Fund Counsel

About us:

Kiva is a global nonprofit, founded in 2005, with a mission to expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive. Kiva unlocks capital for borrowers through crowdfunded loans supported by individuals around the world. Lenders on Kiva can start with as little as $25 to support causes that matter most to them, whether that’s gender equity and support for women, refugees, climate change, small businesses, agriculture, and more. Since our founding, over two million people have invested over $2 billion in real dreams and real opportunities, spanning more than 100 countries and over 5 million borrowers.

As we work toward our mission, Kiva invests in building and retaining a global team of talent to add to our values-driven and digital-first culture. Our organization is supported by over 700 volunteers and 130+ full time employees dispersed around the world, as well as within team hubs located in San Francisco, Nairobi, Bogota, and Bangkok. Kiva’s team is growing as we pursue exciting new opportunities to scale our impact and create a financially inclusive world.

Kiva's values:

Impact first - This is why we exist. This is the drumbeat we march to. Every day.

Extreme ownership - Own it; you, your relationships, your impact. Insist that others support you and hold you accountable.

Be curious and bold - Never stop learning. Question assumptions. Take Risks and dream big.

Inclusion. Equity. Diversity. - Without reservation and without caveat. In our hiring, in our workplace and in our impact in the world.

Honor and integrity - Do the most right thing in the most right way. Cherish diversity and respect each other.

Love and kindness always - Say what you mean. Mean what you say. And don't say it mean. Clarity. Courage. Kindness.

Role overview:

This is a temporary, full-time opportunity with a 12-month term. 

The Fund Counsel would be primarily responsible for the following:

(1) Leading all legal aspects of fund loan transactions from when the deal is proposed to the fund’s investment committee through to deal closing, including:

• Reviewing the materials presented to the fund’s investment committee related to proposed new fund loans and engaging with the deal team on any legal or deal structuring matters related to the proposed transaction
• Drafting the loan agreement based on Kiva Capital’s templates, which are New York law governed
•  Engaging local counsel and coordinating with them on local law aspects of the transaction and legal due diligence
• Interfacing with the borrower on legal due diligence, negotiating and finalizing the loan documents, and the signing and closing process
• Deeply engaging with the Kiva Capital deal team throughout the process

(2) Advising on matters related to existing loans as they arise, such as amendments or breaches, including:

• Engaging with the risk and investment teams to determine the appropriate course of action
• Drafting amendments and waivers as needed

This position will report to Kiva’s General Counsel and work in close collaboration with the rest of the Kiva.org legal team. The individual will have an appropriate level of experience involving fund investments in emerging markets, microfinance or emerging market project finance, as well as alternative investment vehicles.

At this time, we can only consider applicants with authorization to work in the United States on a permanent, full-time basis; unfortunately we cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications:

• 5+ years of private fund experience, in-house and/or at a law firm.
• Deal experience including transaction document drafting, preparing and maintaining closing checklists, conducting due diligence, working with outside counsel, and deal signing and closing, ideally in finance transactions
• Experience working with business teams, whether as outside counsel and in-house, navigating challenges as they arise and collaborating to find creative solutions
• Experience with cross-border transactions and working with local counsel
• Ability to take the lead on deal closings with minimal supervision from other lawyers, but with deep engagement with the deal team and a service orientation
• Knowledge of the securities law issues associated with private placements, ideally in the context of private fund formation and fundraising
• Experience working on fund formation a plus. 
• Knowledge of the Advisers Act a plus
• Experience reviewing marketing materials a plus
• Experience working in microfinance, social enterprises or emerging markets a plus.
• Familiarity with U.S. Government contracting a plus.
• Experience with tax exempt organizations a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, organizational and communication skills.
• Team-player poised to thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment, with proven ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining flexibility to adjust to changing needs and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels with both internal colleagues as well as external clients, stakeholders and counsel.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues
• A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, parental leave, professional development, 401k matching, generous PTO, and more.
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world
• Salary range: $140K - $160K; a final offer will be dependent upon a candidate’s location, skills, and experience. 
• Currently, we are not open to remote employees residing in the following states: AL, AK, DE, HI, IN, KY, MS, MO, NE, NM, ND, OK, RI, SC, SD, VT, WV, WI, and WY

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kiva's culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!

We will only accept applications directly from candidates. Kiva will not be responsible for any recruiting agency fees, absent a formal agreement.

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Last updated on Aug 19, 2024