TradeMark Africa (TMA) is a leading aid-for-trade organisation working closely with regional intergovernmental bodies, national governments, the private sector and civil society to grow prosperity in East Africa through trade. As we expand our work and influence across Africa, we are looking for dynamic, skilled professionals to join our team and help us achieve our mission of increased trade and improved livelihoods.
We are currently seeking a Legal and Compliance Manager to support our operations in Kenya and across our regional portfolio. The successful candidate will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will report directly to the Governance, Risk and Compliance Director.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced, impact-driven organisation and is passionate about upholding the highest standards of legal, regulatory, and ethical compliance.
Position: Legal and Compliance Manager
Department: Corporate Resources
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: JG5
Reports to: Governance, Risk and Compliance Director
Direct Reports: None
Job Summary
The Legal and Compliance Manager will play a central role in providing professional and timely legal and compliance advice across TMA and its subsidiaries. This role ensures that all organisational entities adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, manage tax and contractual risks effectively, and safeguard the organisation’s interests in all binding agreements and litigation processes.
Roles and Responsibilities
Legal Advisory & Oversight (TMA & Subsidiaries)
- Provide or oversee provision of legal advice in areas such as contracts, employment law, procurement, and taxation.
- Oversee all legal service providers and maintain strong contract and framework arrangements with them.
- Quality assure all external legal advice to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
- Monitor all litigation matters involving TMA to ensure sound representation and compliance with court orders.
- Work with staff and partners to identify and mitigate potential disputes.
- Identify statutory legal requirements and create compliance checklists for internal audits and other monitoring teams.
- Maintain and submit quarterly reports on legal cases to the Board.
- Work closely with the Company Secretary to ensure timely filing of mandatory governance documentation.
- Review and approve all legal documents including contracts, MOUs, Host Country Agreements, and Financing Agreements to ensure they protect TMA’s interests.
Compliance Oversight (TMA & Subsidiaries)
- Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance across all countries of operation.
- Assist in drafting and negotiating legal agreements (Host Country Agreements, MOUs, donor agreements) ensuring compliance with TMA’s internal procedures and donor guidelines.
- Provide guidance on safeguarding policies, approval workflows, procurement procedures, and results reporting frameworks.
- Identify and help address gaps identified in procurement audits.
- Lead procurement compliance reviews and work with procurement teams to enhance policies and documentation.
- Regularly review contracts for alignment with internal policies and donor regulations.
- Support implementation of TMA’s compliance programme through audits, reviews, and reporting.
- Vet Tender Committee submissions to ensure due diligence and completeness.
- Keep the Governance, Risk and Compliance Director informed of procurement compliance status and report any breaches or irregularities.
- Assist in resolving procurement-related partner/supplier disputes and ensure corrective measures are implemented.
- Coordinate with internal and external parties, including legal counsel, on contractual claims and warranty issues.
- Develop compliance monitoring tools and processes.
- Monitor evolving legal, tax, and regulatory environments across TMA’s countries of operation and advise on proactive compliance measures.
Taxation Compliance and Advisory (TMA & Subsidiaries)
- Monitor and assess tax risks across all countries where TMA operates.
- Provide day-to-day tax advisory to internal teams and clarify tax implications for operational transactions.
- Collaborate with the Corporate Finance team to maintain efficient tax compliance.
- Provide advice on contract structuring to optimise tax benefits and coordinate external tax advisory support where needed.
- Stay up to date with tax law amendments and ensure changes are implemented effectively.
- Respond to tax authority inquiries and oversee audits and tax health checks.
Other Responsibilities
- Uphold TMA’s core values and operate within organisational policies and procedures.
- Promote integrity and accountability by reporting any fraudulent or unethical activities.
- Adhere to risk management practices and help build a positive risk-aware culture.
- Take ownership of risk issues and work toward corrective actions.
- Complete all mandatory training in the stipulated timeframe.
- Share knowledge and support the continuous improvement of TMA’s legal, compliance and operational processes.
- Participate in knowledge sharing events and maintain records of best practices and lessons learned.
Ideal Candidate Profile
While this advert does not list educational qualifications or certifications explicitly, the full job description includes required competencies and experience. For full eligibility criteria, please refer to the detailed job description in the attached PDF.
Why Join TMA?
TMA offers a stimulating and inclusive environment, with opportunities to contribute to meaningful, large-scale development goals. The Legal and Compliance Manager will be part of a highly dedicated team that works across Africa to deliver transformative change through trade.
You will work on complex legal and compliance issues across multiple jurisdictions and engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while growing professionally in a reputable international organisation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to carefully read through the attached PDF for a comprehensive understanding of the position and responsibilities.
Apply Now
by submitting your application through the designated TMA application portal.
