Principal Counsel, Africa Legal

Overview

This role is responsible for 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 enabling continued growth in complex and evolving regulatory environments.

You will independently lead Africa Legal & Compliance operations and strategy while serving as an integral member of the broader Legal Team. The role also requires close collaboration with Africa leadership (Heads of People and Finance and Country Directors), with dotted reporting line to Africa’s CEO, and cross-functional work with 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 meaningful autonomy to build and shape 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, focusing on sustainable, practical operations that support rapid growth
• Lead day-to-day compliance workstreams covering:
  • Sanctions
  • Anti-bribery and anti-corruption
  • Privacy
  • Healthcare
  • Employment
  • 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
• 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

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Act as a senior legal advisor to business leaders, providing pragmatic, risk-calibrated guidance
• Build relationships across the organization and help foster a durable “culture of compliance” where teams understand expectations and raise issues early
• Help shape long-term legal and regulatory strategy in Africa while balancing compliance rigor with innovation and speed

Requirements

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

Compensation & Benefits

Equal opportunity employer. Prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or company policies.

Location

Africa with travel up to 25% to Africa and San Francisco headquarters.