Head Legal And Company Secretary

Job Summary

FINCA Uganda Limited (MDI) is hiring a Head Legal and Company Secretary reporting to the Managing Director. Sitting on the Executive Committee (EXCO), the role leads corporate governance, Board secretariat functions, MDI banking regulatory compliance, litigation management, and overall legal risk mitigation. Candidates require an LLB, LDC Postgrad Diploma, and 10+ years of legal experience (5+ in banking/financial supervisory roles).

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Board Secretariat & Corporate Governance

• Board & Shareholder Advisory: Advise the Board of Directors, Shareholders, and Board Committees on fiduciary duties, statutory authority, decision-making boundaries, and corporate governance standards.
• Meeting & Minute Management: Oversee meeting schedules, prepare agendas, issue formal notices, verify quorum requirements, draft official Board/Shareholder resolutions, and record meeting minutes.
• Corporate Records & Filings: Maintain all corporate registers, document appointments/removals of Directors, secure regulatory approvals from authorities, and report potential conflicts of interest per FINCA's Code of Conduct.

2. Banking Regulatory Compliance & Legal Risk Oversight

• MDI & Banking Compliance: Monitor applicable banking and microfinance legislation (e.g., Bank of Uganda regulations); update internal policies and contracts to ensure complete regulatory alignment.
• Risk Control Self-Assessment (RCSA): Support and enforce RCSA frameworks across legal workflows, actively adopting control improvements and executing corrective action plans.
• Contractual & Financial Structuring: Draft, review, and negotiate loan agreements, grant frameworks, third-party vendor contracts, property leases, and financing arrangements to safeguard FINCA’s legal interests.

3. EXCO Strategy, Operational Support & Employment Law

• Executive Leadership: Serve on the Executive Committee (EXCO), contributing strategic guidance to day-to-day operational decisions and promoting a culture of integrity and transparency.
• Human Resources & Labor Advisory: Guide the HR function on labor law compliance, employment contracts, dispute resolutions, and work permit/visa immigration structures for foreign personnel.
• Intellectual Property & Foreign Documents: Coordinate with FINCA Impact Finance on trademark protection, tax liability structures, and document legalization/authentication procedures.

4. Litigation, Supervision & Outside Counsel Management

• Court Representation & Claims: Oversee collection litigation, fraud prosecution, and defense of claims involving FINCA before judicial courts and administrative agencies.
• Outside Counsel Coordination: Collaborate with FINCA’s Office of the General Counsel to retain, manage, and supervise external legal counsel and specialized tax advisors.
• Departmental Leadership: Coach, mentor, and supervise internal Legal Department attorneys and administrative staff.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Academic & Professional Credentials:
  • LLB Degree: Bachelor of Laws from a recognized university.
  • LDC Diploma: Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC), Kampala. Advocate of the High Court of Uganda.
  • Advanced Degree (Added Advantage): Master’s Degree in Law (LLM), Business Administration (MBA), or Corporate Governance.
• Work Experience:
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of active legal practice.
  • Minimum of five (5) years in a leadership/supervisory role within the banking/financial sector or a reputable commercial law firm.
• Specialized Knowledge & Attributes:
  • Expertise in banking regulations, microfinance legislation, corporate law, labor law, and litigation.
  • Exceptional negotiation, influencing, analytical, and executive decision-making skills.
  • Fluency in English with strong Microsoft Office proficiency.

Why Join FINCA Impact Finance?

• Executive Impact: Direct the legal and governance architecture of a leading MDI as a core member of the Executive Committee (EXCO).
• Double Bottom Line Mission: Contribute to a global network dedicated to financial inclusion, micro-entrepreneurship, and bringing low-income communities out of poverty.
• Values-Driven Workplace: Thrive in an environment built on warmth, trust, responsible banking, active listening, and transparency.

Skills Required:

• Legal / Law