Legal Counsel // Commercial

About this job
JUMO builds the technology that helps banks and mobile network operators offer savings and loans to millions of people across emerging markets. Our deals are cross-border, fast-moving and often first of their kind. We’re looking for a commercial lawyer who enjoys getting deals done and wants real ownership of them. As Legal Counsel // Commercial, you’ll work closely with our partnerships and funding teams and report to the Head of Legal // Commercial.

We’re a small, close-knit legal team. We collaborate closely, share knowledge and back each other up. We care about getting things done well, not about titles: high on output, low on ego.

You will

• Lead deals with mobile network operators, banks and funders, from the first term sheet to signature.
• Draft and negotiate the agreements that underpin our business: partnership and platform agreements, banking-as-a-service and funding structures, MOUs, NDAs and supplier contracts.
• Sit across the table from counterparties and their lawyers, and find the solution that works for both sides.
• Build templates and playbooks so that our next deal is faster than the last.
• Help us launch in new markets by working out what local law and regulation means for our products, and bring in external counsel where it adds value.

You will need

• An LLB or equivalent, and admission to practise.
• A minimum of 5 - 7 years’ commercial legal experience, at a law firm, in-house, or both.
• A background in financial services, fintech or telecoms.
• Experience working across borders, ideally in Africa or other emerging markets.
• Strong drafting skills: we do most of our work ourselves.
• Confidence running negotiations on your own.
• A commercial instinct: you understand what the business is trying to achieve and are able to help it get there.
• A pragmatic approach to risk: you’re comfortable taking sensible, well-judged risks to get deals done, and you know when to hold the line.
• Clear, straightforward communication, in writing and in person.
• To be comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• A curiosity about how technology, including AI, can make legal work faster and better.

Bonus if you have

• Lending, banking partnerships or mobile money experience.
• Intellectual property experience.

We ask a lot of each other at JUMO, but we give a lot too.

You will love

• Collaborating with smart, engaging people in an inspiring work environment.
• Working for impact.
• Growing and learning continuously, with loads of encouragement and support.
• Boldly taking risks as we navigate new challenges.
• Flexible work practices enabling your best delivery.
• Being autonomous and empowered to lead.

Remote First
You will be based in South Africa. We operate a remote first working approach where working remotely is our default way of working. We have co-working spaces available in Cape Town for collaboration and connection and for the use of those who value and want to work out of an office. You have flexibility where to work from, as long as you have access to a reliable connection and are set up to work remotely.

Diversity and Inclusion
At JUMO, we firmly believe that diversity strengthens our teams. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive recruitment process that cultivates an environment where all individuals can be authentic, collaborate, and thrive.