Duties and Responsibilities:

Corporate Governance:

1. I developed Group Corporate Governance Framework, Board Charters and key Corporate Governance policies (such as Conflict of Interest Policy, Whistle Blowing Policy, Confidentiality Policy, Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, Data Protection Policy etc.) that are currently guiding Group operations.
   
   
2. I assisted in the development of a Corporate Governance Strategy for all the subsidiaries across Africa and developed a roadmap for the implementation of key strategic initiatives on an annual basis. I am currently responsible for tracking and reporting to the Board.

3. I work closely with the ESGI Department in embedding ESG initiatives, identifying and managing ESG risks and gaps, and most importantly measuring the Group’s impact. I am currently part of a team that is working on publishing the first Sustainability Report. My specific role is to handle the Governance aspect of ESG and to assist in measuring the Group’s level of compliance.

4. I assist and coordinate Governance Audit and Board Evaluation exercises across all subsidiaries in Africa, identify key gaps in each subsidiary, come up with recommendations, and work with key stakeholders within the Group to ensure implementation. I also report to the Audit Committee the implementation status.  

5. I provide advisory services to the Board and Managers on Corporate Governance issues in the microfinance and banking sector.

6. I assist in the regular review of governance processes including analyzing existing processes, recommending and implementing changes, and documenting new processes and procedures to support compliance, continuous improvement, and innovative best practice in governance.

7. It is my role to stay abreast of market best practices to ensure the Group’s governance practices and principles remain relevant and up-to-date.

8. It is my role to work with Directors and study market trends to identify training gaps and come up with a training program for the year. I also facilitate training and plenaries, especially on issues revolving around Corporate Governance.

9. I provide support in implementing key strategic projects such as business setups in different jurisdictions. My role in this regard is to ensure that the respective subsidiary complies with Corporate Governance requirements in the intended country of operation.

10. It is my role to periodically review the organizational structure of the Group and the relationship between the Group and subsidiaries; review and update the Authority Levels Matrix together with Terms of Reference for Board and Management Committees.

Company Secretary:

1. I provide company secretarial services to 13 subsidiaries across Africa, including assistance with scheduling meetings, preparing draft agendas, liaising with Heads of Departments as well as preparing and disseminating Board and Committee materials.

2. I take minutes for 13 companies, tracking and closing action items flowing from Board and Committee meetings to ensure they are timely addressed. This includes drafting written resolutions necessary for the operation of the Group.

3. I prepare and/or review internal and external documentation regarding the Group’s organizational structure, director, and officer information, and related matters.

4. I provide all Boards across Africa with advisory services regarding laws and regulations affecting the micro-lending/microfinance industry in general and respond to queries relating to current and future legislation.

5. I assist in managing and ensuring a close working relationship between Executives, Boards, Chairs, and committee members and also act as the first point of contact.

6. I assist in the development and maintenance of key Board policies such as Board Charters, Committee Charters, Annual Board Work Plans, Skills Matrix, and other related policies.

7. I organize and coordinate various training activities across the Group, especially around corporate governance, data protection, consumer protection, anti-money laundering, and fiduciary duties requirements across Africa.

8. I ensure that necessary returns are filed with relevant registrars across Africa and that all subsidiaries comply with Companies Acts in their respective jurisdictions. 

Legal and Compliance: 

1. I assist in drafting, vetting, and negotiating legal documents including but not limited to agreements, term sheets, MOUs, License Agreements, Lease Deeds, Memorandum of Understanding, Guarantees, Power of Attorney, Affidavits, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, Service Level Agreements, etc. and maintenance of its repository.

2. I support and advise the Group’s Treasury Department in the negotiation, drafting and reviewing of documentation to effect the Group (and subsidiary) borrowings in the international capital and money markets.

3. I provide support to the ICT Department in negotiating, drafting and reviewing IT related contracts such as Software as a Service Agreements, License Agreements, Software Purchase Agreements etc.

4. I assist in the preparation and maintenance of a Group Compliance Register where we have identified all the key legislation that regulate all the subsidiaries across Africa and track their compliance.

5. I assist in the provision of legal advice and assist Managers on all matters of finance, investments and reporting obligations to internal and external authorities.

6. I collaborate with the Internal Audit Department; and Risk and Compliance Department in ensuring all audit issues and identified Group risks are addressed and closed.
   
   
7. I assist in the review and giving comments on new legislation affecting the operations of the Group across Africa. For example, I assisted in providing feedback on the draft regulations on digital lenders and non-deposit taking microfinance in Kenya.