Head: Legal, Risk and Compliance Services at Technology Innovation Agency

Purpose of the Position:

• To provide strategic leadership and oversight of the legal, governance, ethics, compliance, risk and regulatory functions of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). The role ensures that the organisation operates within applicable legislative and governance frameworks, mitigates strategic and operational risks, safeguards organisational interests, strengthens institutional integrity, and enables innovation and commercialisation activities through sound legal and compliance advisory services.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications & Experience

• LLB Degree or equivalent qualification and a post-graduate certificate in, Compliance Management, Corporate Governance or Business Administration
• Admitted Attorney
•  8 – 10 years’ post admission experience in a Commercial law environment;
• Experience in negotiating and drafting contracts;
• Experience in Legal research and drafting of opinions;
• Experience in leading negotiations on complex, high value agreements;
• Experience in conducting and / or co-ordinating due diligence investigations;
• At least 10 years ’ experience at a senior management level;
• Experience within a public entity, development finance institution, innovation agency, or regulatory environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities are key to optimising the performance of the Business Unit and building credibility across the organisation;
• Demonstrated experience in corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience engaging with Boards and Executive Committees.
• Experience supporting commercialization and technology-related transactions.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant corporate governance and risk management legislation, codes and regulatory requirements that may impact TIA’s operations; and
• A broad understanding of the financial services / investment industry would be advantageous.

Duties and Responsibilities    
Financial Perspective

• Manage legal, compliance, and risk management costs effectively
• Manage and report on performance against budget on a monthly basis;
• Reduce financial exposure arising from legal and compliance matters
• Strengthen compliance controls and ethics management
• Ensure effective financial governance compliance

Stakeholder Relationship

•  Identify, build and nurture trust and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Interact closely with the CEO, Executive Management, Board, Government officials, the public and other stakeholders in maintaining positive relationships for the organisation;
• Engage with industry stakeholders to position the organisation strategically.
• Influence stakeholder behaviour to align with organisational risk appetite and compliance standards.
• Ensure timely legal opinions and contract reviews
• Promote ethical leadership and governance compliance
• Manage relationships with regulators and oversight bodies

Strategic Management

• Contribute to the development and drive the implementation of the organisation’s Five –Year strategic plans, vision and goals;
• Develop an annual operational plan and set clear direction and objectives for the Business Unit;
• Define, drive and report on performance of the Business Unit;
• Drive a culture of professionalism, delivery, efficiency and urgency in the organisation;

Operations Management

• Oversee all operational and business activities to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with the overall strategy of the organisation;
• Follow operational procedures, policies and standards;
• Develop and implement work plans to guide the implementation of projects;
• Ensure communication, knowledge sharing and interdependence across Business Units to maximise efficiency in the organisation;
• Apply forward-thinking to re-imagine organisational processes in line with client requirements to create value within specified time periods;
• Oversee contract drafting, negotiation, and management
• Assist in producing reports that clearly explain key due diligence findings (as it relates to legal matters) and recommendations to the client, ensuring compliance with organisation standards, frameworks and policies;
• Manage risks to the Agency and Investee by adhering to the risk management policies and procedures and ensuring significant risks are identified;
• Perform detailed analyses to evaluate potential deal breakers and/or contract negotiating points;
• Review and ensure that all TIA legal instruments/commitments are legally compliant;
• Ensure that contract management is integrated into the various TIA systems and tools

Governance and Management Reporting

• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the performance of the Business Unit;
• Conduct risk assessment and update risk matrix for the Business Unit as well as for each Investment application. Submit monthly and quarterly risk reports;
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the performance of the Business Unit;
• Participate in feedback sessions with the Department of Science Technology and Innovation;
• Oversee annual audit exercises and prepare responses to close audit findings;
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation as required; 

Learning and Growth

• Initiate change initiatives required to enhance the Business Unit’s effectiveness;
• Ensure general discipline and compliance in the areas of responsibility and ensure corrective action is taken on all misconduct incidents
• Develop legal and compliance capabilities within the team
• Coach and mentor people to achieve higher performance;
• Ensure adherence to all HR policies, procedures and requirements to ensure sound people practices;

Ethics, Risks and Compliance

• Promote a culture of integrity and accountability
• Strengthen organisational compliance awareness
• Develop and implement a risk-based compliance monitoring plan, maintain compliance obligations register, report material compliance gaps and track corrective actions
• Coordinate declarations of interests, gifts and hospitality; assess potential conflicts involving staff, governance structures and funding decisions; monitor implementation of agreed mitigation measures
• Oversee confidential ethics reporting mechanisms; ensure reported concerns are assessed and referred for appropriate investigation; monitor case progress and implementation of recommendations, in coordination with responsible functions