Legal Associate at Ijenga

Company Overview

iJenga Housing is a housing investment, management and development company. We focus on affordable and middle income rental housing in Nairobi. The organizations is a fast growing start up focused on developing a leading rental housing REIT in Kenya.

Our mission is to deliver exceptional home solutions while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Legal and Compliance Associate to join our dynamic team.

Job Description

As a Legal Associate, you will play a vital role in working on real estate development contracts, investment agreements, asset management, risks management, compliance and maintaining regulatory standards within our real estate operations. You will collaborate closely with other departments within the organization and work with senior management and the board. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Real Estate Law

• Lead the completion of the development project investment and financing agreements.
• Lead the due diligence process for projects, investments and investor requests.
• Lead project land conveyancing and development permit application processes.
• Assist with institutional investor agreements and due diligence.
• Lead contracts with partners and service providers.
• Support the projects, management and operational teams.

Corporate Risk Management

• Assist the Board in fulfilling its duties related to corporate accountability and risk management, including risk assurance and reporting.
• Review and assess the integrity of the risk control systems, ensuring effective management of risk policies and strategies.
• Define the nature, role, responsibility, an authority of the risk management function within the company.
• Monitor external developments in corporate accountability and associated risk, staying informed about emerging and prospective impacts.
• Provide independent and objective oversight and review of information presented by management on corporate accountability and associated risk, taking into account risk concerns raised by management during audit committee meetings.
• Obtain external or independent professional advice as necessary to fulfil duties effectively.

Capital Markets Compliance

• Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements prescribed by the relevant authority, while refraining from involvement in functions subject to compliance.
• Possess sufficient authority to carry out compliance- related functions effectively.
• Maintain unfettered access to information necessary for monitoring and ensuring compliance.
• Have direct access to the Board, reporting any non-compliance issues that require rectification.
• Report material breaches of regulatory requirements to the Board promptly.
• Prepare and submit an annual corporate governance report to the Board.
• Act as a point in the Compliance Officer position (appointment, removal, resignation, or retirement).
• Company Secretarial Support
• Ensure effective and efficient implementation of management policies approved by the Board.
• Serve as a communication channel between top management.
• Ensure adherence to the company’s rules, regulations, and policies.
• Facilitate compliance with corporate governance norms.
• Contribute to decisions regarding the structure of company administration.
• Act as a secretary to the audit committee, ensuring compliance with statutory filing requirements.
• Monitor share transfers and reporting to the Board during meetings.
• Manage and organize company meetings, advising on matters of concern to be raised at Board meetings for shareholder support and voting.
• Ensure timely completion of all statutory filings required at the Companies Registry.
• Any additional duties as assigned.

Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law from a reputable university
• Admitted to the Kenyan Bar as an advocate
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a law firm or corporate legal department.
• Sound knowledge of Kenyan real estate laws, regulations, and industry practices.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and a strong commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.