NAIROBI, Kenya – The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) has opened applications for the position of Legal Officer, offering experienced legal professionals an opportunity to support the organization’s legal and compliance function while contributing to sustainable development initiatives across Africa.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and applications will close on 20 July 2026. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Legal & Company Secretary and play a key role in providing strategic legal advice, managing complex contractual arrangements, and ensuring regulatory compliance across AECF’s operations.
About AECF
The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a leading development institution that supports early-stage and growth-oriented businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa through innovative financing.
Since its establishment in 2008, AECF has:
- Invested more than US$300 million in over 510 businesses.
- Impacted more than 33 million lives across Africa.
- Helped create over 35,000 jobs.
- Leveraged more than US$838 million in matching investments.
The organization focuses its investments in key sectors including:
- Agribusiness
- Renewable energy
- Climate-smart technologies
AECF is headquartered in Kenya and operates regional offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Somalia.
Legal Officer Role
AECF is seeking a highly qualified legal professional to provide legal advisory services that support the organization’s operations, governance, investments, and compliance activities.
The Legal Officer will work closely with internal teams to ensure legal risks are effectively managed while supporting cross-border operations and maintaining compliance with donor requirements and applicable laws.
The role also contributes to strengthening organizational legal capacity through training, contract management, and strategic legal guidance.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake a broad range of legal and compliance responsibilities, including:
Legal Advisory and Contract Management
Responsibilities include:
- Providing legal advice to AECF and its stakeholders on a wide range of legal matters.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex legal agreements.
- Preparing loan funding agreements and collateral documentation.
- Negotiating donor funding agreements.
- Drafting downstream partner, consultancy, and service provider contracts.
- Supporting investment and portfolio teams with legal documentation.
- Reviewing legal information memoranda and transaction documents.
Compliance and Governance
The Legal Officer will also support organizational compliance by:
- Managing AECF’s country registrations.
- Providing legal advice on governance and operational documentation.
- Monitoring legal and regulatory developments across countries where AECF operates.
- Identifying cross-border compliance risks.
- Developing strategies to mitigate regulatory and legal risks.
- Advising project teams on donor compliance obligations and regulatory requirements.
Capacity Building and Operational Support
In addition to legal advisory responsibilities, the successful candidate will:
- Build legal awareness across AECF teams.
- Organize project start-up and close-out workshops.
- Train investees and project staff on contractual obligations and donor compliance.
- Conduct legal assessments and provide legal interpretations for operational matters.
- Represent the legal function in day-to-day organizational activities.
Qualifications and Experience
AECF is seeking candidates with strong commercial legal experience gained within international organizations, financial institutions, or cross-border legal practice.
Applicants should possess:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
- A Postgraduate Diploma in Law or Legal Practice Certificate.
- At least five years of experience providing legal advisory services.
- Experience working in the commercial department of an internationally recognized law firm, international organization, or financial institution.
- Proven expertise handling complex legal documentation, investments, and credit transactions.
- Experience making risk-based legal decisions in dynamic operating environments.
- Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- High levels of integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.
- The ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships.
Ideal Candidate Profile
AECF is looking for a legal professional who combines technical legal expertise with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong commercial legal knowledge.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to prioritize competing assignments.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Creativity in solving complex legal challenges.
- Commitment to ethical conduct and compliance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
AECF states that it is committed to equal employment opportunities and considers all qualified applicants solely on merit, regardless of race, gender, colour, religion, disability, age, nationality, or any other legally protected characteristic.
The organization also emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during any stage of its recruitment process, including applications, interviews, assessments, processing, or training.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the stated qualifications are invited to submit their applications through AECF’s online recruitment portal.
Applications must be received no later than 20 July 2026.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Job Summary
| Position | Legal Officer |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) |
| Duty Station | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Reports To | Head of Legal & Company Secretary |
| Employment Category | Legal and Compliance |
| Minimum Experience | 5 Years |
| Education | Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Postgraduate Diploma in Law |
| Application Deadline | 20 July 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
The Legal Officer position presents an opportunity for experienced legal professionals to contribute to a leading African development institution that supports private sector growth, investment, and sustainable economic development while ensuring strong legal governance and compliance across multiple countries.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
