Career

Contracts Administrator

The Contract Administrator does more than negotiate contract terms with internal and external parties. Some of their main tasks include:

• Articulating, capturing and implementing contractual issues
• Negotiating contract terms with both internal and external entities
• Reviewing existing contracts and updating them
• Monitoring contractual performance using spreadsheets and electronic document management systems (EDMS)
• Analyzing risks associated with specific contract terms
• Creating language standards for new contract documents or existing ones
• Providing detailed reporting to the involved parties at the end of a contract
• Administering and managing financial records, invoices, credits and final accounts as per project requirement

Skills and qualifications

A Contract Administrator must demonstrate strong analytical skills to measure risks and rewards. They should have the ability to analyze contracts with the intent of minimizing costs and liabilities and must work to maximize profits while complying with laws. A successful Contract Administrator candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

• A minimum of Bachelor of Law/ Business Administration Degree
• Minimum of 5 years managing contracts using the FIDIC contracts, 2 years of which must be with thorough experience in the Application FIDIC contract guidelines.
• Must be a registered professional in the Built Environment with relevant professional qualifications (COREN, ARCON, RIBA, PMP, PRINCE2, QSRBN or equivalent)
• Experienced with the FIDIC Golden rule.
• Experience working on international construction projects and supply chain
• Familiarity with ADR and DAAD requirements.
• Experience / Knowledge of other contracts such as NEC, JCT, etc. will be an added advantage.
• Have a very sound knowledge of law and practice in the field of major international construction / infrastructure /oil & gas projects.
• Good knowledge of contract law and drafting ability
• Familiarity with business, finance, and accounting terminology
• Has strong communication, negotiation and mediation skills
• Knowledge of legal requirements involved with contracts
• Commercial contracting, drafting and proposing
• High-level correspondence & grammar skills
• Ability to review complex contractual documents like service-level agreements and sub-contract agreements
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Proven analytical and organizational skills

Job Description

• The successful candidate will oversee all the drafting, negotiation, and review of contracts, agreements, legal documents and governance matters, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and providing expert legal advice to support the growth and success of the organization and its subsidiaries.
• Negotiate, draft, and finalize contracts with clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Ensure all contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Manage contract administration, including monitoring performance, tracking deadlines, and processing change orders.
• Analyze and mitigate contractual risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and resolve contract disputes efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Collaborate effectively with project managers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain a comprehensive contract database and filing system.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to the executive management, and subsidiary leaders on a wide range of legal matters.
• Manage external legal counsel when necessary and monitor legal expenses.
• Organize training programs on legal and ethical matters to employees, promoting a culture of compliance and integrity.
• Handle or oversee the resolution of legal disputes, including litigation and arbitration, and work to protect the organization's interests.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and privacy laws, safeguarding sensitive information and client data.
• Prepare and submit regulatory reports as required by relevant financial authorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with regulatory authorities, external legal firms, and industry associations.

Requirements

• A minimum of Bachelor of Law Degree
• Minimum of 5 years post-call experience in legal or related areas preferably within the Oil & Gas/ Infrastructure Sector.
• Proficient in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Strong understanding of construction and maintenance services laws and regulations, corporate governance, contract law, and compliance requirements specific to the construction and services industry.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory compliance requirements. Should be well acquainted with the regulatory environment.
• Expertise in contract law, including contract drafting, negotiation and review, and corporate governance best practices.
• Proficiency in handling legal disputes, litigation, and arbitration proceedings, and the ability to protect the organization's interests.
• Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal and regulatory risks that could impact the organization.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Proven analytical and organizational skills