About the Organization:

VisionFund Micro Finance Institution (S.C) is an Institution established according to proclamation No. 40/96 to provide financial services to the productive poor in the rural and urban areas of Ethiopia. VisionFund is currently operating in five of the Regional States of the country. VisionFund MFI is currently looking candidates for the position of Legal Advisory and Litigation Division Manager based at the head office. The successful candidates will have skills and experience that meet the following requirements:

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of Legal Services Department Director, Legal Advisory and Litigation Division Manager will be responsible to safeguard the institution from emerging legal issues by directing the handling of non-loan litigation cases and appearing in courts and arbitration tribunal;

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide legal advice to facilitate decision making to minimize liabilities; 

• Plans and controls the activity of attorney in the institution in their assignment in litigation processes,

• Accredit legal officers to provide independent legal advice (within the institution)

• Prepare and review the statements of claim, defense, other pleadings and memorandum the institution of appeal with respect to non-loan litigation. 

• Represent Vision Fund MFI in court and tribunal arbitrations for issues related to non-loan litigation; 

• Lead and seek injunction on non-loan properties before judgment when circumstance justify securing the execution of court decision;

• Respond to courts’ and arbitration tribunal’s order so as to be free from responsibility and sanction;

• Lead and follow up criminal cases entertained at court with respect to non-loan issues.

• Lead, review and conduct research on different legal issues to establish firm legal solution;

• Examine judgments, court and arbitration tribunal’s orders on non-loan litigation and propose the remedy to make branches comply with court decision;

• Recommend out of court settlements for some disputes with non-litigation issues;

• Maintain records of court adjournments, and make sure that assignments are completed in accordance with timely scheduled in order not to lose cases.

• Monitor new developments on laws, proclamations, regulations, orders, and advise the management and concerned organs of Vision Fund MFI the implications thereof; 

• Deliver trainings and awareness creation on legal issues to staff of the Vision Fund MFI;

Generic Duties    

• Develop and implement the annual plan and budget of the division;

• Engage in the development and review of directorate policy, procedure, guideline, and controls in line with laws and regulations applicable to the Vision Fund MFI business environment and risk profile and ensure such documents are communicating to all concerned staff;

• Coach and mentor employees within the division towards effective career development; 

• Evaluate the periodic performance of her/his subordinates;

• Demonstrate the Vision Fund MFI code of conduct, ascertain that subordinates abide by same and manage disciplinary concerns of the division staff;

• Provide the concerned organ with timely, relevant, accurate and complete required reports;

• Adhere to internal control system and risk management program of Vision Fund MFI, ensure that risks are identified assessed and mitigated within her/his domain;

• Implement timely corrective action on deficiencies and issues that have been raised or reported by the National Bank of Ethiopia, external and internal auditors, risk and compliance managers and other pertinent organs within her/his domain;   

• Cultivate working environment that celebrates success, and promotes teamwork, collaboration, and transparency within work unit;

• Handle additional assignments as directed by immediate supervisor. 

Job Requirements

• LLM/LLB degree in Law. 

• A minimum of 7/9 years of relevant work experience, out of which 2 years in a senior position.

• Demonstrated technical and managerial ability, sound judgement, and ability to interact and work effectively with others at all levels.

• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills. 

• Good knowledge of Legal research methods, the court system and procedures, legal ethics.

• Ability to interpret, analyse and solve problems.

• Ability to act in professional and ethical manner. 

• Special Training; Computer literate 

How to Apply

Candidates who fulfill the above requirements can send the application letter, updated curriculum vitae with names and addresses of up to 3 references and non-returnable copies of credentials to VFE_Vacancy@wvi.org or in person to VF MFI SC Head Office located Gerji Mebrat Haile infront of Mulmul Dabo or P.O.Box 31478

Women applicants are highly encouraged to apply!

Note: -   Only short listed candidates will be contacted for subsequent assessment