Compliance Lead

Job Title/ Position: Compliance Lead 
Reports To:             Head of Legal
Location:                 Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical FZE                        

Job Summary
The Compliance Lead is responsible for overseeing DPRP’s compliance and corporate governance framework, ensuring that all business activities are conducted in line with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. The role drives the development and implementation of effective compliance programs to mitigate legal and regulatory risks and support sound corporate governance across the organization. The position provides leadership and oversight of compliance processes, ensures timely statutory filings and regulatory engagement, and supports the Acting Head of Legal, General Counsel, and Company Secretary with insights on compliance risks and governance matters. Through proactive monitoring and stakeholder engagement, the role contributes to strengthening regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and overall organizational sustainability.
Key Duties and Responsibilities

1.    Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of DPRP’s corporate governance and compliance framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
2.    Establish and drive the Company’s compliance strategy, policies, and regulatory agenda to support sound governance and risk management.
3.    Develop, review, and maintain corporate policies, codes of ethics, and compliance manuals to ensure clarity, consistency, and regulatory adherence.
4.    Proactively identify compliance risks, regulatory gaps, and emerging legislative issues, and provide timely recommendations to management for mitigation and resolution.
5.     Oversee and monitor the effectiveness of compliance programs across all business units, ensuring adherence to internal policies and applicable laws.
6.    Act as the central point for regulatory engagement and stakeholder interaction, safeguarding DPRP’s interests in legislative and compliance matters.
7.    Ensure alignment of DPRP’s compliance practices with overall Group governance standards and strategic objectives.
8.    Provide expert legal and regulatory advice on compliance matters to the Acting Head of Legal, General Counsel, and Company Secretary.
9.    Oversee statutory filings, regulatory reporting, and maintenance of statutory registers, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
10.    Ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks, including economic, environmental, health and safety, employment, and industry-specific laws.
11.    Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies, procedures, and corporate governance standards across the organization.
12.    Lead and supervise the compliance function, ensuring proper documentation, record management, and audit readiness of compliance activities.
13.    Oversee the coordination of Board and governance-related compliance processes, including ensuring timely preparation, circulation, and proper documentation of Board materials and decisions (in collaboration with the Company Secretary).
14.    Provide periodic compliance reports and insights to senior management, highlighting key risks, trends, and areas requiring attention.
15.    Drive awareness and training initiatives to promote a strong compliance culture across the organization.
16.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Acting Head of Legal, General Counsel, or the Company Secretary.

Key Requirements

Education and Work Experience

a.    Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).
b.    Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) and qualification to practice in Nigeria.
c.    A Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) or a related field is an added advantage.
Professional Qualification
d.    Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is required.
e.    Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) or compliance-related certifications) is an added advantage.
Desired Experience
f.    Minimum of 10 years’ post-qualification experience in legal, compliance, or corporate governance roles.
g.    Proven experience in developing and implementing compliance frameworks, policies, and governance structures.
h.    Significant experience in regulatory engagement, statutory compliance, and risk management, preferably within a manufacturing, oil & gas, or multinational environment.
i.    Demonstrated experience in leading compliance functions or teams.

Functional Competencies
Technical / Functional Skills (Must Have)
a.    Strong knowledge of corporate governance frameworks and compliance principles, including regulatory, environmental, and statutory requirements.
b.    Extensive understanding of applicable laws and regulations impacting operations within a manufacturing or energy environment.
c.    Proven expertise in risk management, compliance monitoring, and the design and implementation of compliance frameworks.
d.    Strong ability to identify, assess, and mitigate regulatory and compliance risks.
e.    Sound knowledge of policy development, regulatory interpretation, and compliance reporting requirements.
f.    Working knowledge of dispute resolution processes, including litigation and regulatory enforcement mechanisms.
g.    Strong understanding of statutory obligations, filings, and compliance documentation requirements.
h.    Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office tools and compliance/reporting systems.
Behavioural / Soft Skills
i.    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex regulatory and compliance issues.
ii.    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong research and drafting capability.
iii.    Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to drive compliance initiatives across the organization.
iv.    Effective stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage regulators and internal teams.
v.    High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical judgment.
vi.    Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in reviewing policies, reports, and statutory filings.
vii.    Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
viii.    Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and escalate critical issues appropriately.