Background

ASAI operates in five countries in East Africa: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Zambia. We began operations in Kenya and Uganda in 2013, followed by Tanzania in 2014 and Rwanda in 2016. This segment is currently our smallest by both number of clients and size of loan portfolio.

ASA International seeks an in-house legal counsel with a keen interest in finance and banking in an emerging market context. You will be part of the group’s legal department working closely under supervision of the Senior Legal Counsel and Chief Legal Officer.

The legal department of ASA International supports and advises the company on a variety of legal matters related to financial markets, financial regulation, governance treasury and minimising legal risk, as well as providing expert legal and regulatory advice to the business.

The legal department is also instrumental in building the compliance framework in a listed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out research and prepare memos in respect of regulatory and corporate law matters, legal risks, business initiatives and projects
• Work on day-to-day legal matters at the group level with all the other teams (HR, IT, finance)
• Support the Senior Legal Counsel or Chief Legal Officer in the review and structuring loan documentation or debt instruments as well as material contracts for the group and its subsidiaries
• Work in close cooperation with the finance and treasury department who work on FX transactions and sourcing of financing.
• Work closely with the country teams, particularly in Africa, in any relevant legal matters pertaining to the business.
• Participate in various internal multidisciplinary work streams and in the translation of legal and regulatory requirements into technical specifications for systems and processes.
• Supporting the Senior Legal Counsel and Chief Legal Officer
• Ensuring compliance listing requirements and UK governance.
• Assist in developing the compliance framework for the company and support the compliance department in coordinating and developing compliance training and awareness for the business.
• Assisting in drafting the governance section in the annual report, company disclosures and key meetings.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Law from a reputable university with 4 to 7 years working experience with a law firm, financial institution or corporate
• Excellent command over the English language (oral and written)
• Affinity with financial services and banking laws and understanding of financial products, processes and documentation, as well as related compliance matters
• Ability to interpret complex rules and regulations from multiple jurisdictions, and produce clear and practical guidance and advice
• Diligent, flexible and pragmatic with strong analytical skills. Solid interpersonal skills which enable you to work with colleagues and be responsive and proactive in working across multiple jurisdictions.
• Can-do mentality, ability to work under pressure and plenty of energy and enthusiasm
• Interest in microfinance, impact investments, financial inclusion and the potential for double-bottom line benefits (in financial as well as social terms

• Carry out research and prepare memos in respect of regulatory and corporate law matters, legal risks, business initiatives and projects
• Work on day-to-day legal matters at the group level with all the other teams (HR, IT, finance)
• Support the Senior Legal Counsel or Chief Legal Officer in the review and structuring loan documentation or debt instruments as well as material contracts for the group and its subsidiaries
• Work in close cooperation with the finance and treasury department who work on FX transactions and sourcing of financing.
• Work closely with the country teams, particularly in Africa, in any relevant legal matters pertaining to the business.
• Participate in various internal multidisciplinary work streams and in the translation of legal and regulatory requirements into technical specifications for systems and processes.
• Supporting the Senior Legal Counsel and Chief Legal Officer
• Ensuring compliance listing requirements and UK governance.
• Assist in developing the compliance framework for the company and support the compliance department in coordinating and developing compliance training and awareness for the business.
• Assisting in drafting the governance section in the annual report, company disclosures and key meetings.

• Excellent command over the English language (oral and written)
• Affinity with financial services and banking laws and understanding of financial products, processes and documentation, as well as related compliance matters
• Ability to interpret complex rules and regulations from multiple jurisdictions, and produce clear and practical guidance and advice
• Diligent, flexible and pragmatic with strong analytical skills. Solid interpersonal skills which enable you to work with colleagues and be responsive and proactive in working across multiple jurisdictions.
• Can-do mentality, ability to work under pressure and plenty of energy and enthusiasm
• Interest in microfinance, impact investments, financial inclusion and the potential for double-bottom line benefits (in financial as well as social terms

• Master's degree in Law from a reputable university