Head, Legal at a Financial Institution

Job Summary

We seek the services of an experienced professional to work with us as Head, Legal.

The Head, Legal will provide strategic legal advisory services to the Bank, ensuring effective management of legal risks, contracts, regulatory matters, litigation, and corporate legal affairs. The successful candidate will support Management and the Board in making sound, legally compliant business decisions while protecting the Bank's interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to Management and the Board on business and operational matters.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Ensure the Bank's activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide legal guidance on lending, recovery, employment, procurement, and other business transactions.
• Manage litigation, claims, disputes, and relationships with external solicitors.
• Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks affecting the Bank.
• Liaise with regulators, government agencies, external counsel, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Review and update legal policies, procedures, agreements, and documentation.
• Support corporate governance initiatives and provide legal input on Board and Management matters.
• Monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations and advise Management on their implications.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the Legal team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LL.B) and BL qualification is required.
• Relevant professional qualification in corporate/commercial law is an advantage.
• Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 7–10 years' relevant post-call experience, including experience in a senior or managerial legal role.
• Strong experience in banking, microfinance, fintech, financial services, or other regulated institutions.
• Proven experience in commercial contracts, litigation management, regulatory compliance, corporate law, and legal risk management.

Core Competencies

• Strong knowledge of banking, corporate, commercial, and regulatory law.
• Excellent legal research, drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Strong litigation and dispute-resolution management skills.
• High integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.

What You Can Expect

• Competitive remuneration
• Leadership and career growth opportunities
• Performance-driven and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to provide strategic legal guidance and protect the Bank's interests
• Opportunity to contribute to financial inclusion and sustainable economic impact