Role Overview
The Head of Legal will provide overall leadership and direction for the legal function, ensuring the organization operates within the law while minimizing risk and supporting strategic business objectives. The role oversees legal advisory, corporate governance, contract management, regulatory compliance, litigation management, debt recovery support, and policy development. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with strong experience in financial services, lending, credit operations, and regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
- Candidates MUST have demonstrated work experience in the microfinance industry or a Tier III bank.
Specialized Experience
- 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.
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