Assistant Director, Legal (Legal Services Division) at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

Job Specifications

Duties and responsibilities will entail:

• Draw legal opinions and provide guidance on statutory, regulatory, and governance matters to the Board and Management. 
• Drawing and vetting Contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Coordinating external Advocates, the Attorney General’s office, and regulatory bodies in legal proceedings involving the Institute
• Initiating legal action on behalf of the Institute on recovery measures
• Undertaking legal research and capacity building for the Institute’s staff and external stakeholders
• Developing, implementing, and reviewing institutional compliance with the Constitution of Kenya, State Corporations Act, Mwongozo Code, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, Employment Act, and other relevant legislation. 
• Maintaining statutory registers and timely filing of Board resolutions and statutory returns. 
• Drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contracts, MoUs, leases, service agreements, and other legal instruments to safeguard the Institute’s interests. 
• Steering the development and periodic review of governance policies, legal frameworks, and operating procedures. 
• Advising on dispute resolution strategies, including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. 
• Identifying and mitigating legal and governance risks affecting the institution. 
• Spearheading the development, implementation, and review of Directorate annual Work Plans and budgets, and Procurement and Assets Disposal plans in line with the Institute’s performance targets and strategic plan.
• Providing strategic leadership in the execution of risk management policy and strategies that ensure the Directorate has a robust system and processes of accountability, risk management, internal controls, business continuity, and succession management.
• Spearheading the implementation of principles of Corporate Governance, relevant national policies, guidelines, and directives within the Directorate.
• Fostering a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good citizenship within the Directorate.
• Following up on cases filed against the Institute and preparing legal reports and opinions
• Organizing Board and Committee activities, including preparation of notices, agendas, minutes, and implementation of board resolutions. 
• Making timely contract execution, renewals, and dispute clauses for enforceability and compliance
• Aligning internal policies with national laws and emerging legal trends. 
• Representing the Institute in litigation and institutional litigation, liaising with external counsel, and ensuring proper representation
• Preparing and submitting legal and governance compliance reports to relevant oversight institutions and the Board
• Conducting training and awareness sessions for staff on legal, governance, and regulatory compliance issues. 
• Developing individual work plans, monitor own performance, and seek requisite support to ensure delivery of agreed targets.
• Spearheading the development, implementation and review of Directorate annual Work Plans and budgets and Procurement and Assets Disposal plans in line with the Institute’s performance targets and strategic plan
• Providing strategic leadership in the execution of risk management policy and strategies that ensure the Directorate has a robust system and processes of accountability, risk management, internal controls, business continuity and succession management.
• Steering the implementation of principles of Corporate Governance, relevant national policies, guidelines, and directives within the Directorate.
• Fostering a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good citizenship within the Directorate.
• Develop individual work plans, monitor performance, and seek requisite support to ensure delivery of agreed targets.

Job Specification

Qualifications

Person specifications

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• Cumulative service period of twelve (12) years, three (3) of which must have been at the grade of Principal Legal Officer or in a comparable position;
• Bachelor’s of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution.
• Masters Degree in Law or any other relevant qualification from a recognized institution.
• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court
• Member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
• Member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries (Kenya) in good standing
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
• Proficiency in computer applications.