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Masai

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and strategic Director – Legal Counsel&nbsp;to lead the organization’s legal, compliance, governance, and risk management functions. The ideal candidate will have 8-12 years of experience in corporate law, legal advisory, contract management, regulatory compliance, and risk management, preferably in a startup or high-growth organization.
The role will work closely with the leadership team and business stakeholders to provide strategic legal guidance, protect the organization’s interests, ensure regulatory compliance, and proactively identify and mitigate legal risks.
Key Responsibilities
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Legal Strategy &amp; Advisory: Lead the organization’s legal strategy and provide strategic advice to leadership on business decisions, new initiatives, policies, and potential legal risks.
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Contract Management: Oversee the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of commercial agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, employment agreements, partnership agreements, and other legal documents.
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Regulatory Compliance: Drive organization-wide compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry requirements, ensuring timely filings and adherence to statutory obligations.
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Corporate Governance: Oversee corporate governance matters, board processes, statutory records, resolutions, and other corporate legal requirements.
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Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across business functions and establish appropriate legal risk-management frameworks.
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Dispute &amp; Litigation Management: Lead the management of litigation, disputes, arbitration, and other legal proceedings, working closely with external legal counsel where required.
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Employment &amp; Labour Law: Provide strategic guidance on employment contracts, labour laws, employee policies, workplace compliance, and other employment-related legal matters.
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Intellectual Property: Oversee the organization’s IP portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, licensing, and protection of intellectual property rights.
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Business &amp; Commercial Legal Support: Partner with business, finance, HR, product, sales, and operations teams to structure business initiatives while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
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External Counsel Management: Manage relationships with external law firms, legal consultants, and regulatory advisors, ensuring effective and cost-efficient legal support.
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Legal Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead the legal and compliance team while establishing effective processes, policies, and governance mechanisms.
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Policy Development: Develop and periodically review internal legal, compliance, and governance policies in line with evolving regulations and business requirements.
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Requirements
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LLB/LLM from a recognized university; additional qualifications in corporate/commercial law or compliance will be an advantage.
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8-12 years of relevant experience in corporate legal, commercial law, compliance, or legal advisory roles.
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Strong experience in contract management, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, litigation, and risk management.
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Experience working with senior leadership, boards, external legal counsel, and regulatory authorities.
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Strong understanding of applicable corporate, commercial, employment, and intellectual property laws.
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Experience managing and mentoring legal teams.
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Excellent negotiation, communication, stakeholder management, and analytical skills.
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Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal requirements with business objectives.
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Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
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Why Join Us?
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Opportunity to lead the legal and compliance function of a fast-growing organization.
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Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic business decisions.
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Opportunity to build and strengthen legal, compliance, and governance frameworks.
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Work across diverse and evolving legal and commercial matters.
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Collaborative, high-ownership, and learning-driven work environment.
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