EBKL-Legal Officer – Commercial at Equity Bank

Equity Bank is one of the region’s leading banks whose purpose is to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa socially and economically by availing them modern and inclusive financial services that maximize their opportunities. With a strong footprint in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and DRC Congo, Equity Bank is now home to over 12 million customers - the largest customer base in Africa. Currently the Bank is seeking additional talent to serve in the role of Legal Officer - Commercial at Senior Officer level.

Job Purpose:

The Senior Legal Officer - Commercial supports the bank's commercial operations by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, advising on legal and regulatory compliance, and managing legal risks. Reporting to the Legal Manager - Commercial, this role ensures that the bank's commercial transactions are legally robust, aligned with business objectives, and protect the bank's interests.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Drafting and Negotiation:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including loan agreements, service contracts, procurement agreements, and partnership MOUs.
• Ensure all contracts are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements and aligned with the bank’s policies.

Legal Advisory and Support:

• Provide timely legal advice to the commercial business units on matters relating to transactions, projects, and operations.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies to support the bank’s commercial activities.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Assist in ensuring that the bank complies with legal and regulatory requirements affecting its commercial operations.
• Work closely with compliance teams to align commercial operations with regulatory frameworks.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential legal risks in the bank’s commercial operations and recommend mitigation measures.
• Conduct due diligence for significant commercial transactions to ensure legal soundness and minimize exposure.

Dispute Resolution Support:

• Provide legal support in resolving disputes arising from commercial transactions, including negotiating settlements.
• Liaise with external counsel on litigation or arbitration matters related to commercial disputes, as required.

Documentation and Records Management:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all commercial agreements, opinions, and legal correspondence.
• Ensure proper documentation of all legal approvals and authorizations related to commercial activities.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work collaboratively with internal departments, including credit, operations, procurement, and risk, to ensure seamless execution of commercial transactions.
• Provide regular updates to the Legal Manager - Commercial on significant legal issues affecting the bank’s commercial activities.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Support the Legal Manager - Commercial in conducting training for staff on legal aspects of commercial operations.
• Mentor junior legal officers in the commercial legal team.

Qualifications, Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized institution.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate.
• Professional Certifications: Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate and Membership in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
• Additional certifications in banking law, contracts, or commercial law are an added advantage.
• At least 5–7 years of experience in legal practice, with a focus on commercial law, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Prior experience in the banking or financial services sector is an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of banking law, commercial law, and regulatory frameworks in Kenya.
• Exceptional skills in contract drafting, negotiation, and legal research.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Prompt and precise delivery of legal documentation and advice.
• Adherence to relevant laws and regulations in commercial transactions.
• Efficient resolution of legal issues impacting commercial operations.
• Strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• High-quality and accurate management of legal documentation and records.

Apply

https://equitybank.taleo.net/careersection/ext_new/jobdetail.ftl?job=250000MA&tz=GMT%2B03%3A00&tzname=Africa%2FNairobi