Head of Legal at Koins Microfinance Bank

Job Description

• Koins Bank is seeking an accomplished and knowledgeable Head of Legal to lead our legal department.
• The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in banking law, corporate governance, and legal advisory, particularly within the financial services industry.
• This role demands a profound understanding of the legal framework governing microfinance institutions and significant expertise in handling complex legal issues.

Responsibilities
Legal Leadership and Advisory:

• Provide expert legal advice to the bank’s executive management and various departments on a broad spectrum of legal matters, including corporate law, banking law, labor law, and commercial transactions.
• Develop and implement legal strategies that support the bank’s business goals while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Serve as the chief legal resource for resolving intricate legal issues, offering strategic guidance and risk assessment to the management team.

Contract Management:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a wide array of contracts and agreements with clients, vendors, and partners, ensuring that all contractual arrangements are legally sound and aligned with the bank's interests.
• Oversee the administration of contracts, including monitoring performance, tracking deadlines, and managing amendments and renewals.
• Maintain a comprehensive and organized contract database for easy access and reference.

Corporate Governance:

• Advise on corporate governance matters, ensuring the bank's adherence to best practices in board governance and regulatory requirements.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
• Manage all legal disputes involving the bank, including litigation and arbitration proceedings, to safeguard the bank’s interests and minimize legal exposure.
• Oversee the engagement of external legal counsel, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality representation.
• Handle or oversee the resolution of disputes, proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate.

Stakeholder Engagement and Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory authorities, external legal firms, and industry associations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management, business units, and compliance teams, to support the bank’s strategic initiatives
• Assist external company secretaries on board governance matters, ensuring compliance with corporate governance best practices

Intellectual Property and Documentation Management:

• Oversee the management and protection of the bank’s intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
• Ensure the proper handling and safekeeping of customer collateral documents and manage land and corporate search requests.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Organize and conduct training programs on legal matters for employees, fostering a culture of legal awareness and compliance within the organization.
• Provide ongoing education on emerging legal trends, industry regulations, and best practices relevant to the banking sector.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare and submit required legal reports to regulatory authorities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.
• Maintain detailed records of all legal matters, providing regular updates to senior management on the status and implications of ongoing legal issues.

Required Skills & Competencies (Technical and Soft Skills)

• Strong expertise in banking law, corporate governance, and legal advisory.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to manage litigation and resolve disputes effectively.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate and interface with Senior Manaagement and Board of Directors JOB DIMENSIONS (Scope & Management elements of the job) The Head of Legal at Koins Bank is responsible for overseeing all legal matters related to the bank’s operations
• Bachelor of Law (BL / LLB / JD, LLM) with 8 - 10 experience.