Recruitment by Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Head of Legal

The Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC (NSE) is a company licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to facilitate the trading of financial products through the provision of a trading platform for listed securities.
In line with this, the NSE is seeking to recruit a suitably qualified, dynamic, self- motivated and results- oriented individual to fill the position of Head of Legal.
Overall Purpose
Provide sound legal advice to the Management on matters pertaining to the operations of the Exchange; offer legal, regulatory and research support in the continuous development and review of the Capital Markets Laws, Regulations, Rules and Guidelines; provides advice as appropriate to market participants on the Capital Markets Laws, Regulations, Rules and Guidelines.
Also provide secretarial support as appropriate to Management and ad hoc committees and assists in provision of company secretarial services.
Key Competencies
·         Ability to draft and review legal and other documents;
·         Knowledge of Rules and Regulations of the NSE and CMA, and working knowledge of the mechanics of the Kenyan capital market;
·         Strong leadership skills;
·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
·         Positive attitude and good work ethic;
·         Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong negotiation skills;
·         Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information and to ensure absolute discretion and sensitivity to confidential matters.

Responsibilities

·         To advise and keep NSE management up to date on the legal and regulatory development in Kenya and in other Jurisdictions that relate to the capital and financial markets;
·         To offer legal and regulatory advice on NSE’s compliance to the legal and regulatory requirements as a listed public company and Capital Markets Authority (CMA) licensee;
·         To interpret Capital Markets Laws, Regulations, Rules and Guidelines and advise NSE Management so as to ensure strict adherence and compliance with the same;
·         To coordinate external legal counsel engaged by NSE to provide legal services;
·         To manage any dispute resolution (including litigation) for or against NSE and endeavour to ensure a favourable outcome for the Company;
·         To provide internal legal advice to NSE on all NSE products and markets and assist with making suitable proposals for changes in the existing Capital Markets Laws, Regulations, Rules and Guidelines;
·         Ensure that the Company’s Intellectual property is protected and up to date with the relevant registries;
·         To ensure proper negotiation, review and/or drafting of contracts and agreements to be entered into by NSE or relating to NSE operations;
·         To maintain proper custody of the Company’s records and critical documents;
·         To provide regulatory advice to market participants, intermediaries and other stakeholders as appropriate.
·         To assist in the provision of company secretarial services, support Board operations and ensure NSE Board and Board Committee Papers are prepared and submitted in a timely manner in liaison with the Company Secretary and to follow up on action items by various Divisions/Departments.
·         To perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in Law;
·         Advocate of High Court of Kenya in good standing;
·         Minimum seven (7) years’ post qualification experience preferably in the financial services sector;

·         A Certified Secretary in good standing;
·         A Master’s degree and/or professional qualifications in a relevant field will be an added advantage.


Senior Legal Officer
The Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC (NSE) is a company licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to facilitate the trading of financial products through the provision of a trading platform for listed securities.
In line with this, the NSE is seeking to recruit a suitably qualified, dynamic, self- motivated and results- oriented individual to fill the position of Senior Legal Officer.
Overall Purpose
Will have the responsibility of working together with the Head of Legal in providing legal and company secretarial services to the Company.

Responsibilities

·         Provision of internal legal advice to NSE on its operations, and initiatives and make proposals for changes in the existing Capital Markets Laws, Regulations, Rules and Guidelines, as necessary.
·         Draft and engage with various regulators on regulations, rules and guidelines required to facilitate NSE operations and initiatives;
·         Negotiate, review and drafting of agreements with service providers and various stakeholders;
·         Maintain the Company’s Contracts Register;
·         Carry out legal research and provide support in making appropriate recommendations to the Board and Management of NSE;
·         Provide updates and legal opinions to the NSE Board, Management and Staff as appropriate on legal developments affecting NSE’s operations;
·         Maintain an up to date legal framework (e.g. regulations and rules) of the NSE and ensure upload on the NSE Website;
·         Assist in ensuring that the company’s Intellectual property is protected and up to date with the relevant registries;
·         Coordinate and support external legal counsel engaged by NSE to provide legal services and ensure timely delivery of services by external counsel;
·         Assist in effectively managing any dispute resolution that the company may be involved in;
·         Assist to prepare NSE Board and Committee Papers in a timely fashion and assist in various company secretarial tasks;
·         Coordinate the development of status reports on the company’s compliance with applicable laws and ensure regulatory compliance, in liaison with the Risk and Compliance Department;
·         Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in Law. 2. A Master’s degree in a relevant area will be an added advantage
·         Minimum four (4) years’ post qualification experience.
·         Experience in the financial services sector will be an added advantage.
·         Experience in company secretarial practice is preferred.
Key Competencies
·         Knowledge and experience in corporate and commercial law.
·         Knowledge and exposure to finance sector laws, regulations, rules & guidelines.
·         Ability to prepare contracts and various relevant legal documents.
·         Experience in legislative drafting.
·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
·         A positive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills.
How to Apply
If you are up to the challenge and can clearly demonstrate your ability to meet the criteria given above, please submit your application with a detailed CV stating your current position, current salary and benefits as well as your expected salary, qualifications, experience, names & addresses of three referees and email & telephone contacts together with copies of your academic and professional certificates and testimonials to the address below by close of business on Wednesday, 6th June 2018:
The Chief Executive
Nairobi Securities Exchange
PLC The Exchange, 55 Westlands Road
P.O. Box 43633-00100 NAIROBI
Dropping Zone No. 243 Revlon Professional Plaza, 2nd Floor
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
NSE is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality.
We will seek to recruit the most qualified person for the job irrespective of race, color, marital status, ethnicity, disability, religion or gender. Beware of various employment scams who request detailed information and/or money, in connection with supposed registration fees, interviews, and medical examinations.
NSE DOES NOT charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.