Assistant Legal Counsel - Marketing and Regulations at British American Tobacco (BAT)

The Role reports to the Legal Counsel Marketing and Regulations East and Southern Africa (ESA) Markets.

The role involves responsibility for advising the business on legal matters pertaining to trade and marketing, intellectual property, regulations, litigation, tax and legal compliance. The role holder will also support in driving compliance with the BAT Standards of Business Conduct and related policies.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Render timely legal advice to the business on Competition Law compliance, Intellectual Property law (including trademark protection and management), Excise and regulatory engagements.
• Support the management of BAT’s Intellectual Property portfolio in the respective ESA markets including by ensuring timely registration or renewal of trademarks and through assisting with the management of any related disputes or litigations.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of regulatory issues and the regulatory framework in which the business operates and take part in developing informed solutions enabling the business to respond to and deal with regulatory risks/constraints.
• Support the proactive management of litigation risks and strategy in all BAT ESA entities including by reporting to relevant stakeholders, monitor key developments in the litigation arena conducting employee trainings and sensitisation programmes, review of relevant company documentation including contracts, processes, standard letters, etc.
• Support the business’ anti-illicit trade (AIT) plans and activities by reviewing them for compliance with the relevant local laws and BAT policies as well as supporting any proactive review of existing or proposed laws.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the Legal functional strategy.
• Participate and contribute to cross functional business projects and initiatives to assess, monitor and anticipate potential threats to minimize legal risks and ensure achievement of business objectives.
• Execute relevant administrative activities in the Legal Function to ensure the availability of resources, continuous flow of information and updated records.
• Support the Legal Function in ensuring cost effective management of external counsel.
• Develop, train, and promote better understanding by ESA employees and other relevant persons of applicable internal policies & controls and compliance with relevant local laws.
• Identify and take steps in conjunction with line manager to proactively mitigate and manage any commercial, litigation and reputational risks.
• Enable the business to achieve its business objectives in a legally compliant way while unlocking commercial opportunity through good practice.
• Provide effective management of legal risk to drive sustainable growth.
• Support, implement and deliver the strategic plans and objectives of the Legal sub-function in line with the business strategy.

What are we looking for?

•  A recognized legal qualification through a reputable academic institution and competence in providing legal advice to internal stakeholders.  Must possess a valid advocate’s practicing certificate.
• At least 5 years’ post admission experience as inhouse Counsel preferably in Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry.
• Thorough knowledge of local substantive and procedural laws relevant to areas of responsibility including but not limited to Commercial Law, Competition Law and intellectual property as well as emerging trends and issues.
• Strong negotiation, written and verbal skills.
• Ability to apply strong analytical skills and good judgment.
• Collaborative team player with strong negotiation, communication, and dispute resolution skills.