Legal and Advocacy Manager

Responsibilities:

Legal Oversight and Compliance

• Provide legal advice and guidance on all organizational matters, including contracts, partnerships, and compliance.
• Ensure the organization adheres to all applicable laws and regulations, including labor laws, education policies, and governance standards.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, and agreements.
• Manage legal risks and disputes, including working with external counsel when necessary.

Advocacy and Policy Engagement:

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to influence educational policies and regulations.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, policy-makers, and educational stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at advocacy forums, conferences, and meetings.
• Monitor and analyze education policy developments to identify opportunities for engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to align advocacy efforts with the Foundation’s goals.
• Partner with community organizations, NGOs, and other advocacy groups to amplify impact.
• Lead campaigns to raise awareness about key issues in education, such as inclusion, STEM, and teacher development.

Legal and Ethical Governance:

• Support the Board of Directors with legal and governance advice.
• Ensure that organizational activities align with ethical standards and best practices.
• Provide training and updates to staff on relevant legal and compliance matters.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop resources and training for internal teams on advocacy and legal frameworks.
• Build internal capacity to engage in policy discussions and advocacy campaigns.
• Create and disseminate reports on advocacy efforts and legal updates impacting the education sector.

Impact Reporting and Documentation:

• Document and report on advocacy outcomes and legal activities.
• Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track key performance indicators related to advocacy and legal initiatives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field (LLB/BL preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in legal advisory, policy advocacy, or a related role, preferably in the non-profit or education sectors.
• Strong understanding of education policies, regulatory frameworks, and advocacy strategies.
• Proven ability to build relationships with government agencies, donors, and community stakeholders.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong advocacy, lobbying, and public speaking abilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and advocacy platforms.

Attributes:

• Passion for social impact and education reform.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical practices.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Collaborative and team-focused mindset.

About Arc-Lights Foundation:

Arc-Lights Foundation is committed to transforming education through innovative programs that promote inclusion, STEM learning, teacher training, and equitable access to quality education. As a mission-driven organization, we work to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and future-focused.

Location: Lagos