Job Description
Position: Corporate Legal Counsel
Company: Vale Mozambique
Location: Tete, Mozambique
Experience: 5-7 Years
Education: Master’s Degree
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Mining and Metals/Legal Services
Department: Legal and Compliance
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Vale Mozambique is a leading multinational mining corporation operating one of the most significant coal extraction and processing operations in Southern Africa. Headquartered in Tete Province, our operations represent a cornerstone of Mozambique’s extractive industry sector and contribute substantially to national economic development through employment generation, infrastructure investment, and community empowerment programs. As part of the global Vale family operating across multiple continents, we maintain an unwavering commitment to sustainable mining practices, environmental stewardship, and the highest standards of corporate governance. Our Tete operations span extensive coal reserves that supply international markets while supporting local economic growth through supplier development initiatives and skills transfer programs. The Legal and Compliance Department serves as a critical function within our organizational structure, providing comprehensive legal support across all operational activities, regulatory interactions, and strategic business initiatives. We foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and professional excellence where legal professionals can develop meaningful careers contributing to responsible resource extraction that benefits all stakeholders including local communities, government partners, and international investors seeking career opportunities in Mozambique’s dynamic mining sector.
Job Overview
The Corporate Legal Counsel position represents a senior-level opportunity within our Legal and Compliance Department, offering a challenging and rewarding career path for experienced legal professionals seeking to make significant contributions to responsible mining operations in Mozambique. This role provides comprehensive legal advisory services to operational and executive leadership across matters including contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, corporate governance, and strategic transactions. The successful candidate will interface with diverse stakeholders including government authorities, international partners, community representatives, and external legal counsel while advancing Vale Mozambique’s strategic objectives within the framework of Mozambican law and international standards. This position offers exceptional exposure to complex commercial matters in the extractive industries sector while contributing to sustainable development initiatives that create lasting positive impacts in Tete Province and throughout Mozambique. The role demands strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate multifaceted legal issues arising from large-scale mining operations. Professionals seeking challenging Mozambique jobs will find this position offers meaningful work with competitive compensation and professional development opportunities within a globally respected organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide authoritative legal advice to operational management on contract interpretation, regulatory compliance, and risk management matters affecting mining operations
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements including supply contracts, service agreements, transportation arrangements, and partnership agreements
- Monitor and ensure compliance with Mozambican mining law, environmental regulations, labor legislation, and corporate governance requirements
- Coordinate with external legal counsel on litigation matters, regulatory proceedings, and specialized legal matters requiring external expertise
- Support due diligence processes for acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships within the mining sector
- Advise on corporate restructuring initiatives, subsidiary governance, and intercompany arrangements
- Develop and implement legal policies, standard contracts, and compliance frameworks aligned with global Vale standards
- Represent the company before regulatory authorities, administrative bodies, and dispute resolution forums
- Conduct legal research on emerging legislation, regulatory developments, and industry best practices affecting mining operations
- Support community relations initiatives by providing legal guidance on land rights, benefit-sharing arrangements, and community development agreements
Required Skills
- Admitted to practice law in Mozambique with active membership in relevant professional associations
- Demonstrated expertise in commercial law, contract negotiation, and corporate legal matters
- Strong understanding of mining law, environmental regulations, and extractive industry compliance requirements
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills in Portuguese and English
- Experience managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines in fast-paced environments
- Strategic thinking ability combined with practical problem-solving orientation
- High ethical standards and commitment to integrity in professional conduct
- Capacity to work independently while contributing effectively to team objectives
Education
A Master’s Degree in Law from a recognized university is required. Additional qualifications in mining law, international trade law, or environmental law will be considered advantageous. Continuous professional development through legal education programs is expected.
Experience
Candidates must possess 5-7 years of post-qualification legal experience, with preference given to those with background in extractive industries, large corporate environments, or international law firms. Experience with mining sector regulations, community engagement, or infrastructure projects will be highly valued.
Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents
- Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Tete Province
- Professional development opportunities including legal training programs and conference participation
- Exposure to complex international transactions and cross-border matters
- Career advancement opportunities within the global Vale organization
- Contribution to sustainable development initiatives in Mozambique
Training
- Onboarding program introducing Vale’s global standards, operational procedures, and compliance frameworks
- Mentorship from senior legal professionals within the Vale group
- Access to internal legal knowledge management systems and best practice libraries
- Opportunities for specialized training in mining law, environmental compliance, and corporate governance
Working Environment
The Corporate Legal Counsel will work primarily from our Tete offices with periodic travel to Maputo and other operational sites as required. The position involves interaction with diverse stakeholders across operational, commercial, and executive functions. We offer a professional work environment committed to work-life balance while meeting the demands of supporting critical mining operations. Our offices provide modern facilities and technology infrastructure supporting effective legal practice.
Application Process
Interested candidates meeting the specified requirements are invited to submit their applications through our online recruitment portal. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae, professional certificates, and a cover letter articulating relevant experience and career objectives. Shortlisted candidates will undergo comprehensive assessment including technical interviews and reference verification. We encourage applications from qualified legal professionals seeking to advance their careers in Mozambique’s mining sector while contributing to responsible resource development.
Explore additional employment opportunities across the region at Mozambique Job Search for comprehensive listings of jobs in Mozambique.
For international career resources, visit Kenya Job Search to discover employment options in East Africa.
Additional regional opportunities are available through Nigeria Job Search for West African employment prospects.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Vale Mozambique is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We value diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our legal function and organizational capabilities.