Job Summary:
The Group Chief Legal Officer (GCLO) at J-Pay Africa Group will be responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters across multiple jurisdictions. This role requires a strategic legal expert who will provide guidance on corporate governance, risk management, financial regulations, and contractual agreements, ensuring full compliance with applicable laws in Kenya, Africa, and globally. The GCLO will play a key role in shaping J-Pay Africa’s legal strategy to support business expansion, partnerships, and innovation in the FinTech industry.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Legal Strategy & Advisory
- Develop and execute the legal strategy aligned with J-Pay Africa Group’s business objectives.
- Provide expert legal advice to the Board, CEO, and executive leadership on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
- Ensure compliance with all financial, corporate, and digital banking regulations across jurisdictions.
- Advise on FinTech-specific legal frameworks, including digital payments, data protection, and financial transactions.
2. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Monitor regulatory changes in financial services and ensure J-Pay Africa Group’s compliance with global, regional, and national laws.
- Develop and enforce policies for Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Data Protection (GDPR, PDPA, etc.).
- Oversee risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring all legal risks are managed effectively.
- Maintain relationships with regulators, central banks, financial authorities, and compliance bodies across Africa and beyond.
3. Corporate Governance & Contract Management
- Ensure strong corporate governance practices within J-Pay Africa Group and its subsidiaries.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, partnership agreements, and regulatory filings.
- Oversee the legal structuring of partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
- Manage intellectual property protection, trademarks, and patents.
4. Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Lead and manage legal disputes, litigation, and arbitration proceedings involving J-Pay Africa Group.
- Work with external legal counsel on complex legal matters, ensuring the company’s best interests are protected.
- Develop risk management strategies to prevent and resolve legal conflicts efficiently.
5. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and lead a high-performing legal team across multiple regions.
- Provide training and guidance on legal best practices for internal teams.
- Collaborate with business leaders, compliance officers, and external regulators to ensure smooth operations.
Key Qualifications & Experience:
✅ Law degree (LL.B.) from a recognized institution; a Master’s degree (LL.M.) or MBA is an added advantage.
✅ Admitted to the Bar in Switzerland or South Africa Or Kenya.
✅ 7+ years of legal experience, preferably in FinTech, banking, digital payments, or financial services.
✅ Strong knowledge of financial regulations, digital banking laws, data protection, and corporate governance.
✅ Experience dealing with regulators, central banks, financial compliance bodies, and government agencies.
✅ Proven expertise in contract negotiation, litigation, risk management, and intellectual property law.
✅ Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Why Join J-Pay Africa Group?
- Be part of a leading FinTech company driving digital transformation in Africa.
- Work in a dynamic, innovative, and fast-paced financial ecosystem.
- Collaborate with top industry leaders, investors, and regulatory bodies.
- Competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth opportunities.
Reporting:
The Group Chief Legal Officer will report directly to the Group CEO.
Location:
J-Pay Africa Group – Zurich, Switzerland
