Maersk, a global leader in logistics and integrated container shipping, is offering a compelling opportunity for experienced legal professionals to join its Eastern Africa regional team. The company is currently recruiting for the position of Eastern Africa Legal Manager, a critical role based in Nairobi, Kenya. This full-time position calls for a legal expert who can provide high-quality, pragmatic legal support to Maersk’s operations across the Eastern Africa region—covering Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and Somalia.
This is more than a traditional legal role; it is a strategic position that supports business operations, helps mitigate legal risk, ensures compliance, and contributes directly to Maersk’s growth in one of the most dynamic logistics markets in the world. The Eastern Africa Legal Manager will report directly to the Eastern Africa Area Legal Manager and collaborate closely with multiple departments, including commercial, procurement, and product teams.
Maersk is known for embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive working environment where individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives can thrive. The organization provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and is committed to hiring practices that comply with applicable legal standards. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available during the application and hiring processes, upon request.
If you are a seasoned legal professional with a passion for international commercial law and logistics, this opportunity could be your next career-defining move.
Job Title: Eastern Africa Legal Manager
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (00100)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Region Covered: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, Somalia
Reporting To: Eastern Africa Area Legal Manager
Key Responsibilities
The Eastern Africa Legal Manager will be expected to work proactively, independently, and collaboratively across Maersk’s logistics operations in the region. The core duties and responsibilities of this role include the following:
Contract Review and Negotiation
- Review, draft, negotiate, and amend contracts with both customers and suppliers, particularly those relating to Logistics & Services (L&S) including transportation, trucking, freight forwarding, warehousing, depots, and customs-related services.
- Ensure contracts reflect Maersk’s commercial objectives while remaining compliant with relevant local and international legal frameworks.
Risk Mitigation and Legal Advisory
- Proactively identify legal risks associated with ongoing or prospective business activities.
- Provide sound, practical, and commercially informed legal advice that balances legal risk with business needs.
- Monitor relevant legal developments across the Eastern Africa region and conduct legal research to support business decisions.
Contract Lifecycle Management
- Ensure timely contract reviews and manage legal obligations throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Develop and implement contract governance processes that align with Maersk’s policies and global legal standards.
Internal Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional teams including commercial, procurement, and product departments.
- Provide guidance to internal stakeholders to enhance their understanding of legal principles, risk management, and best practices in contracting.
Training and Knowledge Sharing
- Deliver regular legal and compliance training sessions to internal teams, focusing on contract law, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.
Strategic Legal Support
- Assist regional leadership with broader legal matters affecting the business, including regulatory issues, compliance programs, and dispute resolution.
- Contribute to global and regional legal initiatives and projects that advance Maersk’s legal and compliance frameworks.
Qualifications, Experience, and Required Skills
To excel in this role, candidates must demonstrate both legal expertise and commercial acumen. The following qualifications and competencies are required:
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree; a Master’s degree in law or a related discipline is considered an advantage.
- Admission to practice law in any jurisdiction within the Eastern Africa region.
Work Experience
- A minimum of six (6) years of post-qualification experience in a reputable law firm, multinational corporation, or both.
- Proven experience working with international commercial law and regional legal frameworks.
- Experience in logistics, transport, or supply chain sectors is preferred but not mandatory.
Technical and Legal Skills
- Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
- In-depth understanding of legal risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies.
- Ability to interpret complex legal documents and translate them into actionable business advice.
- Excellent legal research and analytical capabilities.
Soft Skills and Competencies
- Strategic mindset with a business-supportive approach to legal advisory.
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple demands and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
- High degree of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior.
Behavioral Competencies
- Strategic and business-supportive mindset that aligns legal advice with organizational goals.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving ability, especially under tight timelines.
- Resilience and urgency in execution to meet operational demands.
- Effective collaboration and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Integrity and professionalism in all legal and business dealings.
Why Join Maersk?
Working at Maersk means being part of a globally recognized leader in logistics and integrated transport solutions. The organization offers a dynamic and multicultural environment where individuals are encouraged to innovate, grow, and contribute meaningfully to global commerce.
This role provides a rare opportunity to shape legal practices across Eastern Africa in alignment with global standards. As part of a high-performing legal team, you will be exposed to a wide variety of legal matters—from complex international contracts to regulatory challenges in multiple jurisdictions.
What You Can Expect
- A stimulating work environment in a global, fast-paced organization
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- A diverse and inclusive culture that values and respects individual contributions
- Exposure to cutting-edge legal and business issues in the logistics sector
- A supportive legal team that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing
Maersk values the growth and well-being of its employees and ensures that every team member has the tools and resources needed to thrive in their role.
Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
Maersk is an equal opportunity employer. The company takes pride in fostering a workplace where differences are not only recognized but embraced. Maersk welcomes applicants regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
In addition, Maersk is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and recruitment process. If you require assistance or an accommodation to apply for this position, you may contact the Maersk team directly at: [email protected]
Conclusion
The Eastern Africa Legal Manager role at Maersk presents an exciting and career-defining opportunity for legal professionals who want to work at the forefront of international logistics and commerce. With its expansive regional coverage and exposure to complex legal issues, this role is ideal for lawyers who are both commercially savvy and committed to legal excellence.
If you are a qualified and motivated legal professional looking to make a significant impact in a global organization, consider applying for this exceptional role with Maersk today.
