Company Profile

VisionFund Ghana is a subsidiary of VisionFund International, the parent company of a network of 25 microfinance institutions operating in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. VisionFund International is a wholly owned subsidiary of World Vision International, a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization. Working together, we provide the foundation for local economies to flourish in healthy and safe communities. We are an organization that have high ethical standard in doing our work. We have zero tolerance towards incidence of violence or abuse against children or adults living in the communities we work. Safeguarding children and adults in communities we serve is fundamental to all VFG activities and therefore a requirement for every employee.

Job Description

Purpose
VisionFund Ghana Micro Credit Limited requires the services of a Company Secretary and Lawyer. The Company Secretary and Lawyer are responsible for the efficient administration of a company, particularly ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. He/she is also responsible for ensuring that the Institutions’ contracts are appropriate and executed in a legally acceptable manner. He/she is expected to work with the VisionFund Ghana Board, providing administrative support to the Board. The Company Secretary and Lawyer are expected to ensure that the decisions of the Board are implemented on behalf of VisionFund Ghana Micro Credit Limited in a timely manner.

Secretarial Functions

• Draft and review agreements and corporate documentation related to the day-to-day business of the company to ensure the correct status thereof in accordance with the pertinent legislative framework.
• Ensure compliance with the provisions of Companies Law and rules made thereunder and other statutes and by-laws of the company.
• Ensure that the business of the company is conducted in accordance with its objectives is contained in its memorandum of association.
• Ensure that the affairs of the company are managed in accordance with its objects contained in the articles of association and the provisions of the Companies Law.
• Prepare meeting agenda in consultation with the Board Chair and other documents for all the meetings of the Board of Directors.
• Arrange with and to call and hold meetings of the Board and prepare accurate records of proceedings.
• Attend Broad meetings in order to ensure that the legal requirements are fulfilled and provide such information as necessary.
• Prepare in consultation with the Board Chair, agenda, and other documents for general meetings.
• Arrange in consultation with the Chairman the annual and extraordinary general meetings of the company and attend such meetings to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to make correct records thereof.
• Prepare, approve, sign, and seal agreements leases, legal forms, and other official documents on the company’s behalf, when authorized by the Board of Directors or the executive responsible.
• Advise, in conjunction with the company’s solicitors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), or other executive, in respect of legal matters, as required.
• To have custody of the seal of the Company.
• Carry on correspondence with directors of the company on various matters.
• Deal with all correspondence between the company and shareholders.

Legal Obligations

• Filing of various documents/returns as required under the provisions of the Companies Law.
• Provide legal advice on contracts as well as a review to guarantee the best interests of VisionFund Ghana.
• To engage legal advisors and defend the rights of the Company in Courts of Law.
• Help with coordinating activities and services provided by external counsels or auditors.
• Providing accurate, relevant, and timely advice to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other members of staff on a variety of legal topics that relate to the business products or services.
• Partner with the Recovery Department on legal recovery suits
• Proper maintenance of books and registers of the company as required under the provisions of the Companies Law.
• Ensure that statutory forms are filed promptly.
• Provide members and auditors with notice of meetings.
• File copies of special resolutions on the prescribed form within the specified time period.
• Sign statutory returns and applications.
• Update VFG Governance Dashboard on a regular basis 3 Days after CEO Approval –i.e. New board members update, Signed Board meeting minutes, and Board meeting schedules.
• Participate in all Global Center (GC) Training and activities and advice appropriately.
• Liaise with Board Members to endorse all auditable board docs at the close of 1st quarter and all relevant board orientation and documentation from VFI
• Be actively involved in all spiritual activities of the Institution.
• Perform any other duties assigned by his/her Supervisor/the Chief Executive Officer or the Board Chair on behalf of the Company.

Required Skills or Experience

• Qualified Professional Company Secretary with a Legal Background
• Full or partial ICSA qualification with experience in a similar role for not less than 3 years

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Demonstrate a good team spirit, team building
• Should have a good track record of integrity, conduct, and firm controls.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with good presentation skills (oral/written).
• Experience in good public relations skills and ability to relate well with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Attention to detail and foresight.
• Smart in appearance; well-groomed and with a good sense of humor
• Must demonstrate skills of one who is dynamic, innovative, proactive, and self-motivated.
• Must be a practicing Christian