Legal Officer

Role Overview

This position sits at the heart of the institution’s legal and governance operations, directly supporting the Head of Legal & Company Secretary in protecting the organisation’s legal position and ensuring board-level decisions are made within a robust compliance framework. Day to day, the Legal Officer reviews legal risks, prepares written opinions, and coordinates the administrative machinery that keeps the Board and Company Secretariat functioning smoothly. The role matters because it translates complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for leadership while maintaining the formal records and processes that underpin corporate accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft clear, precise legal opinions on a broad range of commercial, regulatory, and governance matters to support internal decision-making.
• Monitor changes in Kenyan legislation and financial sector regulation, assessing their impact on the institution and recommending appropriate responses.
• Prepare board papers, meeting agendas, minutes, and resolutions, ensuring they comply with statutory requirements and internal governance policies.
• Maintain statutory registers and corporate records, coordinating filings with the relevant authorities to keep the institution in good standing.
• Advise on compliance obligations under banking and capital markets law, identifying potential breaches and proposing corrective action.
• Support the Company Secretary in managing the board calendar, communicating with directors, and facilitating smooth information flow between management and the Board.
• Review and negotiate contracts and legal agreements to safeguard the institution’s interests and mitigate contractual risk.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel and regulators on litigation, investigations, or regulatory inquiries as required.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Laws from a recognised university.
• Associate, Fellow, or Member status with the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) Kenya.
• An active practising licence from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
• At least three years of relevant legal experience within a bank or financial institution, with direct exposure to corporate governance, board support, or compliance functions.
• Strong knowledge of the Companies Act, banking regulations, capital markets legislation, and corporate governance codes applicable in Kenya.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills, with the ability to distil legal concepts for non-legal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated discretion and integrity when handling confidential board and corporate information.