LEGAL OFFICER - Equity Bank Rwanda

Equity Bank Rwanda is one of the region’s Banks whose purpose is to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa socially and economically by availing them modern, inclusive financial services that maximize their opportunities. With a strong footprint in Kenya, Uganda and Southern Sudan, Equity Bank is now home to more than 7 million customers, the largest customer base in the East African Region. Currently the Bank is seeking additional talent to serve in the role outlined below:-


LEGAL OFFICER ( RWANDA) The Position

The role holder will be responsible for providing legal advice to the Bank in the area of compliance, documentation, recovery and other legal advisory services.


Key Responsibilities


• Responsible for all legal matters associated with the bank.
• Ensuring statutory and contractual compliance by the bank.
• Drafting and vetting of legal contracts and service level agreements.
• Managing the legal risk of the bank.

• Review and vet facility letters, agreements, security and other legal documents for corporate borrowing customers.

• Instruct and liaise with the Bank's external lawyers on various matters including non-standard form facility and security documents.

• Conduct legal compliance checks prior to disbursement of approved credit facilities to ensure legal documentations are in compliance with statutory requirements; the approved terms and conditions stipulated and confirm conformity of credit facilities with approved collateral margin requirements.

• Attend EXCO meetings to take minutes and give legal advice on facility and security documents and structures when required.

• Attend Board Credit committee and ventilate measures taken to mitigate legal risks and guarantee protection of the bank’s interest on applications presented for board approval

• Draft and review templates & standard forms for facility, MOUs and security documents and agreements to be used in connection with new products to be launched by the Bank.

• Prepare legal queries and facilitate solicitation of legal opinions from external counsel to identify legal and regulatory risks and issues.

• Provide legal advice in connection with the Credit function of the bank generally and liaise with external legal counsel on legal matters relating to credit.

• Instruct external lawyers and follow up to conclusion all court cases instituted for and against the bank.
• Recommend cases for write off where recovery through litigation has proved futile.

Candidate’s Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience


• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized university
• Certificate of Admission to the Roll of Advocates/ Bar Association
• Possess the current year’s practicing certificate

• At least 3 years post admission work experience in a commercial bank involved in retail and corporate lending or a busy law firm acting for banks and financial institutions;

• Knowledge of court rules and procedures;

Desired Skills and Ability


 Good communication, presentation, research and analysis skills
 Must be hands on in interpretation and application of legal texts and statutes

 Proactive and self motivated

 Excellent interpersonal skills
 Team player
 Good financial analytical skills

 Able to demonstrate excellent organizational skills
 Ability to handle pressure and work with minimum or no supervision
 Strong leadership skills
 Must be computer literate.

If you meet the above requirements, submit your application quoting the job you are applying for to the address below by 30th April 2012. Please include detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of the relevant certificates, testimonials, current pay and daytime telephone contact and email address.

All applications should be in soft and through the email indicated below.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Email to: jobs@equitybank.co.ke

Equity Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of individuals, ideas, perspectives, insights and values, and what they bring to the workplace.