Africa Senior Legal Counsel

Overview

A leading autonomous logistics organization is seeking a senior, strategic, and adaptable lawyer to lead and scale legal and compliance efforts across Africa. This role combines compliance execution, regulatory strategy, and public-sector partnership to support growth in complex regulatory environments.

The position is a hands-on leadership role within a lean, high-impact Legal Team, responsible for operating and evolving global compliance programs in Africa, including administration of U.S. government awards.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, scale, and continuously improve legal and compliance programs across Africa, focusing on sustainable operations that support rapid growth
• Manage compliance with U.S. government award requirements, including FARs and 2 CFR 200, serving as a primary contact for U.S. government contracting officers
• Lead day-to-day compliance workstreams covering sanctions, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, privacy, healthcare, employment, and product-related regulations
• Support internal investigations, audits, and risk assessments in partnership with People, Finance, and senior leadership
• Manage litigation and disputes across African markets
• Translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for business and technical teams
• Collaborate with public affairs, policy, and operations teams to align legal, compliance, and government relations strategies
• Monitor and assess regulatory and policy developments across relevant African jurisdictions, advising leadership on emerging risks and opportunities
• Help shape long-term legal and regulatory strategy in Africa, balancing compliance rigor with innovation and speed
• Act as a senior legal advisor to business leaders, providing pragmatic, risk-calibrated guidance
• Build strong relationships across the organization to foster a culture of compliance
• Support commercial negotiation, contracting, and procurement processes

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required
• Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state or international bar
• 7–10 years of relevant legal experience, including experience at a reputable law firm and/or in-house
• Experience advising or engaging with government entities, regulators, or public-sector stakeholders, ideally in international or emerging-market contexts
• Strong judgment and confidence to make independent decisions with appropriate escalation
• Ability to break down complex legal and regulatory problems into clear priorities and practical solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including advising senior stakeholders
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to Africa, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in compliance, government contracting, or regulated industries

Compensation & Benefits

Details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided during the recruitment process.

Location

This role involves travel primarily to Africa, with occasional travel to San Francisco and Washington, D.C.