Job Description
Kimisitu SACCO Overview
Kimisitu SACCO society “the SACCO” is one of the fastest growing National Tier-1 Deposit Taking SACCO in Kenya. The SACCO was registered in 1985 and is regulated by the SASRA (SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority).
Kimisitu SACCO has an open membership majorly drawn from employees of Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGO), Embassies, International Missions, Government Agencies, Corporates, businesses, Chamas, and investment groups in Kenya and Diaspora. Our mission is to empower our members economically by providing quality financial services through prudent mobilization of resources and excellent customer care.
Kimisitu SACCO is seeking to recruit a dynamic, self-driven, and discreet individual to join our team in our fast paced, modern work environment, to fill in the position of a Senior Legal Officer.
Position Summary
You will be responsible for guiding and advising the SACCO on legal and regulatory matters including but not limited to, reviewing existing and preparing new contracts, perfection of securities, ensuring the SACCO compliance to legal and statutory requirements, and identifying and managing legal risks in all SACCO’s operations.
Responsibilities
• Provide Legal advice and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer, Management, and staff on a wide range of issues including employment law, intellectual property, contract law etc. and changes made thereof.
• Conduct thorough legal research to ensure the SACCO follows applicable laws.
• Monitor and ensure SACCO compliance with the SACCO by-laws, legal and regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures relevant to the mandate and operations of the SACCO.
• Draft, review and ensure proper execution of all SACCO legal documents including employment contracts, vendor contracts, customer agreements, Service Level agreements and lease agreements to ensure that all contracts comply with legal requirements and protect the interest of the SACCO.
• Represent the SACCO in legal proceedings, such as arbitration hearings and court cases, and follow-up on judgements and related costs.
• Interpret legal information and conduct training and dissemination of information to BOARD, management, and staff.
• Settle potential legal matters before going to court to reduce on costs and possible damage to the SACCO image and reputation.
• Manage external counsel including litigation cases and ensure that external counsel is providing high quality legal services to the SACCO.
• Prepare debt collection demand letters, and efficiently review all SACCO securities as well as collaterals and charge documents for proper perfection
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
• Facilitate SACCO meetings – plan, prepare and execute all BOARD and Management meetings, including but not limited to scheduling meetings, preparing agenda, compiling, and circulating reports and minute meetings undertakings accurately.
• Champion and spearhead the SACCO data privacy and compliance in line with Data Protection Act
• Perform any other duties assigned from time to time.
Knowledge: Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor of laws (LL. B) degree from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law
• Minimum of 4 years relevant experience.
• Experience working with a financial institution and / or co-operatives sector.
• A member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in good standing
• Registration as Certified Public Secretary will be an added advantage.
Personal Attributes required for this role:
• Deep knowledge and understanding of legal ideologies, SACCO governance process, an case laws to articulate legal matters.
• Supremely organized and detailed oriented
• Extremely discreet
• Impeccable integrity (high ethical standards)
• Excellent problem-solving skills to resolve complex legal issues
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• A team player
• Able to perform under pressure.