Senior Manager - Legal Group Strategy and Transformation

MTN is in a critical phase of its lifecycle where operational and commercial excellence has become the essence of success. This coincides with shifting commercial, operational, and geopolitical environments in the multiple jurisdictions in which it operates.
In fulfilment of the Group’s strategic goals to sustain operational momentum and accelerate the strategy, the Legal and Regulatory Affairs function must bolster its capability to contribute to MTN wide strategic response, and to contribute to tactical strategy and interventions in the context of:
-    Highly dynamic and rapidly evolving ICT and competitive environment
-    The cultural, social, political and economic realities that impact MTN’s various operations
-    The geographic complexity of MTN’s footprint across Africa
-    Management of executive and local shareholder expectations across all OpCos
-    Management of customer and industry expectations 
-    Enhance MTN position as a leading network and system provider
-    Constant dynamics and local challenges in the economic, regulatory and legal environments
-    The interrelationship and dependencies of MTN Group regarding its diverse Operations
-    Diverse cultures of judicial, legislative and regulatory accountability
-    Dynamic political environments
-    Uncertain investment climate across the globe
-    Increased geopolitical tensions.
-    Global realignment and other trends affecting operating environment

Global Influences:

-    Enterprises and Governments are seeking actionable data services through self-service APIs, partner platforms, and data marketplaces
-    Telcos are increasingly embedding B2B2X models to support commercialisation of network and data capabilities
-    Monetisation success requires integration of data driven solutions into existing sales ecosystems, along with custom commercial models per vertical
-    Strategic partnerships with hyperscalers, digital platforms, and regional aggregators are essential for scaling reach

Organisational Mission: MTN’s vision is to lead digital transformation in Africa, ensuring widespread access to reliable, high-quality broadband services that drive social and economic development.
Organization Values: At MTN we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, every day. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood, and empowered to live an inspired life. Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.
As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!
Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers, and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.
Our values dubbed, LIVE Y’ello, are the cornerstone of our culture.
Lead with Care
Can-do with Integrity
Collaborate with Agility
Serve with Respect
Act with Inclusion
 

The Senior Manager Legal and Regulatory DataCo will be responsible for the following Key Performance Areas:

Key Deliverables

-    Support the establishment of the DataCo legal and regulatory function within the DataCo business.
-    Identify, monitor, track, and analyse national and regional regulation applying to DataCo’s areas of operation, notably data protection, data security, data sovereignty, data privacy & security and information security.
-    Manage DataCo’s IP portfolio which includes, implement a system to ensure that DataCo’s IP is identified, protected, maintained and enforced in multiple jurisdictions.
-    Embedding privacy, security, and cross-border data compliance into product design and commercial models through legal guidance and regulatory advice.
-    Developing modular legal frameworks that enable scalable partner agreements and flexible data sharing constructs.
-    Aligning AI, data governance, and monetisation with evolving regulatory landscapes (e.g., data sovereignty, AI ethics, competition law).
-    Acting as a trusted advisor to cross-functional teams, balancing commercial ambition with legal stewardship.
-    Develop legal frameworks and templates for DataCo contracts, licenses, and partner agreements.
-    Provide monthly and quarterly legal and regulatory regulatory reports with actionable insights for DataCo and MTN Group leadership.
-    Create awareness and training materials for internal teams on key legal and regulatory topics.
-    Position papers, regulatory submissions, and audit responses externally
-    Effectively manage strong, transparent relationships with regulatory bodies and external counsel.
-    Partner contract portfolio aligned with DataCo monetisation objectives and compliance obligations.

Data Governance, Privacy, Intellectual Property & Regulatory Advisory

-    Act as the primary lead on data protection, data security, data sovereignty, data privacy & security and information security adoption, in line with national and international laws (e.g. GDPR). 
-    Accountable for preparing and reporting on the DataCo privacy and security-by-design programme as well as integration into DataCo products, services, and partner platforms (leveraging off Group guidance).
-    Perform detailed research and benchmarking for the development of DataCo’s framework for compliance with applicable regulation.
-    Provide expertise on  legal and regulatory queries relating to IP from various departments.
-    Assist Research & Development / technical teams in identifying patentable inventions.
-    Closely monitor and action against any infringement of DataCo IP.
-    Management of litigation and active engagement in the resolution of on-going IP disputes.
-    Identify IP infringement risks (of DataCo and third-party IP) and manage the implementation of mitigating strategies.
-    Filing, prosecuting and attending tot the renewal of DataCo trade marks, patents and registered designs across multiple jurisdictions.
-    Assist the marketing team with DataCo brand management.
-    Monitoring and analysis of regulatory shifts and provide strategic input on necessary adaptations.

Contracting & Commercial Legal Support

-    Advise and support the DataCo value proposition (leveraging off Group guidance) by preparing opinions or memoranda on regulatory adoption and commercial legal adherence. 
-    Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including data sharing, revenue share, licensing, platform agreements, API access, technology agreements (software development, joint development and technology transfer/assignment agreements) and partner deals.
-    Develop template agreements and playbooks to accelerate contracting cycles while ensuring risk coverage.
-    Advise on IP protection strategies for DataCo innovations.

Regulatory Strategy & Engagement
-    Support interactions with data protection authorities, competition regulators, and other oversight bodies.
-    Map and anticipate regulatory trends impacting DataCo; prepare position papers and engagement materials.
-    Coordinate responses to inquiries, audits, and regulatory consultations.

Risk Management & Controls

-    Design and implement risk registers and mitigation plans covering legal and regulatory exposures.
-    Lead internal awareness programs on data ethics, compliance, and contractual risk.

AI & Emerging Tech Legal Frameworks

-    Advise on legal and ethical implications of AI models, predictive analytics, and automation in DataCo’s offerings.
-    Develop guardrails for Responsible AI adoption aligned to Group standards and external best practices.

Cross-Functional Enablement & Education

-    Deliver training and toolkits for business, product, and tech teams on legal and regulatory requirements.
-    Act as liaison between DataCo and Group Legal and Regulatory, Mergers & Acquisitions, Group  Technology and Group Risk & Compliance teams.

Role Dependencies

-    In-depth understanding of the MTN business strategy.
-    Experience in a telecommunications and/or technology environment 
-    Effective stakeholder relationship management, ability to support a diversity of OpCos and platforms with a range of skills and expertise and experience in a legal and regulatory environment.
-    Understanding of the MTN technology, business and regulatory context across both traditional and new business lines.
 

Education:

-    LLB or equivalent law degree from a recognized institution.
-    Admission as an attorney in South Africa or another English law jurisdiction.
-    Certification(s) in data privacy (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT from IAPP) and security from a recognized institution.
-    Preferably qualifications like an LLM or equivalent master’s degree from a recognised institution in technology law, or commercial law (is an advantage).
-    Completion of Group 1 SAIIP (South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law) exams preferred

Experience:

-    5-8 years’ experience post qualification, with at least 3-5 years in an in-house legal role within the technology or software industry focused on commercial law and data privacy.
-    Manager track record of 5 years or more
-    Proven track record in managing complex legal matters across multiple jurisdictions in Africa.
-    proven experience advising on data governance, contracts, commercial intellectual property law arrangements and regulatory engagement.
-    Strong relevant experience with data governance, data privacy, data sovereignty, intellectual property and partnership / customer contracting.

Competencies:

-    Data Privacy & Governance Expertise: Deep understanding of privacy laws, cross-border data flows, and compliance frameworks.
-    IP Expertise: Deep understanding of intellectual property laws and IP frameworks (OAPI, ARIPO and WIPO), IP portfolio management and negotiation complex IP arrangements in commercial agreements.
-    Contract Structuring & Negotiation: Skilled in drafting and negotiating complex data and tech-related agreements.
-    Regulatory Engagement & Advocacy: Ability to represent MTN DataCo’s interests with regulators and policy bodies.
-    Risk Anticipation & Mitigation: Proactive in identifying legal exposures and designing controls.
-    IP, AI & Emerging Tech Legal Insight: Knowledge of evolving frameworks around intellectual property, AI ethics, algorithmic accountability, and digital markets regulation.
-    Business Partnership: Trusted advisor who integrates legal insights into strategic and operational plans.
-    Enablement & Communication: Translates complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
-    Collaboration: Experience working with and managing multiple stakeholders
-    Creative, entrepreneurial, and a passion for problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking, plus execution agility, high-performing, driven, self-starting.