Legal Counsel at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)

The Role

• The objective of the Legal & Compliance Unit is to support AECF’s mission by providing strategic, efficient, and innovative legal services.
• AECF is seeking to recruit an exceptional individual to fill the position of Legal Counsel who will be responsible for providing legal support in the legal and compliance function.
• This role will report to the Head of Legal & Company Secretary.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advisory services to AECF and its stakeholders on all aspects of law and investment portfolio while ensuring proper representation of the organization in all legal matters.
• Provide legal support through AECF’s transactions lifecycle by advising on transaction structures, providing deal negotiations support, documentation support, drafting and advising on legal documents including interim agreements while ensuring effective documentation of legal terms and conditions.
• Leading in the drafting and negotiation of complex agreements including funding agreements, collateral documents, term sheets, inter-creditor agreements, consortium agreements, transaction advisory agreements, downstream partner agreements, and other consulting and service provider agreements.
• Supporting the portfolio and investments teams in structuring and compiling contract documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy and drafting/reviewing information memorandum and legal deal negotiation documents.
• Review and understand all laws and regulations relevant to AECF portfolio companies across Sub-Sahara Africa together with AECF’s governing documents to ensure transaction compliance.
• Undertake legal assessments, interpretations and advise senior management on compliance including regulatory and donor compliance, while providing recommendations and representation on day-to-day operational matters.
• Continuously analyze in-country and cross-border regulatory issues affecting AECF and communicate effectively with internal key stakeholders and support the development of strategies and plans to mitigate any non-compliance risks arising therefrom.

Suitable candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor of Laws degree and a postgraduate diploma in law/legal practice certificate.
• A minimum of 6 to 8 years post-admission experience working at a commercial-oriented law firm or international organization.
• Experience presenting to senior management and at the board of directors level.
• Substantial experience in leading financing transactions including drafting and negotiating a wide range of finance documents, including LMA-based finance documents and complex legal agreements.
• Have excellent organizational and prioritizing skills with the ability to manage multiple work demands while meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including strong work ethic, impeccable integrity, and judgment.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work accurately with creativity.