JOB SUMMARY

The key purpose of the position involves carrying out activities required to ensure that the contracts entered into by the company are prepared in a way that protects the interests of the company and that unnecessary litigation is avoided. Ensure adherence to corporate bylaws, charter and other government documents. The position is also responsible for providing timely professional legal advice and opinions as required by the user departments of SSGC.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Undertake vetting and review of agreements/contracts including but not limited to service level agreements, both upstream and downstream gas sale and purchase agreements, and contracts of procured services that are governed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Rules.
 
2. Ensure that the agreements serve the interests of the company.
Highlight to the management the terms that could be detrimental for SSGC and remove or change the same as the case may be.
3. Get updated on amendments to various laws, rules, and regulations made by federal, provincial, and other statutory bodies from time to time, evaluate the probable effect on SSGC operations and contracts, and raise recommendations to effectively deal with the legal implications.
 
4. Study the drafts of impending legislation and assist the immediate supervisor in the evaluation of the probable effect on SSGC and suggest strategies to deal with legal implications.
 
5. Coordinate with various SSGC departments to resolve issues relating to the drafting or execution of contracts or finalization of other matters requiring input from the Legal department.
6. Review and finalize draft contracts concerning commercial transactions, memorandum of understanding (MoUs), and non-disclosure agreements.
7. Ensure that revisions to existing contracts are carefully studied for legal implications and that the interests of the company are safeguarded in the processing and execution of contract revisions.
8. Review tenancy and lease agreements and provide feedback to the relevant departments.
 
9. Study reports on the decisions taken by superior courts on various legal issues, evaluate the probable effect on the company’s operations or the law suits pending in courts and discuss with immediate superior the various options available.
10. Coordinate with the external law firms for specialized legal opinions.
Review and discuss the legal opinions with the law firms to ensure that SSGC’s requirements are appropriately addressed.
11. Participate as a member of SSGC negotiation team to negotiate and settle the terms of the gas sale agreements with the exploration & production (E&P) companies within the gas industry.
Ensure that legal aspects are taken care of in settlement related aspects. 
12. Provide legal opinions and legal guidance on referred issues, cases and queries from user departments.
13. Represent SSGC at various government and legal forums including standing committees and ministries on various legislative matters, where required.
14. Provide assistance and guidance to legal counsel in the institution and follow-up of law suits filed by the company or in suits where the company is a respondent.
15. Attend court hearings on behalf of SSGC in important matters or as deemed appropriate.
16. Guide and support junior legal staff in developing initial drafts / replies etc.
17. Identify and assess risks under their management/ownership.
18. Develop and implement risk response strategies for the risks under their management.
19. Monitor risks and response strategies under their management.
20. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of information provided for risk reporting.
21. Undertake any other task assigned by the superior.