Regional Legal Counsel

Role Overview

This position places you inside the Africa Hub legal team of an international fintech group that provides vehicle and consumer financing across emerging markets. You will concentrate on corporate and commercial legal work for several African jurisdictions, advising business units on contracts, compliance, governance, and operational risk while the company expands its lending footprint in the region. Day-to-day, you will move between negotiating agreements, refining internal legal processes, coordinating outside counsel, and supporting the Regional Head of Legal & Compliance on high-stakes matters that require practical judgement in fast-moving markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements, including financing contracts, vendor arrangements, and service-level agreements.
• Maintain and standardise contract management systems to ensure consistent documentation practices across regional entities.
• Deliver clear, business-focused legal guidance on commercial transactions and operational challenges, translating complex legal issues into actionable steps for non-legal teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to spot legal risks early and recommend practical mitigation measures.
• Support regulatory and compliance initiatives across the region, including matters involving licensing, reporting, or evolving legal requirements.
• Develop and roll out internal legal policies, templates, and procedures that align with the group’s standards and regional realities.
• Oversee corporate governance, including maintaining corporate records, preparing board and shareholder documentation, and managing governance transactions.
• Coordinate external counsel across multiple jurisdictions and manage their work to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with group strategy.
• Assist the Regional Head of Legal & Compliance with ad hoc legal and compliance projects as the business grows.

Requirements & Qualifications

• LLB as the foundational law degree, followed by an LLM from a recognised institution.
• At least five years of post-admission legal experience, ideally with some time spent in an in-house role.
• Track record of independently drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, with strong attention to detail.
• Prior exposure to financial services, fintech, or another regulated industry is an advantage.
• Multi-jurisdictional experience is welcome, particularly if it includes African markets or cross-border transactions.
• Familiarity with corporate governance principles, company law, and the mechanics of board or shareholder processes.
• Experience improving legal operations, such as building contract playbooks, introducing process efficiencies, or managing legal tech tools.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate complex legal points concisely.
• Organised and solution-oriented, capable of managing competing deadlines with limited administrative support.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work directly with business, finance, and operational colleagues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard legal research databases.
• Demonstrated potential to mentor or supervise junior legal staff across different jurisdictions.

What We Offer / Why Join

This role provides genuine pan-African exposure and a direct line of sight into the group’s strategic priorities, making it a strong fit for someone who wants to grow into a more senior regional legal leadership position. Relocation to Nairobi is required, with travel expected across various African markets. The company also welcomes applications from international candidates and will assist with the move.

• Monthly housing allowance and periodic flights back to your home country.
• Relocation support, including travel to Nairobi and visa processing.
• Health insurance coverage for you and your dependants.