Are you a seasoned legal professional with a passion for asset management and governance? Do you possess strong knowledge of legal risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance in the financial services sector? If so, Old Mutual invites you to consider a dynamic opportunity as a Legal and Governance Advisor – Asset Management. Based in Nairobi, this role offers an exceptional chance to contribute to a leading pan-African financial services group committed to creating long-term value for its clients, employees, and the wider African economy.
At Old Mutual, our purpose is clear: to champion mutually positive futures every day. We believe in the potential of Africa and are building a business that reflects this belief. Join us and help shape Africa’s story through sound legal advisory and governance leadership in asset management.
About Old Mutual
Old Mutual is a premium African financial services group with a rich heritage of over 175 years. Our footprint spans multiple countries across the continent, offering investment, savings, insurance, and banking services. Our team is built on integrity, innovation, and inclusivity—traits we believe are key to delivering exceptional outcomes. As part of the broader Old Mutual Group, our asset management division is responsible for delivering competitive returns and safeguarding investments for a wide array of clients. Legal compliance, corporate governance, and strong stakeholder engagement are central to our operations.
Position: Legal and Governance Advisor – Asset Management
Location: Nairobi
Job Requisition ID: JR-63775
Application Deadline: 09 July 2025, 23:59
Job Overview
Reporting directly to the Regional Legal Counsel, the Legal and Governance Advisor plays a pivotal role in providing high-level legal advisory and corporate governance services within Old Mutual’s asset management operations. This position is suitable for a highly skilled legal practitioner with demonstrated experience in investment advisory, M&A, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical thinking, legal acumen, and a deep understanding of the financial services industry, particularly asset management. The role requires frequent engagement with internal teams, external legal counsel, vendors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Legal Advisory
- Offer timely, concise, and practical legal advisory support to the asset management business.
- Provide transaction-specific advisory for investment deals and asset management projects.
- Participate in mergers and acquisitions processes with a focus on legal execution and due diligence.
- Conduct legal reviews and monitor trends in the financial services sector to manage legal risks effectively.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements across departments, ensuring all terms are compliant with legal standards and risk management policies.
- Support corporate and debt financing arrangements with appropriate legal advisory services.
- Oversee the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including registration and monitoring.
2. Risk Management
- Identify legal risks across business operations and develop actionable mitigation strategies.
- Monitor adherence to the company’s legal risk management policy.
- Collaborate with internal departments to establish and maintain a robust legal risk control framework.
3. Compliance
- Keep abreast of developments in capital markets laws, asset management regulations, and relevant international and local statutes.
- Update business units regularly on applicable regulatory changes and their implications through advisory reports.
- Manage the regulatory compliance tracker and lead the implementation of compliance protocols.
- Develop and facilitate legal awareness training sessions for employees to enhance legal literacy.
4. Dispute Resolution
- Handle legal disputes internally and coordinate with external legal counsel as necessary.
- Represent the organization during litigation and arbitration processes.
- Support the negotiation and settlement of legal claims and contractual disagreements.
5. Corporate Governance and Stakeholder Management
- Provide regulatory engagement support and assist with license and permit requirements relevant to asset management.
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards by maintaining accurate corporate records.
- Deliver company secretarial services including preparation of Board meeting materials, drafting of minutes, and coordination of Board evaluations and inductions.
- Participate in Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings as required.
6. Collaboration and Internal Communication
- Serve as the key legal liaison across various business units to ensure alignment between legal advisory and business objectives.
- Maintain effective Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for turnaround times and quality delivery of legal services.
- Partner with external legal service providers to enhance capacity and efficiency.
- Promote open communication channels with internal clients and offer legal advisory that is aligned with operational goals.
Additional Responsibilities
- Manage assigned legal casework programs efficiently.
- Provide detailed legal advice on the application of internal policies, addressing legal queries from different departments.
- Prepare comprehensive legal documents, special reports, and summaries tailored for internal and external stakeholders.
- Deliver best-in-class support on both internal and external communication systems from a legal compliance standpoint.
- Support business leaders in interpreting complex legal issues, setting precedents, and driving informed decisions.
- Continuously analyze and interpret legal data, drawing relevant conclusions for solution development.
- Assist in policy development and contribute to implementation within a defined legal framework.
- Build and maintain strong internal client relationships through high-quality service delivery.
- Participate in professional development activities, including legal education and technology awareness initiatives.
Core Skills and Competencies Required
- Technical expertise in asset management and investment transactions.
- Strong understanding and hands-on experience with mergers and acquisitions.
- High level of business and legal acumen.
- Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Time management and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal skills and team-oriented mindset.
- High accountability and self-drive to deliver results.
- Strategic thinking and ability to manage complex legal matters.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational, and document handling skills.
Skills Proficiency Areas
- Legal practices and drafting of legal opinions
- Action planning and execution
- Solution analysis and presentation
- Professional writing and documentation
- Oral communications and negotiations
- Evaluation of legal information and data compilation
- Legal policy and procedure interpretation
- Presenting solutions to varied stakeholders
- Internal and external client relationship management
Education and Experience Requirements
- A Bachelor of Laws degree from an accredited university.
- Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with at least 5 years of post-admission experience.
- Practical experience in the financial services sector, with emphasis on asset management and investments, is highly preferred.
- Certification as a Company Secretary (ICPSK membership) is an added advantage.
- Familiarity with governance, regulatory frameworks, and legal practices in capital markets and investment operations.
Why Join Old Mutual?
Old Mutual offers a purpose-driven work environment that values integrity, excellence, and diversity. Our teams are empowered to deliver impactful solutions that benefit our customers, partners, and communities. As part of our legal team, you will gain access to exciting, high-value transactions, be involved in shaping governance processes, and work with thought leaders across Africa’s financial ecosystem.
This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to help build a better, well-governed financial services future across the continent.
Closing Date for Applications: 09 July 2025, 23:59
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official Old Mutual careers portal.
