Head of Legal

About PalmPay Limited
PalmPay is a pan-african fintech company currently operating in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and expanding to other markets this year. We are reinventing the payments experience by making it easy and reliable for everyone to transfer money, pay bills and shop online.
About the role
The Head of Legal will oversee all legal and regulatory matters for PalmPay, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, mitigating legal risks, and providing strategic legal guidance to support the company’s growth. This role requires a seasoned legal professional with expertise in fintech, financial regulations, corporate governance, and contract negotiation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Legal Advisory and Compliance:

• Provide legal advice and guidance to the executive team and other stakeholders on business operations, transactions, and strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all local and international laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting PalmPay’s operations.
• Monitor and interpret evolving legal and regulatory requirements, advising on their impact on the business.

2. Contract Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including vendor agreements, partnership agreements, and customer contracts.
• Ensure all agreements protect PalmPay’s interests while adhering to applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.

3. Risk Management:

• Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively.
• Oversee the implementation of risk management policies and procedures to safeguard the company’s interests.

4. Dispute Resolution:

• Manage litigation and arbitration matters, working closely with external counsel when necessary.
• Resolve disputes efficiently while protecting the company’s reputation and resources.

5. Corporate Governance:

• Oversee the company’s corporate governance framework, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practices.
• Prepare and review board materials, minutes, and resolutions.

6. Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and develop the legal team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Provide training to employees on legal and regulatory matters to ensure compliance and awareness across the organization.

7. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a liaison between PalmPay and regulatory bodies, external legal firms, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the company in legal and compliance matters with government authorities and industry associations.

Qualifications & Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB); a Master’s degree or additional qualifications in Business or Finance is an advantage.
• Must be admitted to the bar and in good standing with relevant legal bodies.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within the fintech or financial services sector.
• Extensive knowledge of financial regulations, corporate law, data privacy laws, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven track record of managing complex legal issues and negotiations.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying legal and business risks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership skills to inspire and manage a high-performing legal team.

Personal Attributes:

• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision.
• Strong business acumen and an understanding of the fintech industry.

Work Environment:

• This role may require occasional travel to represent the company or liaise with regulators and other external stakeholders.