Legal and Compliance Lead

Full Job Description

About Shara Limited:

Shara Limited is a fintech company license d  in Kenya, focusing on transaction financing. We aim to revolutionize the financial landscape by offering innovative solutions that cater to the needs of our diverse customer base. As a technology-driven organization, we have adopted a cloud-first strategy to deliver seamless and efficient financial services.

Job Description:

Shara Limited is seeking an experienced Legal and Compliance Officer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, mitigating risks, and providing expert legal advice to the organization.

Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement the company's compliance framework, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and requirements set by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and other relevant authorities.
2. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the company's internal controls and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
3. Provide legal guidance on all aspects of the business, including transaction financing and customer deposits.
4. Keep the Board and senior management informed of any changes in regulations, laws, or industry practices that may impact the company's operations.
5. Prepare and submit timely compliance reports to the Board, CBK, and other relevant authorities, highlighting risks, non-compliance issues, and recommendations for improvement.
6. Liaise with external legal counsel, as needed, to address complex legal matters and obtain specialized advice.
7. Develop and deliver compliance training programs for employees, ensuring awareness and understanding of legal and regulatory obligations.
8. Assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various contracts and agreements to protect the company's interests.
9. Develop and maintain the company's legal and regulatory documentation, including policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university.
2. Licensed to practice law in Kenya (LSK membership).
3. A minimum of 5 years of experience in legal and compliance roles, preferably in the financial services or fintech sector.
4. Strong knowledge of Kenyan financial regulations, including CBK guidelines and requirements for banks.
5. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
7. High level of integrity and professionalism.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Familiarity with cloud-based technologies and data privacy regulations is a plus.

Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience and qualifications to [email address].  Please include the subject line "Legal and Compliance Officer Application" in your email.