SACCO Legal Officer at GDC SACCO Society Limited

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for:

Legal Advisory & Compliance

• Provide timely legal advice to Management, the Board and departments on matters affecting the SACCO.
• Ensure compliance with the Co-operative Societies Act, SASRA Regulations, Data Protection Act, Employment Act and all applicable laws.
• Review, develop and update policies, procedures, by-laws and governance documents.
• Monitor legal and regulatory changes and advise the SACCO accordingly.
• Coordinate and respond to regulatory inspections, audits and compliance reviews (SASRA, Commissioner for Co-operatives, Data Commissioner and others).
• Interpret laws, regulations and policies relevant to SACCO operations.

Human Resource & Administrative Legal Support

• Advise on disciplinary cases, staff contracts, termination processes and labour disputes.
• Ensure compliance with the Employment Act, other labour laws and HR policies.

Litigation and Dispute Management

• Manage all litigation matters involving the SACCO and liaise with external advocates.
• Prepare instructions to advocates and ensure timely submission of supporting documents.
• Monitor case progress, prepare reports and recommend action.
• Support debt recovery processes through legal mechanisms (demands, CRB listings, court action).

Governance Support

• Provide legal guidance to the Board, Board Committees and Management.
• Assist in preparation of Board papers relating to legal and compliance matters.
• Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards and the SACCO code of conduct.

Contract Management

• Draft, review and negotiate all SACCO contracts, MOUs, leases, service agreements and partnership documents.
• Ensure contracts protect SACCO interests and comply with relevant laws and internal policies.
• Maintain a proper and secure contracts registry.

Security Documentation

• Prepare and review securities and collateral documentation.
• Ensure proper perfection and registration of securities.
• Advise on realization of securities in case of loan default.

Records & Legal Documentation

• Manage legal files, contracts library, insurance policies and statutory documents.
• Ensure proper custody of legal and corporate documents.

Member & Customer Dispute Resolution

• Handle customer complaints and disputes requiring legal interpretation and intervention.
• Support alternative dispute resolution between members and the SACCO.
• Represent the SACCO in negotiations, mediations and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Coordinate legal representation in tribunals and courts.

Risk Management

• Identify legal and regulatory risks facing the SACCO.
• Recommend mitigation measures and controls.
• Participate in enterprise risk management initiatives.

Records and Reporting

• Maintain custody of legal records and documents.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual legal reports.
• Keep an updated register of ongoing legal cases and contracts.

Training and Awareness

• Conduct legal and compliance awareness training for staff and Board members.
• Promote adherence to legal and ethical standards within the SACCO.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited law school.
• At least two years post admission.
• Must possess a valid practicing certificate.
• Be a registered member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
• Knowledge of the SACCO business model and other operational issues of the SACCO.
• Good analytical, communication and writing skills.
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.

The successful candidate must fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.