Legal Officer

Role Specification: Legal Officer

About Jackfruit Finance

• Jackfruit Finance is a tech-enabled lender in Kenya focused on delivering financial solutions to schools. By bridging the gap between affordable schooling and access to capital, Jackfruit Finance is transforming how educational institutions access funding. With a strong commitment to financial inclusion, Jackfruit has provided over funding to 400+ schools and continues to scale its operations. For more information, please visit our website and Jackfruit Finance LinkedIn.

About the Role:

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Hybrid)

• Reports To: Head of Legal

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

• Commitment: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

KPI 1. Document Accuracy and Quality

- Ensure all contracts, legal documents, and agreements are drafted and reviewed with zero critical errors.

Role Responsibilities:

• Carefully draft and review all legal documentation, verifying alignment with company policies and regulatory standards.

• Ensure documents are clear, accurate, and fully meet internal quality standards before submission for approval.

• Work closely with the Head of Legal for feedback, minimizing revisions and reducing the risk of potential disputes from errors or omissions.

KPI 2 Response Time for Legal Support.

- Provide prompt legal assistance, responding to requests and addressing disputes within an average of 48 hours for preliminary responses, and within 5 business days for complete support.

Role Responsibilities:

• Act as a primary point of contact for legal queries and support requests, ensuring quick and reliable responses to internal teams.

• Manage legal disputes efficiently, coordinating with the Head of Legal to prioritize and resolve cases in a timely manner.

• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders to set clear expectations around response times and next steps.

KPI 3 Contract Turnaround Time.

- Complete standard contracts within 2-3 days and complex agreements within 7 days, ensuring business operations proceed smoothly.

Role Responsibilities:

• Prepare, draft, and finalize contracts and agreements, managing the entire  process from initial review to completion within target timelines.

• Prioritize contract drafting based on urgency and business needs, working proactively to prevent delays.

• Coordinate closely with other departments to ensure that all contract terms meet both legal requirements and operational goals.

KPI 4 Compliance with Legal Research and Updates.

- Provide monthly updates on relevant legislation, keeping the team informed of regulatory changes affecting the company.

Role Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular research to stay informed on legal developments, particularly in commercial, conveyancing, and compliance areas.

• Summarize findings in accessible, actionable briefs for the team, highlighting any legislative changes or new risks.

• Support the company’s compliance by reviewing and interpreting laws, providing insights to the Head of Legal and other team members on how changes impact the business.

Practical Exercise:

• Develop a comprehensive Compliance and Reporting Schedule for Jackfruit Finance's operations in Kenya, outlining each required document and the specific filing timelines for submission.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Admitted attorney with 1-3 years post admission experience in Commercial and Conveyancing law is a requirement

• LLB degree with strong academic record

• Proficient in the English language – written and verbal

Key responsibilities

• Draft and review contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.

• Provide legal support in disputes and litigation matters.

• Analyze and interpret legislation relevant to the company's operations.

• Conduct research and stay updated on legal and market developments.

• Collaborate with external experts, counsel, and other professionals on complex case

• Prepare due diligence reports and assist in risk assessment processes.

• Maintain high-quality legal services aligned with company objectives.

• Participate in company initiatives and ongoing training for professional growth.

Essential Skills

• Legal Technical Skills: Solid understanding of Commercial, Securities, and Professional Services contracts. Familiarity with court processes and alternative dispute resolution.

• Analytical Abilities: Ability to translate company needs into sound legal documents and advice, with an awareness of commercial considerations.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, structured documents and articulate complex legal matters.

• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Word, with working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with legal research tools and an interest in AI and legal tech advancements.

Equality & Non-Discrimination Practices:

• Jackfruit Finance is committed to fostering a work environment that values diversity and inclusivity. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we adhere to the principles outlined in Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and social status

Application

Cover Letter Instructions

(Please keep answers short and to the point)

1. Career Highlights in Five Bullet Points Maximum

     a. Key Roles: Highlight significant positions that demonstrate the candidate's career progression.

     b. Relevant Skills and Expertise: Emphasize core competencies that align with the responsibilities at Jackfruit Finance.

     c. Achievements with Quantifiable Impact: Include specific, measurable outcomes, such as increasing revenue by a certain percentage or leading a team of a specific size.

     d. Industry Experience: Mention any prior experience in finance, education, technology, or African markets.

     e. Leadership or Key Projects: Provide examples where the candidate demonstrated leadership or participated in high-impact projects

2. Reasons to Join Jackfruit Finance (3-5 Bullet Points)

     a. Mission Alignment: Describe personal alignment with Jackfruit Finance's mission in education finance and its impact in Africa.

     b. Professional Growth: Explain how the role supports their career goals and areas for development.

     c. Interest in JF’s Approach or Goals: Identify unique aspects of Jackfruit Finance, such as its innovative lending approach, technology integration, or social impact focus, that appeal to the candidate.

     d. Cultural Fit: Discuss the company culture, team dynamics, or other appealing elements.

3. Top Three Career Achievements

     a. Impact-Oriented Achievement: Highlight a noteworthy accomplishment with a clear, positive impact.

     b. Innovative Contribution: Describe any new process, product, or idea the candidate initiated that benefited their team or company.

     c. Recognition Awards: Mention  any recognitions, awards, o r  notable professional distinction received.