Legal Director – Côte d’Ivoire

About the role

GSM (Green SM) is launching the first all‑electric ride‑hailing service in Côte d’Ivoire. The Legal Director will build the legal and regulatory foundation for this market entry and act as the primary legal partner to the General Manager and leadership team.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the legal strategy, advising on regulatory, compliance and governance matters.
• Design and incorporate the market’s corporate structure, including transport and platform entities and local‑shareholding arrangements.
• Draft, negotiate and manage shareholders’ agreements and governance documents to preserve GSM’s control.
• Obtain transport (VTC) licences, ride‑hailing platform authorisations, charging permits and any investment‑incentive approvals.
• Interpret Ivorian and OHADA law, creating compliance checklists and frameworks.
• Oversee all contract drafting, negotiation and review for leases, partner agreements, driver terms, vendor and commercial contracts.
• Build and monitor a compliance programme covering data protection, labour and driver regulations.

Required profile

• Senior legal professional with extensive experience in regulated industries, preferably transport or technology.
• Proven track record of setting up corporate entities and managing shareholder structures.
• Deep knowledge of Ivorian law and the OHADA legal system.
• Experience obtaining licences and regulatory approvals for transport or platform services.
• Strong ability to anticipate legal risks and propose practical solutions.

Required skills

• Legal drafting and negotiation
• Corporate structuring and governance
• Regulatory compliance (transport, data protection, labour)
• Interpretation of Ivorian and OHADA law