Legal Director at Angaza

The Legal Director will serve as the primary lawyer responsible for advising on product regulatory strategy, corporate governance, and compliance matters, reviewing partnership strategies, and addressing the unique challenges that arise in a global fintech. We are seeking a highly motivated, self-starter who enjoys working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment. In this challenging position, you will be a single person team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer who is based in Nairobi. You will also work closely with the executive leadership team based outside of Kenya.

An ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the financial services space in Kenya, (preferably also with exposure to additional emerging markets), and must be willing and able to roll up their sleeves and execute. Candidates are expected to have a deep sense of accountability and demonstrated experience in delivering results as well as the ability to work and collaborate with a geographically dispersed team. The ideal candidate should be an excellent communicator and decision-maker and be adept at ensuring a large, varied audience understands issues, context, and tradeoffs between different decisions.

Role Description

• Work closely with non-legal teams to advise and lead actions on all regulatory, compliance, and corporate governance matters. This includes work on emerging legislation in Kenya such as the regulation of digital lenders, Data Privacy and Consumer Protection
• Additionally, review employment documentation and contracts to ensure compliance with evolving labor laws
• Manage Angaza’s licensing and registration obligations
• Stay up to date on relevant rules and regulations and evaluate how they may affect Angaza’s innovative and growing business
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and other documentation on a wide range of matters including business development partnerships, confidentiality agreements, marketing, collections, and payment support services
• Interact and build effective relationships with regulatory bodies as needed
• Manage relationships and collaborate with external counsel, as needed

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of post qualification legal experience with a minimum of 2+ years at a top tier law firm in Kenya, or a similar position in a Fintech Company or a Bank
• A law degree from a leading university and possess a current practicing certificate
• A demonstrated passion for Angaza’s mission and an interest in keeping abreast with the latest regulatory landscape relating to startups and the fintech sector
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and independently, prioritize workflow, meet demanding deadlines, and manage multi-faceted initiatives in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with consumer finance and financial regulation
• Strong contractual skills with demonstrated experience in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing commercial contracts
• Strong analytical and communication skills and ability to analyze business processes from a legal perspective
• Highly organized with a keen eye for detail
• Self-starter who is comfortable with ambiguity and working independently and autonomously on both strategic and the day-to-day requirements
• Willingness to work across different time zones