Job Details

Job Description

The Zambia Daily Mail is a Limited Company wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia. The Company is incorporated under the Companies Act, Cap 388 of the Laws of Zambia. It is one of the leading publishers of daily newspapers in Zambia. The Company has a vacancy for the position of Company Secretary and Legal Counsel and is now inviting suitably qualified Zambians to apply and be considered for the position. This is a fixed term contract position of three years and renewable upon successful completion. The position reports to the Managing Director.

1.0 PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide quality, efficient and cost effective legal and board secretarial services to the Zambia Daily Mail Limited. Reporting to the Managing Director, the role involves handling of legal matters and obligations and all statutory requirements, managing the Board calendar including the conduct of Board meetings and arising records thereof.

2.0 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Company Secretary/Legal Counsel shall be responsible for the following:

• Plan and implement the strategy for operational management and development of the ZDML Corporate Services function so as to achieve agreed Legal and Board Secretarial performance within agreed budgets and timescales.
• Advise and offer guidance to the company on legal issues arising out of company operations and ensure that all legal obligations conform to the Laws of Zambia and to standards of good practice.
• Represent the company in litigation matters before the courts of law, arbitration and other institutions such as legal parliamentary committees, etc.
• Keep and maintain all company statutory records and ensure compliance with the companies Act requirements.
• Review and draft all contractual documents in accordance with legal procedures. and the companies Act.
• Attend to matters, as Company Secretary, pertaining to the Board, in an efficient and effective manner.

He/she in this regard will:

(i) Liaise with the Board Chairperson in convening Board and Sub-Committee meetings on timely basis;
(ii) Liaise with the Board Chairperson and the shareholders in convening the Company’s Annual and Extraordinary General meetings;
(iii) Draft AGM, Board and other minutes of sub-committee meetings and attends such meetings;

(iv) Keep records of all Board meetings and related events for reference purposes;
(v) Maintain effective liaison between the Board and management and advise both on legal matters and effects thereof, to assist with the correct Management and Board decisions and actions; and
(vi) Attend to all Board matters, such as producing quality minutes, distribution of minutes to Board members and provision and/maintenance of records relating to both the Board and shareholders.

• Liaise with the Editorial and Commercial Departments to ensure that potential libelous stories, photographs and advisements are not published or are appropriately edited, to avoid bringing the Company into disrepute.
• Draft the Company’s contract and legal documents/agreements and undertakes contract negotiations; carries out conveyancing and provides services of a Notary, Public and Commissioner for Oaths.
• Coordinate preparation of staff action plans, monitor and review performance of subordinate staff to ensure that they work towards meeting their performance objectives and the targets in the department.
• Performs any other related duties as may be assigned by the Managing Director from time to time.

3.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Full Grade 12 School Certificate with at least 5’0′ Levels which should include Credits in English language and Mathematics.
• Degree in Law (LLB)
• Current Legal Practicing certificate from Law Association of Zambia
• Advocate of the High Court in Zambia.
• Computer Literacy
• Ten (10) years post-graduate experience with five of which must be in a similar role
• A master’s degree in any social sciences will be an added advantage. Valid driving license will be an added advantage.

4.0 COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:

The candidate must also have the following competencies:

• Strong general leadership skills.
• A self-starter and one requiring very minimal supervision. Good written and oral communicating skills.
• High Integrity is a must.

If you think you are the person we are looking for, and meet the above qualifications, experience and competency profile, kindly apply to the undersigned, enclosing your detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of your certificates and citing three references.

The Managing Director
Zambia Daily Mail Limited
P.O. Box 31421
LUSAKA.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5th January, 2024.