Job Summary
The Associate, Legal supports FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi) investment and operational activities by delivering high-quality legal analysis and advisory. The role ensures transactions, partnerships, and institutional arrangements are robust, compliant, and effectively structured. Working closely with the Principal, Legal, the role contributes to safeguarding the organisation’s legal and regulatory position while enabling investment decisions and portfolio activities to align with applicable laws, financial regulations, and internal policies.
Operating across FSDAi and, where required, FSD Africa, the role ensures legal considerations are effectively integrated throughout the investment lifecycle, including due diligence, transaction structuring, and documentation. By supporting the management of legal risks, strengthening governance arrangements, and enabling clear coordination with internal teams and external counsel, the Associate contributes to consistent, efficient, and well-governed execution of both investment and grant-related activities.
- Reports directly to – Principal Legal
- Contract Type – Full-time, Permanent
Qualifications and Education
- Master’s degree (LLM) with 3 years’ of experience or bachelor’s degree (LLB) and 4 years’ of experience.
- Relevant post-graduate qualification in Law with a practising certificate.
- Excellent skills in written and spoken English.
Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills
- Experience in corporate, finance, investment, or commercial law, preferably within a law firm, financial institution, development finance institution, or investment organisation.
- Working knowledge of investment transactions, including exposure to legal due diligence and contract drafting.
- Experience supporting the drafting and review of investment agreements, commercial contracts, or financing arrangements, including contribution to negotiation processes
- Ability to collaborate effectively with investment teams, external legal counsel, and internal stakeholders during transaction processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver work within agreed timelines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.
Desirable
- Experience working in an international or multicultural environment.
- Exposure to development finance institutions, impact investment platforms, or donor-funded programmes.
- Knowledge of ESG or sustainable finance considerations in investment transactions.
- Familiarity with corporate and commercial legal frameworks relevant to cross-border transactions in Africa
- Understanding of development finance principles and the role of legal frameworks in enabling responsible investment
- Languages: French, local African languages
Important
Please follow the application link to view the full job description and submit your application directly via the FSD Africa website.
Application Deadline: Thursday 16 April 2026, 5:00PM EAT.
