Job Details

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. IDENTIFICATION SECTION

JOB TITLE Legal Counsel
DEPARTMENT Legal Department
REPORTS TO Chief Executive Officer
DIRECT REPORT(S) Nil

2. JOB PURPOSE

The Legal Counsel will oversee all legal aspects of the organization, ensuring compliance with Zambian laws and regulations while protecting the institution’s interests. This includes providing strategic legal advice, managing litigation, supporting debt recovery efforts, and liaising with regulators. The role will involve negotiating with clients on payment plans, guiding external lawyers on credit management cases, and fostering a culture of compliance and operational excellence.

3. KEY RESULT AREAS AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

KEY RESULT AREAS PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (MAIN DUTIES)

Legal Compliance and Advisory

• Ensure compliance with Zambian laws and regulations relevant to microfinance, including credit management, data privacy, and financial operations.
• Provide timely and accurate legal advice to the executive team on issues ranging from corporate finance to labor law and partnerships.
• Develop, implement, and monitor governance policies to mitigate legal risks and enhance regulatory compliance.
• Conduct legal research to stay informed about legislative changes and their potential impact on the organization.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of regulatory applications and maintain positive relationships with regulators.

Credit Management and Debt Recovery

• Work closely with the credit department to provide legal support for debt recovery strategies and cases involving default.
• Negotiate directly with clients in default to establish payment plans, ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory obligations.
• Provide guidance to external lawyers on case preparation, recovery strategies, and enforcement of legal agreements.
• Oversee litigation related to credit management, including initiating court proceedings for debt recovery and supervising bailiff activities.
• Regularly review and assess credit-related legal risks, recommending solutions to reduce defaults and improve recoveries.

Contract and Document Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, tenancy agreements, and other legal documents to safeguard the institution’s interests.
• Ensure all contractual terms are enforceable, aligned with organizational objectives, and comply with relevant laws.
• Maintain a centralized repository of all legal documents, ensuring accessibility, confidentiality, and proper record-keeping.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• Represent the organization in legal proceedings, including court cases and mediation forums.
• Manage and coordinate with external legal counsel and other stakeholders in litigation matters.
• Supervise property recovery processes in collaboration with the Credit Manager, including managing ownership transfers and evictions.

Corporate Governance and Ethics

• Support the CEO and Board of Directors in promoting corporate governance standards.
• Foster a culture of compliance and ethics across the organization by implementing effective legal training programs.
• Act as an ethical role model, ensuring all operations comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all organizational data and legal matters, adhering to institutional rules and standards.

Any other Duties

• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned

4. ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

a) Professional Qualification:

• Grade 12 School Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) and/or equivalent Professional Qualification in a relevant field and from a reputable institution.
• Admission to the Zambian Bar and completion of the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) program
• Relevant Professional Membership

b) Minimum Relevant Work Experience:

• 2 years of relevant work experience.

c) Skill Specifications:

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to addressing legal challenges.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, capable of effectively interacting with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with legal document drafting, intellectual property management, and regulatory liaison work.

d) Other Attributes

• Professionalism
• Transparency
• Integrity
• Distinction
• Innovation
• Teamwork

5. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office work environment.
• Use of computers and other office equipment.
• Concentration and analysis.
• Fast paced environment and managing tight deadlines.
• Occasional local travel.