About Company
Equity Bank Rwanda Plc is a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc, a leading financial services group in East and Central Africa. Since its establishment in Rwanda, Equity Bank has been dedicated to transforming lives and livelihoods through innovative financial solutions. With a robust network of branches and digital platforms across the country, including a significant presence in rural areas like Gakenke, the bank is committed to fostering economic growth and financial inclusion. Equity Bank Rwanda prides itself on its customer-centric approach, leveraging technology to offer a wide range of products and services, including retail banking, SME banking, corporate banking, and mobile banking. Our core values of professionalism, integrity, and social responsibility drive our operations and engagement with communities, ensuring we contribute positively to Rwanda’s development agenda. We believe in empowering our employees and providing an environment that fosters continuous learning, professional growth, and impactful contributions to our collective success.
Job Description
Equity Bank Rwanda Plc is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Legal Operations Manager to join our dynamic team in Gakenke. This pivotal role will be instrumental in optimizing the efficiency, effectiveness, and strategic alignment of our legal department’s operations across our Northern Province branches and related activities. The Senior Legal Operations Manager will not just manage, but also innovate and lead the transformation of how legal services are delivered and consumed within the bank. This position requires a proactive leader with a deep understanding of legal processes, technological solutions, and change management principles, particularly within the financial services sector. You will be responsible for streamlining workflows, implementing cutting-edge legal tech solutions, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks unique to the Rwandan context. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of legal services delivery in a rapidly evolving financial institution committed to serving all segments of the Rwandan population. You will act as a key liaison between the legal department and other business units, ensuring seamless integration of legal advice and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess an analytical mind, exceptional project management skills, and a proven track record in driving operational excellence within a legal function. Join us in our mission to champion the socio-economic prosperity of the people of Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal department's operations.
- Manage the legal department's budget, forecasting, and financial performance, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
- Evaluate, select, and implement legal technology solutions (e.g., e-billing, contract management systems, litigation support tools) to improve workflow and data analytics.
- Oversee vendor management for external legal services, including selection, performance monitoring, and fee negotiation.
- Design, optimize, and standardize legal processes and workflows to reduce turnaround times and improve service delivery.
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the productivity, quality, and impact of legal operations.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and best practices in legal operations, particularly those relevant to the Rwandan financial sector.
- Lead change management initiatives related to legal operations, fostering adoption of new tools and processes within the legal team and relevant business units.
- Act as a liaison between the legal department and other departments (e.g., IT, Finance, HR, Operations) to ensure alignment and effective collaboration.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of legal training and awareness programs for bank staff in the region.
- Manage legal data and information systems to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and security.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in legal operations, project management, or a similar role within a corporate legal department or law firm.
- Strong understanding of legal technology, legal processes, and best practices in legal service delivery.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial performance.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in English and Kinyarwanda, both written and spoken.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with the Rwandan legal and regulatory landscape, especially in financial services.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Law, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
- Certification in Legal Project Management (LPM) or Legal Operations (e.g., CLOC).
- Experience with data analytics and reporting tools.
- Knowledge of specific legal tech platforms (e.g., contract lifecycle management, e-discovery).
- Previous experience working in a regulated industry, particularly banking or financial services.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage.
- Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
- Contribution to a provident fund/pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave policies.
- Employee wellness programs.
- Opportunity to work with a leading financial institution dedicated to social impact and community development in Rwanda.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant experience in legal operations, your understanding of the Rwandan legal landscape, and why you are the ideal candidate for this role at Equity Bank Rwanda Plc. We look forward to reviewing your application.