Position: Legal Officer
Employer: Coop Bank
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Tanzania
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Table of Contents

Job Description

Coop Bank is seeking a qualified Legal Officer to provide comprehensive legal support across the Bank. The role includes advisory services, contract management, litigation, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance support. The Legal Officer ensures the Bank operates within the law, safeguards its interests in transactions and disputes, and liaises effectively with regulators, external counsel, and courts.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory

Provide timely and accurate legal advice to management and departments on commercial, employment, operational, and regulatory matters.
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and internal policies affecting Bank operations.
Assist in drafting and reviewing internal policies, manuals, and procedures for legal compliance.

Contract Management

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, leases, MoUs, NDAs, and other legal instruments.
Ensure contracts protect the Bank’s interests, minimize risk, and are legally binding.
Maintain a contract register and manage renewals and terminations.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Handle litigation matters in liaison with external counsel.
Prepare legal documentation for courts, tribunals (including CMA), arbitrations, and other forums.
Represent the Bank in legal proceedings when required.

Regulatory Compliance

Monitor legal and regulatory changes and advise management on implications.
Ensure compliance with Bank of Tanzania (BOT) regulations, AML laws, tax legislation, and sector-specific laws.

Corporate Governance & Secretarial Support

Support Board and Committee meetings by preparing notices, minutes, resolutions, and filings.
Maintain statutory records, registers, and filings.
Assist the Head of Legal/Company Secretary on governance matters.

Legal Risk Management

Identify legal risks and recommend mitigation measures.
Support internal investigations and respond to legal queries from auditors or regulators.
Conduct internal legal audits and participate in compliance assessments.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized university.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice and admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania.
3–5 years post-qualification experience in legal practice or a corporate/legal role in financial institutions.
Strong knowledge of Tanzanian laws, including banking, employment, contracts, corporate, and regulatory compliance.
Experience liaising with regulators (BOT, TRA, BRELA) is an advantage.

Competencies & Skills