Head of Legal (Microfinance)

Role Overview

This role leads the legal function for a financial services organization, providing day-to-day counsel on lending operations, regulatory compliance, and credit risk management while ensuring business strategies remain legally sound. The Head of Legal will oversee contract negotiations, litigation, debt recovery, and corporate governance, acting as the bridge between the company's commercial objectives and its obligations under Kenyan law, particularly within microfinance and credit operations. The position matters because it directly safeguards the organization from legal exposure while enabling growth in a heavily regulated sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise executive leadership and department heads on legal risks tied to new products, partnerships, and operational changes, ensuring compliance with CBK guidelines, Data Protection Acts, employment statutes, and credit market regulations.
• Draft, negotiate, and finalize a wide range of commercial documents—loan agreements, NDAs, supplier contracts, service-level agreements, and partnership terms—to shield the organization from liability and financial exposure.
• Oversee all litigation and dispute resolution, including debt recovery lawsuits, commercial conflicts, and employment tribunal cases; manage external counsel relationships to control costs and track progress.
• Maintain the company's corporate governance framework by preparing board resolutions, minutes, and statutory filings, and by advising senior management on governance best practices aligned with regulatory expectations.
• Support credit and collections teams by crafting demand letters, settlement offers, and security documentation (charges, guarantees, chattel mortgages) while advising on enforcement strategies and restructuring options.
• Develop and update internal policies, standard operating procedures, and compliance checklists; identify emerging legal risks and recommend corrective measures to management.
• Conduct regular training sessions for staff on legal awareness, regulatory updates, and internal compliance obligations to reduce inadvertent violations.
• Liaise with regulators, government agencies, and external lawyers to represent the organization in negotiations, hearings, and industry forums as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized university and admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate.
• Minimum 7–10 years of post-qualification legal experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or managerial capacity within a financial institution.
• Demonstrated background in the microfinance industry or a Tier III bank is mandatory; experience in credit, fintech, or banking operations is highly valued.
• Proven expertise in contract drafting and negotiation, regulatory compliance, litigation management, debt recovery processes, and corporate governance/company secretarial duties.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to dissect complex legal issues and deliver clear, practical guidance under time pressure.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with a track record of securing favorable terms while minimizing risk.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.
• Proven leadership and team management capability, including supervising junior legal staff and coordinating cross-departmental initiatives.
• Superior communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable engaging with regulators, external counsel, and senior executives.

What We Offer / Why Join

Note: The source material does not include details on compensation, benefits, or employer-specific perks. Candidates are encouraged to inquire during the interview process about the package and growth opportunities available in this senior legal leadership role.