Manager, Legal Services at Human Asset Consultants

Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will serve as legal adviser on all matters affecting the Organization and provide Company Secretarial duties to the Board of Trustees.

Managerial Responsibilities

1. Ensure sound systems, policies and procedures for effective functioning of the department are in place.
2. Provide direction in the management of the Legal department of the Organization.
3. Provide sound leadership to the staff in the department.
4. Ensure effective staff supervision.
5. Prepare comprehensive annual budgets for approval.
6. Ensure compliance with approved budgets including prudent and timely spending.
7. Ensure highest standards of operational efficiency and quality of service to staff.
8. Ensure timely reporting of department performance.

Core Responsibilities

1. Deal with legal matters facing the Organization from any party including government, litigants, members and employees.
2. Respond to libel claims and liaise with external lawyers in ensuring that the Organization offers credible defence.
3. Follow up outstanding litigation and liaise with and manage external lawyers.
4. Represent the Organization in judicial proceedings as required.
5. Review and draft contracts, agreements and internal policies and ensure that they are in compliance with all statutory or legal requirements.
6. Liaise with relevant departments to ensure that where legal risks have been identified, appropriate courses of action have been taken.
7. Oversee review of all contracts or any other documentation where the Organization has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to Management’s attention.
8. Oversee the preparation, negotiation and review of contractual instruments, and other documentation for business transactions.
9. Develop and advise on the necessary checklist to be adopted to ensure information is submitted on time.
10. Ensure that all Organization asset documents are complete and are kept in safe custody.
11. Establish and maintain frameworks to ensure the Organization’s compliance with applicable regulations, internal policies and procedures so as to protect the reputation of the Organization with its regulators and balance the needs of other stakeholders.
12. Ensure that all trade licenses are current, and that all other statutory obligations are fulfilled.
13. Coordinate all Organization Board meetings including AGM, board committees and take accurate minutes of the same and Annual General Meetings.
14. Maintain Board of Directors minutes book and sign contracts.
15. Continuous professional development to keep up with current industry trends.
16. Prepare and submit timely reports and information for decision making.
17. Any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

1. LLB undergraduate degree
2. Full professional qualification in CPS (K)
3. Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
4. At least 6 years’ experience, 3 of which must be at senior position
5. A strong understanding of the regulatory environment in Kenya
6. Proven track record of providing accurate and effective legal counsel
7. Demonstrable knowledge and experience with laws dealing with government and/or commercial contract administration, particularly contract negotiation, preparation and administration

Essential Competencies

1. Proficiency in ICT with MS Office and internet ability
2. Strong analytical skills
3. Good judgment enabling the provision of sound advice in difficult areas of law, regulation and practice and the proactive management of compliance and regulatory risk
4. Strong leadership skills
5. Excellent inter-personal and communication skills

Essential Personal Attributes

1. Team player
2. High levels of integrity and confidentiality
3. Creativity and innovation
4. Ability for independence, robustness and resilience
5. Sharp business acumen, including the ability to assess risk
6. Ability to work in a stressful environment, control emotions in difficult situations and handle criticism effectively
7. Personal authority with proven ability to establish relationships and exert influence at senior levels and with regulators and other external stakeholders
8. Inquisitive and proactive to practices, procedures and transactions