Head of Legal

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Advisory & Compliance

• Provide legal advice to management and all departments on matters relating to operations, strategy, and risk.
• Ensure the organization complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including Data Protection, CBK guidelines (where applicable), Employment Law, and Credit Market regulations.
• Advise on legal implications of new business initiatives and product development.
  

2. Contract Drafting & Review

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, service-level agreements, loan agreements, NDAs, supplier contracts, and partnership agreements.
• Ensure that contractual terms protect the organization from legal, operational, and financial risks.
• Maintain an updated contract repository and renewal calendar.
  

3. Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Oversee management of all litigation matters including debt recovery, commercial disputes, and employment-related cases.
• Liaise with external counsel, provide instructions, and monitor case progress to ensure cost-effective outcomes.
• Support internal teams on dispute resolution and ensure timely filing, documentation, and representation.

4. Corporate Governance

• Ensure the organization operates within strong governance structures aligned with regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Prepare and review board papers, resolutions, and minutes while providing legal guidance to senior leadership.
• Ensure statutory filings and company secretarial functions are up to date (if applicable to role).

5. Debt Recovery & Credit Risk Support

• Provide legal guidance on debt recovery strategies, restructuring, security perfection, and enforcement processes.
• Oversee preparation of demand letters, settlement agreements, and security documentation (charges, guarantees, chattel mortgages, etc.).
• Advise on legal risks associated with lending and credit operations.

6. Policy Development & Risk Management

• Develop, review, and update internal policies, SOPs, and compliance frameworks.
• Identify potential legal risks and recommend corrective action.
• Conduct internal legal training for staff on compliance, legal awareness, and regulatory changes.
  

7. Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, government agencies, external lawyers, and strategic partners.
• Represent the organization in negotiations, meetings, and external forums as required.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized institution.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate.
• Minimum 7–10 years of professional legal experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or managerial role.
• Experience in financial services, banking, microfinance, credit, fintech, or related sectors is highly preferred.
  Strong experience in:
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Regulatory compliance
• Litigation management
• Credit and debt recovery processes
• Corporate governance and company secretarial functions
  

Key Skills & Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and drafting abilities.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities.