General Counsel

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inkomoko is seeking a regionally-connected General Counsel to lead and coordinate all legal activities across Inkomoko’s operations in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Chad. This role requires a strategic thinker to oversee external legal advisors, ensure compliance, manage company registrations, guide litigation, and mitigate legal risks for the organization.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Legal Strategy and Oversight:

• Provide expert legal advice to the executive team and board of directors in alignment with our operational risk profile. 
• Oversee all legal matters, including contracts, employment law, and regulatory compliance, and litigation/mediation as needed. 
• Serve as corporate secretary for filing relevant board resolutions and various documents in all countries of operation. 
• Support the continuous improvement of legal processes and procedures in Inkomoko

External Legal Advisor Management:

•    Identify, engage, and manage relationships with external legal advisors in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Chad, and evaluate their performance for improvement
•    Coordinate and oversee the work of external legal advisors to ensure high-quality and cost-effective legal services.
• Review and approve legal documents and advice provided by external legal advisors.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to manage legal risks and ensure organizational compliance in alignment with our risk framework. 
• Keep abreast of legal developments, and proactively identify, analyze, and respond to legislative developments affecting the countries where Inkomoko operates
• Conduct regular compliance audits and legal risk assessments
• Provide legal training and support to staff on relevant legal issues as needed. 

Contract Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Ensure that all contracts comply with legal requirements and protect the organization’s interests.
• Maintain a centralized contract management system.

Dispute Resolution:

• Manage and resolve legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
• Represent Inkomoko in legal proceedings as necessary.

Note: The job description is subject to change based on the needs of the organization and evolving legal requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in multiple jurisdictions across Africa, including at least 3 of Inkomoko’s countries of operations. 
• Admission to practice law in at least one of the relevant countries 
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior role
• Extensive experience managing external legal advisors 
• Strong knowledge of local and international laws relevant to banking & NGO sectors
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to social impact and sustainable development.