The incumbent will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for:
Legal Advisory & Compliance
- Provide timely legal advice to Management, the Board and departments on matters affecting the SACCO.
- Ensure compliance with the Co-operative Societies Act, SASRA Regulations, Data Protection Act, Employment Act and all applicable laws.
- Review, develop and update policies, procedures, by-laws and governance documents.
- Monitor legal and regulatory changes and advise the SACCO accordingly.
- Coordinate and respond to regulatory inspections, audits and compliance reviews (SASRA, Commissioner for Co-operatives, Data Commissioner and others).
- Interpret laws, regulations and policies relevant to SACCO operations.
Human Resource & Administrative Legal Support
- Advise on disciplinary cases, staff contracts, termination processes and labour disputes.
- Ensure compliance with the Employment Act, other labour laws and HR policies.
Litigation and Dispute Management
- Manage all litigation matters involving the SACCO and liaise with external advocates.
- Prepare instructions to advocates and ensure timely submission of supporting documents.
- Monitor case progress, prepare reports and recommend action.
- Support debt recovery processes through legal mechanisms (demands, CRB listings, court action).
- Provide legal guidance to the Board, Board Committees and Management.
- Assist in preparation of Board papers relating to legal and compliance matters.
- Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards and the SACCO code of conduct.
- Draft, review and negotiate all SACCO contracts, MOUs, leases, service agreements and partnership documents.
- Ensure contracts protect SACCO interests and comply with relevant laws and internal policies.
- Maintain a proper and secure contracts registry.
- Prepare and review securities and collateral documentation.
- Ensure proper perfection and registration of securities.
- Advise on realization of securities in case of loan default.
Records & Legal Documentation
- Manage legal files, contracts library, insurance policies and statutory documents.
- Ensure proper custody of legal and corporate documents.
Member & Customer Dispute Resolution
- Handle customer complaints and disputes requiring legal interpretation and intervention.
- Support alternative dispute resolution between members and the SACCO.
- Represent the SACCO in negotiations, mediations and alternative dispute resolution processes.
- Coordinate legal representation in tribunals and courts.
- Identify legal and regulatory risks facing the SACCO.
- Recommend mitigation measures and controls.
- Participate in enterprise risk management initiatives.
- Maintain custody of legal records and documents.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual legal reports.
- Keep an updated register of ongoing legal cases and contracts.
- Conduct legal and compliance awareness training for staff and Board members.
- Promote adherence to legal and ethical standards within the SACCO.
Qualifications & Experience
- Must have a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited law school.
- At least two years post admission.
- Must possess a valid practicing certificate.
- Be a registered member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
- Knowledge of the SACCO business model and other operational issues of the SACCO.
- Good analytical, communication and writing skills.
- Excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
The successful candidate must fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.