Legal and Compliance Officer at Zamara Kenya

Roles and responsibilities

Achieving Zamara’s ambitious strategic priorities will be complex and challenging. Its continued success will be dependent on building and retaining a world-class team. The Legal & Compliance Officer will efficiently develop and manage compliance, provide legal advice and input in the Consulting & Advisory operations and to Pension Schemes; monitor and frequently report on compliance with service agreements, policies and regulations.

The role will report to the Group Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance.

In more detail, the areas of responsibility include:

• To assist with the preparation, continuous review and amendments of Group policies.
• To follow up of any identified deficiencies and breaches and make recommendations for amendment.
• To prepare relevant information required by external bodies and regulators on compliance matters such as reporting suspicious transactions related to money laundering and the fight against terrorism financing as well as ensure, monitor and manage compliance for all regulated activities.
• To provide guidance on and work with the DPO to comply with the DPA and the ODPC.
• To keep abreast with the applicable laws, regulations, rules, and standards in the legal & compliance fraternity and advise on the emerging developments of the same.
• To provide reports on a monthly and quarterly basis, and as directed or requested on various legal and governance areas.
• To conduct trainings to staff on new legislation and its impact on the business including compliance with DPA, FRC and UFAA.
• To manage and keep track of all litigations that the Group may be involved in with appointed legal counsel and provide updates on progress and outcomes, including guidance on the pros and cons of suggested actions and recommend actions for Board consideration.
• To review business and other contracts that the group may execute including contracts with clients, suppliers and business partners.
• To conduct trainings in workshops/seminars to clients on legislative changes.
• Team participation both within the department and other departments.

Decision Making & Authority

• The jobholder will make decisions within the Company Policy, seeking clarification where necessary from the Head of Consulting & Advisory and Trustee Support.

Dimension/Accountability

• Accountable for timely response to correspondence in accordance with Group MAS.

Complexity and Judgement

• The job requires great attention to detail to ensure accurate and timely service and information.
• The job requires strong analytical skills and computer literacy.
• The job requires maturity in handling confidential beneficiary information.
• The job requires assertiveness and aggressive approach to timely delivery of service from service providers.
• The job requires the ability to manage different demands with tight timelines.

Other responsibilities

• Monitor and manage compliance and adherence to regulations.
• Review Legal documents including DORA, DOA’s .
• Spearhead partnerships and collaboration in drafting of Trust Deeds and Rules.
• Response to RBA correspondences and liaison with them on Scheme Legal issues.
• Deal with correspondence between members/their legal representatives and the clients.
• Provide legal advice on various aspects on product development for the company.
• Team participation both within the department and other departments.

Key relations

• Management
• Head of Consulting & Advisory
• Heads of Various Divisions
• Service providers
• P&C
• Regulators

Experience and personal qualities

• LLB degree and duly admitted Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
• At least 4 years’ experience in a busy legal environment. Experience in pensions and or insurance industry would be an added advantage
• Employee Benefits – Life insurance, retirement benefits and financial planning
• Retirement benefits legislation
• Basic Accounting knowledge
• Attention to detail
• Integrity
• Client Service Oriented
• Diplomatic and sensitive
• Business etiquette
• Excellent interpersonal Skills
• High level of professionalism and ethical
• Minute writing
• Presentation skills