Job Summary
The Assistant Manager, Banking Legal Services (Banking & Finance – Francophone) will assist in providing legal advisory services, transaction structuring, contract drafting, and compliance oversight to support Afreximbank’s banking operations. The role involves negotiating legal documents, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations across Francophone jurisdictions.
The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in banking and finance law, structured trade finance, corporate lending, and cross-border transactions within an international legal environment.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory & Transaction Support
- Provide legal advice on banking, corporate finance, project finance, and sovereign lending transactions.
- Conduct legal due diligence on counterparties, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
- Draft and negotiate financing agreements, guarantees, syndicated loan agreements, and other transactional documents.
- Assist in structuring complex financial transactions in compliance with OHADA, African, and international legal frameworks.
- Review and analyze financial contracts, risk exposure, and enforceability of security structures.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with AML, Anti-Bribery, and Insider Trading laws.
- Monitor changes in banking regulations and legal frameworks across Francophone Africa.
- Advise on legal risks associated with trade finance, cross-border lending, and investment transactions.
- Collaborate with internal compliance teams to ensure adherence to corporate governance standards.
Dispute Resolution & Legal Documentation
- Assist in handling litigation, dispute resolution, and enforcement of loan agreements.
- Provide input on credit recovery, asset management, and default proceedings.
- Ensure timely execution of contracts and accuracy in legal documentation.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
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Education:
- Master’s degree in French Civil Law from a recognized university.
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Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of legal experience, with a focus on banking & finance law, structured trade finance, corporate lending, and project finance.
- Experience working within a financial institution, international law firm, or corporate legal environment.
- Strong knowledge of OHADA regulations, sovereign lending, and African financial markets.
- Proven ability to negotiate complex financing agreements and resolve legal disputes.
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Technical Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong drafting and contract negotiation skills.
- Familiarity with legal risk management, regulatory compliance, and financial governance.
- Ability to analyze legal frameworks affecting banking operations in Francophone Africa.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal risk management systems.
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Soft Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English (knowledge of Arabic or Portuguese is a plus).
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with high-level stakeholders.
- High attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and professionalism in handling legal matters.
- Ability to work independently and within cross-functional legal teams.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CVs to Afreximbank@robertwalters.com with the job title “Assistant Manager, Banking Legal Services (Banking & Finance – Francophone)” clearly stated in the email subject line for proper consideration.