Job Purpose
The Legal Manager, Advisory at Equity Bank Kenya Limited will offer expert legal guidance and support across the bank's business functions, with a focus on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, risk management, and legal advisory. This role involves managing legal risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing strategic legal advice to senior management and business units. The Legal Manager - Advisory will collaborate closely with the bank's legal and compliance teams to support business operations while safeguarding the bank from legal risks.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory and Risk Management:
Provide proactive legal advice on a broad range of issues, including corporate law, financial regulations, contracts, and compliance, to senior management and business units.
Identify, assess, and manage legal risks across the bank's operations, offering solutions to mitigate those risks.
Advise on strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and investments, ensuring legal risks are properly addressed.
Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure compliance with Kenyan banking and financial regulations, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) guidelines, anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, data protection laws, and other relevant legislation.
Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and industry best practices, advising business units on their implications for the bank.
Support the implementation of compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures in alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.
Corporate Governance:
Advise on corporate governance practices and assist the Head of Legal and Company Secretary in ensuring compliance with governance standards.
Assist in preparing and reviewing board and committee materials to ensure adherence to governance requirements.
Ensure the bank's operations align with the principles of good corporate governance and recommend improvements to governance structures as needed.
Contract Review and Support:
Provide legal guidance to the contracts team on complex agreements, including vendor contracts, joint ventures, and partnerships.
Ensure all contractual documents protect the bank's interests, manage risk, and comply with legal standards.
Offer advice on contractual obligations and rights to help business units make well-informed decisions.
Policy Development and Implementation:
Contribute to the development and revision of policies, procedures, and processes to improve compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency.
Conduct regular reviews of internal policies to ensure they align with legal requirements and industry best practices.
Participate in policy development discussions, bringing a legal perspective to ensure policies are comprehensive and enforceable.
Training and Capacity Building:
Conduct training sessions for employees on key legal and regulatory topics, including AML, data protection, and contract management.
Enhance legal awareness within the bank, equipping business units with the knowledge to identify and manage legal risks effectively.
Promote a culture of compliance by advocating adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.
Team Leadership and Development:
Lead and mentor a team of legal professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
Conduct performance appraisals, provide guidance, and identify training and development needs within the team.
Encourage teamwork and collaboration with other departments to improve service delivery and achieve business objectives.
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
Education: Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from a recognized university. Master's degree or further specialization in Corporate Law, Banking Law, or Financial Regulations is an advantage.
Professional Qualifications:Admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate and a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). Certification in corporate governance, compliance, or risk management is beneficial.
Experience:Minimum of 8–10 years of legal experience, with at least 3–5 years in a managerial role within the banking or financial services industry.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
In-depth knowledge of Kenyan banking laws, financial regulations, and CBK guidelines.
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Expertise in contract drafting and risk management.
Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Strategic Thinking:Capable of aligning legal objectives with the bank's broader strategy and making impactful legal decisions.
Attention to Detail:Ensures accuracy in all legal documents and advice to minimize potential risks.
Ethics and Integrity:Maintains high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
Leadership:Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team of legal professionals.