Legal Advisor

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

OMIG is seeking a seasoned legal advisor to join its Legal Team. The focus of the role is to provide legal advice to the business as part of a high-performance client centric team.

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

In addition to the minimum requirements set out below, this individual is innovative, enthusiastic and professional and acts with the utmost integrity, with high standards of quality, and performs well under pressure. The role reports to the OMIG Head of Legal and operates within the Old Mutual Legal framework established by the OML Head of Legal.

Key Result Areas

• Working within a team of legal professionals that provide legal advice, legal risk management and support and direction to Old Mutual Investment Group; strategic legal input into projects and delivery of Old Mutual Investment Group’s strategic imperatives; assesses and picks up on legal trends and patterns and makes recommendations to the business.
• Briefing and working with external and internal legal teams as required from time to time.
• Drafting and vetting of legal agreements and in particular investment management agreements, GMRAs, ISDAs and market funding agreement such as DMTNs and other note programmes.
• Understanding and staying informed of regulatory change, and where required, providing strategic steer to the business on how to influence and/or implement pending legislation.
• Conducting of high-quality legal research on applicable legislative frameworks, policies and laws in general; provision of legal opinions, memoranda and other legal documents.
• Interacting with the Compliance and Risk functions and assisting to manage, establish and embed a compliance culture in the business.
• Ensuring efficient management of contracts.
• Providing advice or consulting on issues pertaining to governance.
• Identifying and reporting on legal risks and provide legal solutions in mitigation thereof; partakes in actions related to legal risk management.
• Networking with or serving on industry bodies if required.
• A detailed understanding of the financial services regulatory regime is critical, particularly for investment managers.
• Conducting or participating in litigation if required.
• Provide legal advice and opinions regarding the investment activities within the Old Mutual Investment Group.
• Take a leading role in ensuring that our clients comply with FICA and broader AML requirements.
• Legal sign off on investment documentation.
• General / commercial legal advice and opinions.

Requirements: Skills, Qualifications and Experience required

• LLB or equivalent degree.
• Be admitted as an attorney or advocate.
• Have a minimum of 2-5 years (post qualification), relevant experience in in-house financial services legal department including a sound knowledge of legislation and regulatory directives/guidelines pertinent to the financial services industry.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to articulate well and communicate with stakeholders across all levels, particularly senior and executive management.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills with attention to detail, logical thought processes and sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information both from internal and external sources.

Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide clear, concise, and strategic solutions.
• Project Management: Experience in effectively managing legal projects, ensuring timely delivery of legal services, and coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to legal challenges within the financial services industry.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing legal and business environments, staying current with industry trends and adjusting legal strategies accordingly.
• Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiation techniques, particularly in the context of legal agreements and transactions.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior and executive management.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing professional development, staying abreast of legal and regulatory changes relevant to the financial services sector.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with legal technology tools and the ability to leverage them for efficient contract management and legal research.
• Cross-Cultural Awareness: Given the global nature of many financial transactions, an understanding of cross-cultural considerations in legal negotiations and advice.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align legal advice with the overall business strategy of OMIG and contribute to the achievement of strategic goals.
• Collaborative Team Player: Willingness to collaborate and share knowledge with other legal professionals and departments within the organisation.

Education

Bachelor Of Laws (LLB) (Required)

Closing Date

27 September 2024

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

Old Mutual Limited is pro-vaccination and encourages its workforce to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

All prospective employees are required to disclose their vaccination status as part of the recruitment process.

Please refer to the Old Mutual’s Covid-19 vaccination policy for further detail. Kindly note that Old Mutual reserves the right to reinstate the requirement to vaccinate at any point if it is of the view that it is imperative to do so.

About Us

Old Mutual is a premium African financial services organisation that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key market segments in 14 countries. The lines of business include Life and Savings, Property and Casualty, Asset Management and Banking and Lending.
We are rooted in our purpose of Championing Mutually Positive Futures Every Day and believe that a great customer experience is anchored in a great employee experience.