Head of Legal & Company Secretary

The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGCL) is a public company jointly owned by the Government of Pakistan (44%) and Karandaaz Pakistan (56%), with initial capital provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office under its Financial Inclusion Program. As a regulated Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) holding an Investment Finance Services License, NCGCL specializes in designing guarantee products that mitigate risks in SME financing. This enables financial institutions to broaden capital access, promoting economic growth by targeting underserved segments with high employment and impact potential.

The Head of Legal & Company Secretary will lead the company’s legal affairs, corporate governance, and statutory compliance. Acting as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Directors and CEO, this role ensures all operations and guarantee/risk-sharing transactions comply with applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the position serves as Company Secretary, managing Board administration, statutory filings, and regulatory liaison with SECP, SBP, and other authorities.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Affairs: Provide timely and practical legal advice on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and operational matters. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, guarantee agreements, and partnership documents to protect the company’s interests. Oversee litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution, including managing external counsel. Identify legal risks in new products and initiatives, recommending mitigation strategies. Ensure enforcement and recovery actions related to guarantee claims comply with law and policy. Maintain an updated repository of relevant laws and judicial developments. Draft and review internal policies and SOPs for legal soundness.

Company Secretarial & Corporate Governance: Act as Company Secretary under the Companies Act, 2017, ensuring compliance with SECP regulations, the company’s governing documents, and corporate governance codes. Organize and manage Board, committee, and general meetings, including preparation of agendas, notices, and minutes. Maintain statutory books and registers, and ensure timely filing of returns and disclosures with regulators. Advise the Board on governance best practices, directors’ duties, conflicts of interest, and fit-and-proper criteria. Coordinate director induction, training, and evaluation, maintaining governance frameworks and policies.

Compliance & Regulatory Liaison: Monitor legal and regulatory changes affecting the company. Ensure guarantee schemes and operations comply with licensing and regulatory conditions. Serve as the primary contact for SECP, SBP, and other regulatory bodies on legal and governance matters. Support audits, inspections, and due diligence exercises from a legal and governance perspective.

Leadership & Management: Lead and develop the Legal & Company Secretariat team, including recruitment and performance management. Manage relationships with external legal counsel to ensure quality and cost-effective support. Represent the legal function in senior management forums and contribute to strategic decision-making. Prepare periodic reports on legal, compliance, and governance matters for the Board and CEO.

Required Qualifications

- LL.B. (Hons) from a recognized university; LL.M. preferred.
- Qualified/enrolled Advocate of the High Court (Supreme Court Advocate preferred). Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., ICSP or equivalent) highly desirable.
- 5 to 10 years of post-qualification experience, including at least 5 years in a senior legal or company secretarial role within banking, DFI, NBFI, credit guarantee, or regulated financial services.
- Proven experience as Company Secretary of a public or unquoted company with direct exposure to Board and SECP/SBP interactions.
- Strong knowledge of the Companies Act, 2017, SECP regulations, corporate governance codes, and financial sector regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and contract management skills.
- High integrity, discretion, and sound judgment in handling confidential matters.
- Strong communication, minute-writing, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Leadership skills with ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications and Attributes

- Customer service-oriented with a professional approach.
- Well-organized, proactive, and able to work independently.
- Punctual, dependable, presentable, and skilled in multitasking.
- Comfortable managing dual roles involving general administration and executive support.
- Strong strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and adaptability in a fast-paced leadership environment.

Key Relationships

Internally, the role interacts with the CEO, Board of Directors and Committees, Chief Risk Officer, CFO, Heads of Business/Operations, Internal Audit, and Compliance teams. Externally, it liaises with SECP, State Bank of Pakistan, external legal counsel, courts, regulatory bodies, partner financial institutions, and auditors.

This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities but is not exhaustive. The company reserves the right to modify it as business needs evolve. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, 14th October 2026.