Corporate Counsel
BasiGo
About BasiGo
BasiGo is an early-stage e-mobility start-up on a mission to transform public transportation in Africa by offering bus operators an affordable, sustainable electric alternative to diesel. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Corporate Counsel to join our team. In this role, you will provide critical legal support across various functions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while managing contractual and operational risks. Your contributions will play a vital role in supporting our growth and advancing our mission to revolutionize public transportation across Africa.
You might like this job if:
- You have a strong background in corporate and commercial law, with experience navigating regulatory frameworks in innovative industries like e-mobility or renewable energy.
- You excel in providing strategic legal advice to leadership, enabling informed decision-making and business growth.
- You are passionate about shaping legal frameworks in fast-growing industries and thrive in dynamic, entrepreneurial environments.
What You Will Do:
- Legal Strategy and Advisory
- Develop and execute legal strategies that align with BasiGo’s business objectives and support sustainable growth.
- Provide proactive legal counsel to the executive and leadership teams on key business issues, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
- Oversee corporate governance, ensuring the company complies with all statutory and regulatory requirements in current and new markets.
- Contract and Transaction Management
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including those related to partnerships, suppliers, leases and real-estate financing, and procurement.
- Lead due diligence processes for corporate transactions, such as fundraising, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions.
- Manage the company dataroom
- Establish and manage standardized contract management processes to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance
- Act as Legal representative in all meetings of the company’s Board of Directors and Shareholders, and maintain minutes.
- Work closely with BasiGo’s Executive team and external counsel to support corporate governance and shareholder relations.
- Ensure compliance with local and international legal frameworks, including labor laws, social laws, and environmental regulations across BasiGo markets.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments across BasiGo markets, providing timely guidance to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
- Risk Management
- Identify and assess legal risks across all areas of the business, developing strategies to mitigate and manage these risks effectively.
- Oversee the resolution of disputes, litigation, and investigations, representing BasiGo’s interests in negotiations and proceedings.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to foster a culture of compliance and ethical conduct across the organization.
- Team and External Counsel Management
- Build and lead a high-performing legal team, providing mentorship and fostering professional growth. Build the capacity of the BasiGo leadership to be able to address minor legal matters independently.
- Manage relationships with external counsel support in areas such as litigation, human resources, intellectual property, tax, and US/European considerations, ensuring quality and cost-efficiency in legal services.
- Oversee the legal department’s budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
Interested?
If the above sounds like an exciting role to you, please tell us why you believe you’re a good fit and we’ll be in touch.
Our ideal candidate would have:
- Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) with considerable knowledge of corporate law in other East African countries. Ideally candidate has admission to practice law in at least one BasiGo jurisdiction, ideally Kenya.
- A Master's degree in Law (LLM) or Business Administration (MBA) is a plus.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, with a proven track record in at least a Senior Associate position
- Experience working in Africa and/or emerging markets, particularly in industries like transportation, technology, or renewable energy.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing regulatory compliance, contracts, and cross-border transactions.
- Skills and Attitude:
- Strong understanding of legal frameworks applicable to innovative and fast-growing industries.
- Excellent negotiation and drafting skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Proven ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and actionable manner.
- Resilient and adaptable, thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
BasiGo is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees.