Legal Officer at UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Job Profile 

Grade- KNC 8
Reports- To Secretary General/CEO
Classification- Professional Management Level
Purpose of the Job- To ensure policy implementation and management of the legal services
Remuneration Gross pay -Ksh. 179,000 – 229,000 Pm
Non Practicing Allowance – 30,000
Leave Allowance – Ksh. 10,000
Medical Allowance – As per scheme rules
Group Life & Accident Cover– As per scheme rules
Terms Permanent and Pensionable
Pension Contribution rate (basic salary)
Employee 7.5%
Employer 12.5%

Responsibilities for the Legal Officer Job

• The Officer will be responsible to the Secretary General/CEO for the coordination and implementation of the Legal Services in a results oriented and timely manner to achieve the Corporations’ goals, objectives and agreed performance targets. This will entail inter alia:
• Coordinate the day to day business of the Legal Services Department.
• Initiate the formulation of the Commission’s Legal policies, strategies, and plans and coordinate their evaluation thereof
• Establish effective Legal administrative structures, processes and systems
• Provide legal support in drafting of policies, directives and/ or instructions, and provide follow up activities as may be required.
• Advice on adherence and Legal compliance with the national laws and international statutes;
• Proactively guide and advice the Commission on all legal matters affecting its functions including new legislations;
• Provide guidance to the Board on their duties and responsibilities related to matters of corporate governance;
• Conduct legal research; write legal opinions and memoranda on matters relevant to the Commission as required,
• Advise and participate in the negotiation of contracts, partnerships, memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements generally,
• Provide regular communication to the Secretary General/CEO and the Board on key Legal technical matters
• Handle legal matters affecting or that may affect the Commission, including representation in courts, hearings and where else necessary
• Any other tasks as may be assigned by the Secretary General/CEO.

Qualifications for the Legal Officer Job

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in law from a recognized university,
• Diploma in Law (from Kenya School of Law);
• Possession of a LLM, or Master’s degree in Governance or law related discipline will be an added advantage,
• Must be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya,
• Possess a current practicing certificate,
• Possession of a CPS (K) and registration with the Institute of Certified
• Public Secretaries of Kenya will be an added advantage.
• Experience Possess a minimum of nine (9) years of continuous experience in the legal profession three (3) of which should be within the corporate legal services Department of a reputable organization;
• Demonstrated proven ability and results in managing a corporate legal portfolio;
• Demonstrated experience in drafting, interpreting and executing legal instruments;
• Have strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, Proficiency in computer Applications.

Personal qualities

Pro-active, approachable, flexible, have integrity and commitment to production results, self-motivated, dependable, organized, professional, and must satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity. Knowledge in legislative drafting is an added advantage.