Legal Documentation Officer at Equity Bank Tanzania

Job description

Officer Legal (Securities & Documentation) is responsible for preparation, review, execution, and perfection of credit and security documentation to ensure that the Bank’s legal interests are adequately protected before and after the disbursement of credit facilities. The role ensures that all banking facilities, securities, contracts, leases, and related legal documents comply with approved credit terms, internal policies and procedures, applicable laws, Bank of Tanzania (BoT) prudential guidelines, and other relevant regulatory requirements. The role also provides legal advice to business units and management on banking operations, corporate governance, compliance, and legal risk mitigation. Additionally, the position supports team performance through supervision, coaching, and collaboration with internal stakeholders, external lawyers, branches, and relevant authorities to ensure timely completion of securities perfection and effective management of legal risks. Main Duties And ResponsibilitiesSecurities Perfection and Documentation Management Oversee the preparation, review, execution, and perfection of securities to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and protection of the Bank’s legal interests. Review credit sanctions and approved credit applications to ensure that all credit-related documentation conforms to approved terms and conditions before disbursement. Prepare and review banking facilities letters and related security documentation, including mortgage deeds, conveyance and transfer documents, corporate guarantees, debentures, agreements, contracts, and affidavits. Ensure that all relevant terms and conditions stipulated by Business, Credit, Legal, and other stakeholders are accurately incorporated into the documentation. Prepare and review comprehensive instructions and briefs to external lawyers for drafting, execution, registration, and perfection of security documents. Review corporate constitutional documents, including Memorandum and Articles of Association, to confirm the legal capacity and authority of borrowers to enter into banking transactions. Issue securities compliance certificates upon confirmation that the applicable documentation and security requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled. Monitor securities perfection processes by liaising with branches, external lawyers, registries, and other service providers to ensure timely registration and appropriate notation of the Bank’s interests. Ensure that all required securities are perfected and that the Bank’s interests are adequately protected before credit disbursement, in accordance with approved terms and applicable procedures. Legal Advisory and Contract Management Review and advise on contracts, leases, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), agency agreements, merchant agreements, and other legal documents submitted to the Legal Department. Provide timely legal advice to business units and management on matters relating to banking laws, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, contractual obligations, and applicable legal frameworks. Identify potential legal risks arising from banking transactions, contracts, and business operations, and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. Ensure that agreements and contracts are legally sound, commercially appropriate, and aligned with the Bank’s policies, risk appetite, and business objectives. Support the Head of Legal and Senior Manager in managing legal matters affecting the Bank’s operations and sustainability. Maintain effective relationships with external legal counsel, regulators, government authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management Ensure compliance with the Bank’s internal policies, procedures, delegated authorities, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Ensure adherence to Bank of Tanzania prudential guidelines, relevant local laws and by-laws, and other applicable banking regulations. Apply appropriate knowledge of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and related compliance requirements when reviewing relevant transactions and documentation. Identify, assess, escalate, and mitigate legal and documentation risks that may expose the Bank to financial loss, regulatory sanctions, litigation, or reputational damage. Ensure proper maintenance, tracking, and safekeeping of legal documentation and records in accordance with established procedures. Support internal and external audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance assessments by providing accurate and timely documentation and information. Reporting, Reconciliation, and Administration Prepare and submit weekly securities perfection and contract status reports, highlighting outstanding documentation, pending registrations, bottlenecks, and required corrective actions. Maintain an up-to-date tracking system for credit documentation, security perfection, contracts, leases, and other legal assignments. Monitor outstanding perfection requirements and follow up with branches, external lawyers, and other service providers until completion. Manage and monitor legal fees and other costs associated with conveyancing, contracts, leases, and external legal services to promote cost efficiency. Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of relevant legal fees, expenses, and related accounts, as applicable. Submit Key Performance Scorecard (KPS) reports, self-appraisals, and performance objectives within the prescribed timelines. Ensure proper leave planning and utilization in accordance with the Bank’s leave management requirements. QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university. Postgraduate Diploma in Law or relevant professional legal qualification will be an added advantage. Admission to practice as an advocate in Tanzania, where required for the scope of duties, will be an added advantage. Experience At least three (3) years of relevant working experience in the banking industry, legal practice, or a related legal function. Experience working in a reputable law firm will be an added advantage. Practical experience in banking law, corporate law, conveyancing, securities documentation, and contract management. Experience in reviewing credit documentation, preparing banking facility letters, and coordinating securities registration and perfection. Experience in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and legal risk management within a banking or financial services environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies Strong understanding of banking laws, corporate law, and applicable regulatory requirements. Knowledge of Bank of Tanzania prudential guidelines and relevant local laws and by-laws. Understanding of AML, KYC, and related regulatory compliance requirements. Proficiency in preparing and reviewing security documentation, including mortgages, guarantees, debentures, and other collateral documents. Knowledge of conveyancing procedures, property registration, and securities perfection processes. Ability to review corporate constitutional documents and assess corporate capacity and authority. Strong contract drafting, document review, and legal advisory skills. Basic computer literacy and proficiency in standard office applications. Good understanding of legal risk assessment, documentation controls, and records management. OrganizationCredit Employment TypeRegular Job LevelEntry Level Job ShiftDay Job Job PostingNov 5, 2026, 11:18:45 AM