Associate Counsel

COMPANY BACKGROUND:
Solon Capital Partners (“Solon”) is an Africa-focused investment manager pioneering a new approach to economic development. Building on a 16-year track record, Solon employs a differentiated model based on business creation, partnership and patience to maximize impact scale and financial returns while mitigating risk. We pursue our twin missions of Climate & Community through a portfolio of innovative businesses now operating across three impact verticals and ten countries in Africa and beyond.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
Solon is seeking an ambitious and capable lawyer to support legal, regulatory, and compliance operations of Solon and its portfolio companies. The Associate Counsel will play a central role in managing high-impact regulatory, compliance, and stakeholder management matters in a variety of global jurisdictions (including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America). The role is an excellent opportunity for smart and engaged lawyers looking to apply their legal and business skills in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.

ROLE OVERVIEW:
The Associate Counsel will work closely with the Director of Legal and Compliance/Principal Counsel to manage the legal, regulatory, and compliance obligations of Solon and its portfolio companies across multiple geographies and stakeholder groups. The role is execution-focused and requires strong technical capability, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to manage matters independently with appropriate supervision. The Associate Counsel will support transaction execution, general corporate support, corporate governance, and ongoing compliance obligations, encompassing the following:

1. Transaction Execution Support
   • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating investment, shareholder, financing, and related transaction documents, including term sheets and definitive agreements.
   • Managing and coordinating legal due diligence processes.
   • Tracking, coordinating, and satisfying conditions precedent, and supporting transaction closings.
   • Liaising with external counsel and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and efficient execution.
     
     
2. Corporate and Commercial Advisory
   • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating NDAs, MoUs, service agreements, collaboration agreements, and other commercial contracts.
   • Advising on general corporate matters, including corporate structuring, intra-group arrangements, intellectual property
     protection, and employment-related documentation and advice
   • Instructing and coordinating with external counsel where required, maintaining proactive follow-up and stakeholder communication.
   • Providing jurisdiction-agnostic commercial advisory support, without rendering legal advice in jurisdictions where not licensed to practice.
3. Regulatory and Compliance Oversight
   • Managing day-to-day interactions with Mauritius-based administrators (Trident Trust, IQEQ), addressing ongoing administrative and compliance requests and proactively managing these relationships to ensure efficient operations. Supporting investor reporting, governance documentation, and compliance monitoring processes.
   • Providing routine legal and compliance support to Solon and its portfolio entities across operational matters.
     
     

Qualifications: 

Solon is seeking to hire individuals who are highly motivated self-starters, strong communicators, inspired by our mission, and with a track record of accomplishment.

The successful candidate will have:

• • A law degree (LLB, JD) from a leading university and be licensed to practice in a jurisdiction.
  • A minimum of 2-7 years of corporate/commercial law experience in private practice or a corporate counsel role.
  • Strong attention to detail paired with an ownership mindset.
  • Excellent English-language communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • French language skills, written and verbal, would be a bonus.
  • Integrity, professionalism, and unimpeachable ethics.
  • Sound legal research and analysis skills.
    

Prior work experience in private equity, venture capital, debt and/or investment funds is an asset. Candidates with an understanding of the legal and business landscape Africa, global anti- corruption/anti-money laundering compliance regimes, intellectual property law, or ESG and impact investing are encouraged to apply.

Location:

The role is remote and can be performed from your preferred location. Occasional travel to Africa and globally may be required.

Work Hours:

The role is full-time with flexible working hours, though meetings and deadlines based on standard business hours in the GMT time zone will need to be accommodated. Work outside of standard business hours may be required from time-to-time.

Salary:

Solon offers competitive compensation packages focused on attracting, retaining, and rewarding top talent.

Applications:

Eligible candidates should submit: (1) a resume, and (2) cover letter detailing why you would be a good fit for the role.