Background Information

The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) Plc is Rwanda’s only National Development Bank mandated to support Rwanda’s Vision 2050 development agenda. Over the past five years, the bank has registered exponential growth contributing to socio-economic development, strengthening institutional and human capacity, fostering corporate governance and risk management practices.

The Bank is implementing the revised strategic plan for 2024-2028 which is appropriately aligned to the country’s strategic direction enabling the Bank to unlock better value creation for its stakeholders by supporting entrepreneurs, addressing market failures, and impactful socioeconomic development.

To deliver on its bold vision and impactful objectives, the Bank’s expanded and refocused mandate is underpinned on four strategic focus areas:

• Availing transformational finance.
• Increasing green financing for a resilient future.
• Driving scale and impact.
• Fostering innovation and technology.

To achieve its strategic mandate, BRD recognizes the importance of strengthening its human and institutional capital to drive sustainable development and ensure the Bank remains a center of excellence in the financial sector.

BRD is committed to respecting gender equality and disability norms. We promote gender-responsive practices. Qualified candidates particularly females and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To help accomplish this ambitious and exciting vision, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) would like to recruit suitable qualified candidates to fill the following positions:

Legal Counsel, Transactions (1)

1. Background Information

Job Title: Legal Counsel, Transactions

Current Grade: JG G- Officer

Department: Legal Department

Reports to: Manager, Legal Transactions

Direct Report: N/A

Indirect Reports: N/A

2. Contract Terms - Open Ended

3. Purpose of the Job

The purpose of the job is to support the office of the Director of Legal Affairs in all contractual tasks related to concluding a business matter the Bank is involved in and provide general legal advisory services.

4. Main Responsibilities of the Job

Duties and responsibilities shall include but are not limited to:

• Preparation of a variety of legal documentation including transaction documentation designed to protect the interests of the Bank as a lender, borrower, co-lender, service user, or various suppliers.
• Negotiation of legal documents with the Bank’s legal counterparties and under the guidance of Management and in line with guiding documents and principles of the project and BRD Policies.
• Providing legal advice to Management and Staff in all areas relating to the Project activities and advising on solutions to legal problems, constraints, risks, options, consequences, and approaches.
• Reviewing legal documentation prepared for the Bank or arising from the work of the Bank on the Project.
• Providing an advisory opinion on the project implementation.
• Representing the Bank internally and externally in negotiation, disputes, consultations, and other proceedings that require legal representation.
• Participation in legal aspects of the Project and its lending operations including loan administration.
• Conducting proper and timely legal due diligence on all projects to be financed by BRD and submitting the Legal Due Diligence report.

5. Working relationships

All departments

6. Professional, academic qualifications and experience

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Law. A Master’s degree in Law and ILPD diploma will be an advantage.
• A minimum of three (3) years of general experience.

7. Core competencies

• Understanding of relevant laws and regulations in relation to Banking
• Experience in the provision of administrative support
• Understanding of Statutory requirements
• Excellent communication skills (writing skills)
• Experience in project finance
• Experience in contract management

• Preparation of a variety of legal documentation including transaction documentation designed to protect the interests of the Bank as a lender, borrower, co-lender, service user, or various suppliers.
• Negotiation of legal documents with the Bank’s legal counterparties and under the guidance of Management and in line with guiding documents and principles of the project and BRD Policies.
• Providing legal advice to Management and Staff in all areas relating to the Project activities and advising on solutions to legal problems, constraints, risks, options, consequences, and approaches.
• Reviewing legal documentation prepared for the Bank or arising from the work of the Bank on the Project.
• Providing an advisory opinion on the project implementation.
• Representing the Bank internally and externally in negotiation, disputes, consultations, and other proceedings that require legal representation.
• Participation in legal aspects of the Project and its lending operations including loan administration.
• Conducting proper and timely legal due diligence on all projects to be financed by BRD and submitting the Legal Due Diligence report.

• Understanding of relevant laws and regulations in relation to Banking
• Experience in the provision of administrative support
• Understanding of Statutory requirements
• Excellent communication skills (writing skills)
• Experience in project finance
• Experience in contract management

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Law. A Master’s degree in Law and ILPD diploma will be an advantage.