Principal Counsel, Africa Legal

Overview

This role involves leading and scaling legal and compliance across multiple countries of operation in Africa. The position sits at the intersection of compliance execution and regulatory strategy and is critical to supporting continued growth in complex and evolving regulatory environments.

You will independently lead all Africa Legal & Compliance operations and strategy while serving as an integral member of the organization’s global Legal Team. The role also includes participation in the Africa Leadership Team, collaborating with the Heads of People and Finance and Country Directors, and includes a dotted reporting line to Africa’s CEO. Cross-functional partners include Operations, Policy, Government Affairs, People, Finance, and Engineering. You will report directly to the Deputy General Counsel.

This is a hands-on leadership role with significant autonomy, including building and shaping the Legal function, supported by collaboration with a larger global legal team.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, scale, and continuously improve legal and compliance programs across Africa, with a focus on sustainable, practical operations that support rapid growth
• 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 the organization’s African markets
• Translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for business and technical teams
• Own compliance with U.S. government award requirements, including FARs and 2 CFR 200, and serve as a primary point of contact for U.S. government contracting officers (including at the U.S. Department of State)
• Monitor and assess regulatory and policy developments across relevant African jurisdictions and advise leadership on emerging risks and opportunities

Requirements

• Willingness to dive deep into unfamiliar issues and operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-environments
• Strong judgment and confidence to make independent decisions, with the discernment to escalate when appropriate
• Experience advising on legal and compliance matters, preferably in international or emerging-market environments
• Ability to break down complex legal and regulatory problems into clear priorities and practical solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to advise senior stakeholders
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset and strong organizational skills
• Willingness to travel up to :25% to Africa and San Francisco headquarters

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading legal and compliance operations and strategy across multiple jurisdictions
• Familiarity with cross-border legal risk areas including export controls, sanctions, and anti-corruption

Compensation & Benefits

• Not specified in the provided description.

Location

• Africa (multi-country role)
• Travel up to :25% to Africa and San Francisco headquarters