Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The main purpose of the job is to oversee and manage the company’s legal and regulatory matters to ensure that all operations and functions comply with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies and procedures to maintain and enhance the company’s integrity and reputation and minimizing legal and regulatory risks.

Responsibilities or duties

• Draft, review, negotiate and approve all legal documents and contracts to mitigate and minimize adverse exposure and liabilities.
• Prepare timely notices for Board Committees meetings, Board of Directors meetings, and Annual and Extraordinary General meetings.
• Coordinate and prepare board papers and board packs with input from key functions and Board Committees.
• Ensure that board decisions and resolutions are comprehensively recorded, assigned to appropriate personnel, and implemented within the agreed timeframe.
• Prepare minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the shareholders.
• Prepare the annual work plan for the Board of Directors.
• Induct, orient and train new board members to enable them to effectively execute their governance responsibilities.
• Act as Legal Advisor to the Board of Directors and represent the company in all litigation matters filed by or against the company.
• Develop, implement and maintain an effective legal compliance program to ensure the company complies with legal and regulatory standards and requirements.
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively advise senior management and the Board of Directors on the legal impact and implications of such changes.
• Develop and implement legal awareness programs that align with laws and regulations.
• Investigate compliance breaches and incidents and take appropriate corrective actions and measures to minimize legal risks, and where necessary, keep the Board of Directors informed.
• Prepare and present regular legal reports to senior management and the Board Directors highlighting key legal issues, legal risks and mitigation measures.
• Timely prepare and submit regulatory reports and filing the necessary returns with the regulators.
• Promote a culture of good corporate governance and ethical behavior and practice at all levels of the company.
• Act as the primary liaison and point of contact for the company with regulatory bodies.
• Act as custodian for all legal documents, contracts, company seal, and Board records and reports.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Attentive to details.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Word.
• Strong knowledge of company law and commercial litigation.
• Knowledge of company secretarial practices.
• Knowledge in drafting legal documents and preparing policies and procedural guidelines.
• Knowledge of the Banking and Financial Services Act, the Companies Act, and the Bank of Zambia Corporate Governance Directives.

Experience needed

• Bachelor of Law (LLB) Degree from a reputable institution. Master of Law (LLM) Degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of law practice at senior management level in a law firm, commercial or corporate setting.
• Valid practicing certificate from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE).
• Proven experience in a similar role.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• Honesty and integrity.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Leadership and legal expertise.
• Corporate governance acumen.
• Foster strong relationships with Departmental Heads and the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
• Foster good working relationships with regulatory bodies such as the Bank of Zambia, Patent and Companies Registration Agency, and the Financial Intelligence Centre
• Develop relationships with professional bodies such as the Law Association of Zambia and the Microfinance Association of Zambia.
• Ability to proactively identify and resolve problems.
• Ability to proactively identify legal and compliance breaches and implement measures to mitigate the risks.
• Ability to organize work in order of importance and priority.
• Ability adequately plans and meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply strong ethics to make informed decisions.
• Ability to maintain honesty and integrity in all decision-making processes.
• We stand for diversity and inclusion. Therefore, we warmly encourage everyone to apply, regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, age, religion, etc.
• ASA Microfinance Zambia limited aims to attract and select a diverse workforce, ensuring equal opportunity to everyone, irrespective race, age, gender, class ethnicity, disability, location, and religion. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Draft, review, negotiate and approve all legal documents and contracts to mitigate and minimize adverse exposure and liabilities.
• Prepare timely notices for Board Committees meetings, Board of Directors meetings, and Annual and Extraordinary General meetings.
• Coordinate and prepare board papers and board packs with input from key functions and Board Committees.
• Ensure that board decisions and resolutions are comprehensively recorded, assigned to appropriate personnel, and implemented within the agreed timeframe.
• Prepare minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the shareholders.
• Prepare the annual work plan for the Board of Directors.
• Induct, orient and train new board members to enable them to effectively execute their governance responsibilities.
• Act as Legal Advisor to the Board of Directors and represent the company in all litigation matters filed by or against the company.
• Develop, implement and maintain an effective legal compliance program to ensure the company complies with legal and regulatory standards and requirements.
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively advise senior management and the Board of Directors on the legal impact and implications of such changes.
• Develop and implement legal awareness programs that align with laws and regulations.
• Investigate compliance breaches and incidents and take appropriate corrective actions and measures to minimize legal risks, and where necessary, keep the Board of Directors informed.
• Prepare and present regular legal reports to senior management and the Board Directors highlighting key legal issues, legal risks and mitigation measures.
• Timely prepare and submit regulatory reports and filing the necessary returns with the regulators.
• Promote a culture of good corporate governance and ethical behavior and practice at all levels of the company.
• Act as the primary liaison and point of contact for the company with regulatory bodies.
• Act as custodian for all legal documents, contracts, company seal, and Board records and reports.

• Interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Attentive to details.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Word.
• Strong knowledge of company law and commercial litigation.
• Knowledge of company secretarial practices.
• Knowledge in drafting legal documents and preparing policies and procedural guidelines.
• Knowledge of the Banking and Financial Services Act, the Companies Act, and the Bank of Zambia Corporate Governance Directives.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Leadership and legal expertise.
• Corporate governance acumen.
• Ability to proactively identify and resolve problems.
• Ability to proactively identify legal and compliance breaches and implement measures to mitigate the risks.
• Ability to organize work in order of importance and priority.
• Ability adequately plans and meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply strong ethics to make informed decisions.
• Ability to maintain honesty and integrity in all decision-making processes.

• Bachelor of Law (LLB) Degree from a reputable institution. Master of Law (LLM) Degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of law practice at senior management level in a law firm, commercial or corporate setting.
• Valid practicing certificate from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE).
• Proven experience in a similar role.