Job Description

The Head of Legal is responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the organization, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, managing legal risks, and safeguarding the organization’s legal interests. This role involves providing legal counsel to management, handling contractual matters, advising on compliance issues, and managing legal disputes. The Head of Legal will work closely with senior leadership and various departments to support the organization’s strategic objectives while ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Strategy and Advisory

• Develop and implement legal strategies that align with the organization's objectives and regulatory
• requirements.
• Provide expert legal counsel and support to senior management on a range of issues, including regulatory
• compliance, contracts, and risk management.
• Anticipate potential legal issues and proactively develop solutions to mitigate risks.

 Contract Management and Negotiation

• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts with clients, suppliers, and partners to ensure legal protections and minimize risk.
• Manage contractual obligations, ensure terms are enforceable, and safeguard the organization’s interests in
• all agreements.
• Work with the procurement, finance, and operations departments to develop standard contractual terms and conditions.

 Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

•  Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements specific to the
• microfinance sector.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and advise the organization on necessary compliance measures.
• Work closely with the compliance team to design, implement, and monitor internal policies, procedures, and
• practices to meet regulatory requirements.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• Manage all litigation matters, including representing the organization or coordinating with external legal
• counsel when necessary.
• Oversee dispute resolution processes, including negotiations, mediation, and arbitration, to reach favorable
• outcomes. 
• Develop strategies to minimize litigation risk and enhance the organization's legal position in disputes.

 Risk Management and Policy Development

• Identify, assess, and monitor legal risks across the organization and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Develop and maintain policies on matters such as data protection, intellectual property, and customer privacy.
• Collaborate with the risk management team to address potential legal implications in the organization’s risk framework.

Corporate Governance

• Advise the board of directors and executive management on corporate governance matters.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards and legal reporting requirements.
•  Maintain all corporate records, minutes, and documents, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards.

Team Leadership and Development

•  Lead and mentor the legal team, promoting professional development and fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and compliance.
• Conduct performance evaluations, set team goals, and provide training to ensure high standards in legal operations.
• Coordinate with other departments to provide legal education and training on relevant topics, such as contract management and compliance.

Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

• Reduction in litigation cases and associated costs.
• Timely review and approval of contracts and legal documents.
• Compliance with regulatory and governance standards.
• Successful completion of legal and compliance audits.
• Effective management of legal risk exposure.

Requirements

• Legal and Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of laws and regulations relevant to the microfinance and financial services sector.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks while aligning with the organization's goals.
• Strong Negotiation and Communication: Skilled in negotiating complex agreements and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
•  Compliance Expertise: Knowledge of compliance standards and the ability to develop and monitor effective compliance programs.
• Corporate Governance: Understanding of corporate governance best practices and experience advising
• senior management and boards of directors.
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven experience in leading legal teams, mentoring staff, and fostering
• a culture of accountability and excellence.
•  Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a focus on protecting the organization's legal interests and reputation.