Legal Officer at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)

The Role

• The objective of the Legal 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 Officer who will be responsible for providing legal support in the legal and compliance function.
• This position will report to the Head of Legal & Company Secretary and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advisory services to AECF and its stakeholders, ensuring proper representation of the organization in all legal matters.
• Leading in the drafting and negotiation of agreements, both complex and simple, including loan funding agreements, collateral documents, donor funding 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.
• Support in the implementation and management of AECF’s country registrations and provide legal advice in relation to country governance and operational documents.
• Continuously analyze in-country and cross-border regulatory issues affecting AECF and communicate effectively with internal key stakeholders and support in the development of strategies and plans to mitigate any non-compliance arising risks.
• Build the capacity of the AECF team on legal matters.
• Organize start-up and close-out workshops to enable Investees and project staff to understand contractual obligations and donor compliance requirements.
• Undertake legal assessments, interpretations, and advise project teams on compliance, including regulatory and donor compliance, while providing them with recommendations and representation on day-to-day operational matters.

Suitable candidates should:

• Possess a Bachelor of law degree and a post-graduate diploma in law/legal practice certificate.
• Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience providing legal counsel services in the commercial department of an internationally recognized cross-border legal firm /international organization/financial institution.
• Have experience in handling complex legal issues, experience in credit/investments, and legal documentation.
• Have experience in making risk-based decisions in a complex operating environment with multiple competing demands.
• Have excellent organizational and prioritizing skills with the ability to manage multiple work demands while meeting tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, including a strong work ethic, impeccable integrity, and judgment.
• Have the ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with colleagues.
• Possess excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work accurately with creativity.
• Have excellent contract drafting and management skills.