Head of Legal at DIB Bank Kenya Limited (DIBBKE)

Job Purpose

To develop and implement effective Legal strategy, policies and procedures to ensure the Bank achieves its business plans while adhering to applicable legal and regulatory frameworks, effectively managing litigation matters, legal risks and providing legal opinion and advice to the Board, Senior Management and Departments.

The role holder is responsible for:

• Providing strategic legal guidance across the Bank.
• Ensuring compliance with banking and financial regulations.
• Managing litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Supporting business growth through sound legal structuring and documentation.
• Leading the legal function while safeguarding the Bank’s legal interests.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Advisory

• Develop and implement effective Legal Department strategy, charter, policies and procedures to ensure the Bank achieves its business plans while adhering to applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Act as liaison between the Bank and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on all legal matters.
• Conduct review of all financing proposals and recommend the best possible legal structure and documentation for transactions.
• Draft and review contracts, agreements, powers of attorney and all other legal documents before presentation to the financing committee.
• Provide legal support and advisory services to all business and support departments.
• Regularly update the Board and Management regarding the status of legal matters and maintain a comprehensive legal control sheet.
• Monitor Kenyan legislation and advise the Bank on the impact of newly enacted laws and regulations.
• Work closely with Departments and Units in product development and prepare legal documentation including agreements, contracts and forms.
• Monitor the drafting of Memoranda and Pleadings.

Litigation & Risk Management

• Manage litigation involving the Bank in coordination with external legal counsel.
• Pursue Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods where appropriate.
• Provide strategic oversight in managing Non-Performing Financing (NPF) facilities and the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) portfolio.
• Mitigate legal risks while maximizing recovery proceeds on defaulted facilities.
• Ensure enforcement of securities in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare legal reports while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ensure legal costs are minimized and aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives.

Governance & Leadership

• Ensure the security and proper custody of the Bank’s legal documents including the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association and Company Seal.
• Work closely with the Company Secretary to manage Corporate Governance matters.
• Define and communicate responsibilities, authority and accountability of direct reports.
• Lead, coach and mentor the legal team while fostering a high-performance culture.
• Drive succession planning to ensure business continuity and smooth departmental operations.

Job Requirements

Education

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Law or equivalent from a recognized University.
• Post Graduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
• Must be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid/current practicing certificate.
• Certification in Public Secretary of Kenya (ICPSK) will be an added advantage.

Training / Skills

• Excellent legal drafting skills.
• High level of English command in writing, speaking and listening.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management capabilities.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 10+ years’ experience in a similar or Senior Management role within the Banking and Financial Services sector.

Competencies

• Knowledge of banking practice and theory.
• Expertise in commercial law, litigation, contract negotiation and compliance.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Team leadership and ability to motivate staff.
• Knowledge of financial and commercial laws governing the banking industry.
• Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Preventive lawyering skills and proactive legal risk management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal software applications.
• Knowledge of Arabic language will be an added advantage.