LEGAL MANAGER – REAL ESTATE

Job Description

The client is a railway concessionaire managing infrastructure in Angola, linking the Congolese Copper Belt to the Atlantic. They operate bulk rail freight services and oversee a port concession, including a key mining terminal. Their railway and port form a vital logistics corridor supporting international trade and domestic freight.

The company plays a crucial role in regional economic development and global trade connectivity. They foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture, encouraging collaboration and innovation. Their performance-driven environment prioritises quality, safety, and operational excellence.

As the Legal Manager for Real Estate you will:

  • Act as the main point of contact for external parties seeking easements or other rights for infrastructure crossings (e.g., pipelines, cables, utility poles) within the Public Railway Domain. Ensure agreements are signed, designs are approved, and construction is overseen by the Infrastructure Department.
  • Maintain an inventory of vacant buildings and land with commercial potential.
  • Work with the Lobito Port authority, the Municipality of Lobito, and private stakeholders to clarify land use rights and formalise agreements to protect infrastructure investments.
  • Resolve legal ambiguities related to land and rolling stock ownership.
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of key legal agreements related to the Organisation’s railway and logistics concessions, including contracts governing the Lobito Corridor and the mining terminal at the Port of Lobito.
  • Clarify ambiguities in the Interface Agreement regarding CFB E.P’s right (or lack thereof) to lease space in the Organisation’s buildings to third parties, aiming to transfer these leases to the Organisation in accordance with contractual restrictions.
  • Gain expertise in Angolan laws on the Public Railway Domain (Presidential Decree 147/10 of 20 July 2010) and land use regulations. Serve as the main liaison with the Angolan Government to interpret and, if necessary, adapt these laws to align with the railway concession model.
  • Ensure that real estate documents related to the Public Railway Domain are properly identified, copied, and archived.
  • Maintain records of newly constructed real estate assets, ensuring their as-built condition is accurately documented and stored in a searchable archive.

Personal Specification

Essential Requirements:

  • Lawyer with 6+ years of senior-level experience in property/real estate law and post-qualification experience.
  • Degree in law, civil engineering, geography, architecture, or related field.
  • Strong knowledge of Angolan land affairs, railway sector law, and property laws.
  • Familiar with Angolan government institutions and land use administration.
  • Excellent writing skills for drafting formal documents.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Earth, and GIS.
  • Angolan national, fluent in English (other languages a plus).
  • Driver’s licence and own car.
  • Willing and able to travel extensively across the Organisation’s network.
  • Detail-oriented, proactive, and pragmatic, thriving in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.
  • Physically fit to manage on-the-ground responsibilities.
  • Long-term commitment (minimum three years) to supporting Angola’s development.
  • Reports to the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer.

Desirable:

  • Experience in logistics or railway systems.
  • Familiarity with Lobito’s operational region.
  • Ability to navigate complex legal and operational challenges.

Summary:
This role is ideal for a proactive legal professional seeking a challenging yet rewarding position in a growing organisation. The candidate will oversee legal affairs related to property, land use, and infrastructure, ensuring compliance while engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Employer

Sector

Aviation, Logistics & Shipping

Function

Legal

Country

Job Level

Mid-Senior Level

Salary

Competitive