General Manager Legal (Mergers and Acquisition) at MTN

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job

The General Manager: Group Legal M&A is responsible to manage all aspects of commercial legal requirements, transactions in the M&A and Business Development Function as well as any other M&A related strategic initiatives within the MTN Group.

This role will manage and provide guidance, support and advice to internal stakeholders and operating units on legal aspects of commercial matters, transactions and managing legal risks.

Context (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission etc.)
MTN is entering a new phase in its lifecycle where operational and commercial excellence has become critical for success. The urgency for change has become more heightened amidst increased competitive intensity across all markets in which MTN operates. The Group’s Commercial Legal function must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of:

1. Rapidly changing ICT environment
2. The geographic complexity of MTN’s foot print across Africa and the Middle East
3. Management of executive and local shareholder expectations across all MTN Operating Countries
4. Achievement of top quartile operating efficiency and effectiveness through scale and common processes
5. Driving growth through business intelligence and standardization to maximize business impact
6. Management of customer and supplier expectations
7. Enhance MTN position as a leading network and system provider
8. Constant dynamics and local challenges in the economic, regulatory and legal environments

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)

The General Manager will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:

1. Provide legal opinions and legal advice and support to the Group on South African law, as well as International Law;
2. Support Group acquisitions and divestments and restructuring;
3. Negotiate, draft and implement legal agreements;
4. Lead negotiation meetings;
5. Provide legal support to the legal teams in Operating Countries (Opcos) across MTN Group;
6. Provide guidance in respect of compliance with applicable legislation;
7. Manage legal risk across the Group;
8. Formulate contractual framework for strategic projects;
9. Advise management and stakeholders on new legislation and the impact thereof on the business.
10. Co-ordinate and supervise external counsel from both an advisory perspective and managing fees.
11. Champion Collaboration between the Group Legal & Regulatory Function, Risk & Compliance and Internal Audit.

Key Deliverables

1. Draft, negotiate and formalise legal aspects of commercial arrangements concluded by the MTN Group in implementing its strategy relating to Legal Services
2. Liaise with, and collate and incorporate feedback from, various internal stakeholders and departments for purposes of transactions, initiatives and projects
3. Provide support, guidance and advice to MTN Operating Companies, where requested or required, regarding commercial aspects of transactions, risks and other matters.
4. Generally managing all matters and issues relevant to the legal aspects of the MTN Group’s commercial and transactional activities.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)

Education:

1. Degree with Honours (LLB or equivalent preferred)
2. Admission as an attorney
3. MBA / Masters advantageous
4. Fluent in English
5. Fluent in French (an advantage)

Experience:

1. Minimum 10 – 12 years of Legal Experience at a reputable law firm (local or International).
2. Considerable exposure and participation in Negotiations and drafting of highly complex transactions documents (locally and internationally)
3. Multi-lingual and cross-border transactions
4. Work across diverse cultures and geographies

Competencies:

1. Strategy Formulator, Decisive Problem Solver, Innovative Value Creator
2. Culture and Change Champion, Inspiring People Leader, Relationship Builder
3. Results Achiever, Operationally Astute
4. Excellent drafting skills
5. Strong analytical skills
6. Strong Negotiating skills
7. Agile and Management skills
8. Leadership skills
9. Consulting skills
10. Effective communication and writing skills
11. Good general commercial awareness
12. Good interpretation skills
13. Articulate
14. Competent in Microsoft Office Suite