Associate Legal Officer (Academics) at Aga Khan University Hospital

Job Purpose

The Associate Legal Officer (Academics) will be part of an already existing legal team & will perform the functions of an in-house legal advisor dedicated to legal matters of the University. S/he will assist and report to the General Counsel & Legal Advisor (Academics) in all matters entrusted to the Legal Office of the University, ensuring that these are addressed in an effective, timely & comprehensive manner.

The Associate Legal Officer (Academics) will work in a complex educational and research led institution of higher learning with multiple internal constituencies and departments, including the network of healthcare centres which serve as teaching sites. S/he is responsible for providing advice on legal matters affecting the operations of AKU and associated entities; preparing and finalizing key legal documents; ensuring statutory compliance for the entities operations, representing AKU in required instances and generally supporting management team to achieve overall institutional goals under the guidance and instructions of the General Counsel & Legal Officer (Academics).

Key Responsibilities

• Review and finalization of key legal documents including research grants, procurement contracts, commercial leases and licenses, commercial contracts and correspondence and providing advice thereon
• Providing advice and responding to queries of a legal nature on operations of AKU and associated entities by: Preparing advisory legal opinions and recommendations on queries raised; Researching on pertinent legal issues, applicable law, regulations and precedents as well as comparison of industry standards and benchmarks on issues; Informing the General Counsel & Legal Advisor on status of any legal matters arising in the entity operations & preparation of monthly or other periodic status reports  
• Facilitating compliance of entity and all associated entities with statutory requirements on registration, licensing, insurance and maintaining appropriate registers and data base
•  Assisting/ Supervision & handling of litigation related to entity operations including receipt of court summons, orders or other process and rerouting to Legal Advisor or panel advocates as appropriate.
• Liaising with external stakeholders where applicable including regulatory authorities on applicable matters
• Building & maintaining relevant communication and networks as necessary with external stakeholders 

 Qualifications and skills Required

• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB)
• Advocate of The High Court of Kenya of not less than three (3) years standing with valid Practicing Certificate
• Minimum of three (3) years’ progressive experience preferably in a corporate or institutional setting
• Familiarity with general laws including company law, contract law, labor laws, construction laws in addition to higher education laws (these include those of neighbouring countries such as Tanzania & Uganda)
• Capacity for lateral thinking, Strategic thinking, and planning
• Professionalism: in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge and broad-based experience in applying legal expertise to objectively analyzing a diverse range of complex legal issues/problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions
• Integrity: high degree of professional ethics and integrity
• Judgment/decision-making: independent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive legal issues including ability to act quickly to address a crisis drawing on appropriate resources
• Communication: excellent interpersonal communication skills (spoken written and presentational)
• Teamwork: ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural/national backgrounds with respect for diversity
• Highly developed negotiation skills & ability to persuade and influence others to reach agreement

Closing Date:19/03/2023