Legal Officer at Coop Bank Tanzania

The Legal Officer will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal support to the Bank, including advisory services, contract management, litigation, regulatory compliance, and governance support. The role ensures that the Bank’s operations comply with relevant laws and regulations while safeguarding its interests in transactions and disputes. The position also involves liaising with regulators, external counsel, and courts, as well as supporting the Head of Legal/Company Secretary on governance matters. This role requires a high level of integrity, strong legal expertise, and the ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

Legal Advisory

• Provide accurate and timely legal advice to management and departments across the Bank on diverse matters, including commercial transactions, employment, operations, and regulatory issues.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies affecting the Bank’s business activities.
• Support in the drafting and review of internal policies, manuals, and procedures to ensure legal compliance.

Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, leases, MoUs, NDAs, and other legal instruments entered into by the Bank.
• Ensure that all contracts reflect the Bank’s interests, are risk-averse, and legally binding.
• Maintain a contract register and ensure timely renewals and terminations.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Handle and follow up on all litigation matters involving the Bank in liaison with external counsel.
• Prepare legal documentation, statements, and affidavits required for court proceedings.
• Represent the Bank in courts, tribunals (including CMA), arbitrations, and other legal forums.

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor legal and regulatory changes that affect the Bank and advise management on their implications.
• Ensure compliance with Bank of Tanzania (BOT) regulations, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, tax legislation, and sector-specific laws.

Corporate Governance & Secretarial Support

• Assist in the preparation of Board and Committee meetings, including documentation such as notices, minutes, resolutions, and filings.
• Maintain and update statutory records, registers, and filings.
• Support the Head of Legal/Company Secretary in governance-related assignments.

Legal Risk Management

• Identify legal risks in ongoing activities and operations and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Support internal investigations and respond to legal queries raised by auditors or regulators.
• Conduct internal legal audits and participate in compliance assessments.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from a recognized university.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice and admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of post-qualification experience in legal practice or a legal role within a financial institution or corporate setting.
• Proven knowledge of Tanzanian laws and legal procedures, especially in banking, employment, contract, corporate, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working with regulators such as BOT, TRA, and BRELA is highly desirable.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong legal research and analytical skills
• High proficiency in legal drafting and contract negotiation
• Good understanding of corporate governance and financial regulations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research tools
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Skills Required

• Organizing and Time Management Skills
• Information Confidentiality
• Research and Analytical
• Professionalism Skills
• Basic Microsoft Office Application
• Work Ethic & Professionalism Skills
• Communication Skills