Job Description

The job holder is responsible for the effective and efficient provision of sound legal advisory services as well as the management of the security perfection and contracts process, policy formulation and implementation, regulatory compliance, good governance and other tasks assigned by the Head of Legal Services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Security Perfection

• Collaborate with Credit Administration by offering legal expertise on perfection of securities and providing advisory for transactions in a timely effective manner.
• Prepare standard security templates in line with regulatory provisions to ensure the interests of the Bank are safeguarded.
• Review the progress of ongoing security perfection matters with weekly reporting to the Head of Legal Services and respective business teams.
• Management of external counsel on the adherence to the SLA turn-around-timelines with a quarterly review of the performance.

Contract negotiation

• Review all contracts or any other documentation to which the Company has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to the executive management’s attention.
• Prepare, review and modify contractual instruments to assist and support various business activities.
• Development of standard contract templates
• Formulate compliance checklists to be used for the purpose of ensuring that all information required is provided accordingly and timely.

Policy development and advisory

• Review and advise the business on the legal implications of internal policies and procedures.
• Draft and review contracts, agreements and internal policies and ensure that they are in compliance with all statutory or legal requirements.
• Assist the business in interpreting and applying statutes, agreements, contracts, rules and regulations through legal opinions.
• Proactively carry out research on emerging legal issues and advise the business on necessary compliance measures to be undertaken.
• Maintain and update the database on legal opinions issued to the business for reporting to management.

Legal Risk

• Collaborate with the Head of Legal Services in undertaking legal & governance audits, recommend, monitor and ensure the mitigation of potential risks.
• Liaise with relevant departments to ensure that where legal risks have been identified, appropriate courses of action have been taken.
• Provide legal and risk management advice to the business especially on contract management.
• Provide and interpret legal information, conduct training and disseminate appropriate legal requirements to staff.

Governance & Company Secretarial Services

• Collaborate with the Company Secretary and other stakeholders to ensure compliance to the regulatory landscape of the business and Regulator directives.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports to the Head of Legal Services for reporting in executive management meetings, Board meetings and Group meetings.
• Support the Company Secretary in organizing, preparing agendas for and taking minutes of the board and board committee meetings and annual general meetings (AGMs)
• Ensure that management meetings are operating within the said governance structure.
• Support the Company Secretary in regularly reviews terms of reference of board and board committees as well as management committees.
• Support the Company Secretary in addressing regulatory matters and liaising with the regulators.
• Maintaining of statutory books, including regulatory filings with the respective regulators.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education

Essential

• Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized University
• Postgraduate qualifications from Kenya School of Law (Advocate of the High Court)
• Current membership of LSK

Desirable

• Certified Secretary (K)

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency in Computer skills
• Strong Oral and Written Communication skills
• Honest, Transparent and demonstrate high level on integrity

Experience

• At least 3 years legal experience either from private practice or in a financial institution with extensive exposure to conveyancing, contracts drafting and business law.
• Familiarity with the legal aspects of financial institutions.
• Practical experience in loan securitization process.
• Exposure to CBK compliance requirements will be a definite advantage.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Exposure to company secretarial services

Personal Attributes

• Ability to multitask
• Confidentiality
• Composure
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines