Senior Legal & Compliance Specialist

Hybrid; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading purpose-driven company is seeking a Senior Legal and Compliance Specialist. This role requires overseeing legal and compliance matters across various African markets, advising senior leadership on regulatory issues, and supporting strategic transactions. Candidates should possess an LL.B and 10–15 years of experience in legal roles. Strong analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills are essential. This position promotes diversity and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years' post-qualification experience, including at law firms or as in-house counsel.
• Cross-border legal experience is beneficial.
• Familiarity with travel or consumer services is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal and compliance elements for all entities.
• Advise on corporate governance, contracts, and regulatory issues.
• Lead compliance matters across multiple African markets.
• Draft and negotiate major agreements.
• Manage relationships with regulators and external counsel.
• Support M&A and strategic transactions.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Strong analytical skills

High integrity and discretion

Clear communication

Relationship building

Attention to detail

Education

LL.B (law degree)

Qualification to practice in an African jurisdiction

Job description

NawiriGroup is a leading purpose-driven company offering exceptional, personalised, nature-based luxury travel experiences across Africa. We operate some of the continent’s most iconic and pioneering brands, including Asilia and Go2Africa.

Our purpose goes beyond delivering unforgettable safaris. We are a platform that connects local communities, expert partners, investors, and travellers to create meaningful, large-scale impact in Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas.

With over 1,200 employees and commercial offices across Africa and beyond, we are dedicated to delivering remarkable guest experiences while championing responsible travel that benefits both people and the environment.

We have ambitious growth plans and are continuously expanding our operational, commercial, and technology capabilities to scale our travel offerings and deepen our positive impact across the region.

As a proud B Corp-certified company, we are committed to balancing the needs of people, planet, and profit. Our shared purpose is captured in our name: ‘Nawiri’ , which means ‘to flourish/thrive’ in Kiswahili. It reflects our vision of a future where vital ecosystems and local communities thrive together.

JOB SUMMARY

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Legal and Compliance Specialist to lead our legal, compliance, and governance functions. This is a senior specialist role, focused on providing expert legal guidance and managing complex legal and compliance matters. In this capacity, you will advise and support senior leadership on all legal and regulatory issues, ensuring the organisation remains agile, compliant, and well-governed as we scale. The role combines hands-on legal work, contract and document drafting, and coordination with external counsel for more complex assignments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee the company’s legal and compliance elements for all entities

Advise on corporate governance, contracts, risk, and regulatory issues.

Lead and oversee all legal, contractual, and compliance matters across multiple African markets.

Coordinate and support the drafting and negotiation of major commercial, supplier, and partnership agreements.

Manage relationships with regulators, external counsel, and key stakeholders.

Support M&A, partnerships, and strategic transactions.

Oversee employment, data protection, and dispute resolution matters.

Job requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

LL.B (law degree) and qualification to practice in an African jurisdiction.

10–15 years’ post-qualification experience, including experience at law firms or in senior in-house counsel roles.

Strong commercial judgment and cross-border legal experience.

Familiarity with the travel, mobility, or consumer services sectors is a plus.

COMPETENCIES

Strategic, pragmatic, and business-oriented mindset.

Strong analytical skills, able to evaluate complex legal and business situations and recommend practical solutions.

High integrity and discretion, consistently demonstrating ethical behaviour when handling sensitive matters.

Clear and effective communicator, able to explain legal issues to non-legal stakeholders.

Skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Exceptional attention to detail.

Adaptable and resilient, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

At Nawiri Group, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We encourage Employment Equity candidates and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe that a diverse workforce is key to our success. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, or beliefs.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that the recruitment process commences in January 2026, and application reviews will start the week of 12 January 2026. Please include a cover letter with your CV.