IT lawyer

Department: Administrative and Financial Department

Reporting Manager: Head of Administration and Finance

Supervision: N/A

Location: Agence Togo Digital (ATD)

Positions available: 2

Main Mission

The IT Legal Counsel is responsible for ensuring the legal compliance of digital platforms, digitization projects, and contracts related to information technology. He/she advises and supports the agency on issues regarding digital law, cybersecurity, personal data protection, and the regulation of emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

1. Legal Advisory in Digital Law

• Provide legal advice on digitization projects, as well as the creation and operation of digital platforms (public services, payments, digital identity, etc.).

• Advise on the regulation of used technologies (blockchain, AI, IoT, etc.).

• Ensure the legal compliance of new digital products and services developed by Agence Togo Digital.

2. Drafting and Negotiation of IT Contracts

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to the provision of technological services, software, cloud computing, data, and subcontracting agreements.

• Ensure contract compliance with local and international legislation (e.g., copyright, licensing, maintenance agreements, etc.).

• Manage the legal aspects of partnerships with tech companies, cloud service providers, and digital solution vendors.

3. Personal Data Protection (GDPR and Local Legislation)

• Ensure compliance with personal data protection legislation (GDPR, local data protection laws).

• Implement procedures to guarantee the confidentiality and security of data processed by public platforms.

• Advise on user consent management and the enforcement of data subjects' rights (right of access, right to be forgotten, etc.).

4. Cybersecurity and Compliance

• Advise on regulations and best practices regarding cybersecurity within government information systems.

• Participate in establishing legal measures to guarantee the security of digital platforms and exchanged data.

5. Legal and Regulatory Watch

• Maintain a continuous legal watch on evolving laws and regulations affecting information technologies, digital services, and cybersecurity.

• Anticipate legislative and regulatory changes that could impact Agence Togo Digital’s projects.

• Recommend necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing legal compliance of digital platforms and services.

6. Litigation and Dispute Management

• Manage the legal aspects of disputes, claims, or litigation related to the digital services provided by the agency.

• Proactively manage legal risks associated with digital projects, including intellectual property issues, contracts, and data protection.

7. Training and Awareness

• Raise awareness and train internal teams on digital regulations and data protection.

• Deliver training sessions on legal best practices related to digital project management and compliance.

Required Technical Skills

• Digital Law: Solid understanding of laws and regulations governing information technologies (e-commerce, cloud computing, blockchain, etc.), intellectual property (patents, copyright), and cybersecurity law.

• Data Protection Law: Mastery of GDPR, local data protection laws, and consent management frameworks.

• Cybersecurity: Knowledge of information systems security principles and their associated legal requirements.

• Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Excellent skills in legal drafting and contract negotiation tailored to technology and digital services.

• Legal Watch: Proven ability to monitor changes in domestic and international legislation regarding technological issues.

Professional Skills

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to make complex legal concepts understandable to non-legal professionals.

• Analytical & Synthesis Mindset: Ability to identify legal risks within digital projects and propose pragmatic, actionable solutions.

• Project Management: Ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage multiple files simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree (BAC+5) in Law, with a specialization in Digital Law, Intellectual Property Law, or Information Technology Law.

• Professional Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a law firm, a tech company, or within a public/digital environment.

• Languages: Full professional proficiency in French (written and spoken); fluency in English is a strong asset.

• Technical Tools: Good command of office productivity suites and document management systems (MS Office, legal software, etc.).