal instruments.
  • Provide sound legal opinions and strategic advisory support to senior management and various operational departments.
  • Conduct comprehensive legal research to inform and guide business transactions, strategic decisions, and policy development.
  • Ensure overall corporate compliance with all statutory and regulatory obligations, protecting the organization's legal standing.

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a dynamic financial environment, directly impacting the organization's financial health and stability.