Deputy Director, Legal Services at Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service

Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership in the overall management of the legal Services Division and ensures adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements to support the Board and management in maintaining high standards of corporate governance.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in the development of the legal and regulatory framework and the development of laws and regulations that guide the design, development and Governance at the Placement Service;
• Oversee the formulation, implementation and review of the legal strategies, guidelines and the development of relevant legislations, regulations, by-laws and policies based on national and international standards to safeguard the interest of the Placement Service;
• Oversee Board Secretarial Services, the preparation of the Board Papers and implementation of the Board Resolutions in compliance with relevant legislations, circulars and guidelines;
• Lead negotiations with government entities, local and international contractors, consultants, partners and investors on legal issues regarding projects and collaborations to ensure compliance with the law and insulation of the Placement Service from exposure to legal risks;
• Lead the development of strategies for dispute management, oversee disputes resolution and litigation management including international arbitration of disputes with international contractors/consultants;
• Provide legal advisory to Management on all areas of the business including but not limited to potential legal risk to the business, exercise of independent legal judgment, contracts, disputes resolution, compliance, procurement, regulatory and employment and labour relations for informed decision making, compliance and protection of Placement Service’s reputation;
• Lead the Division in planning and directing resources to achieve Division’s targets and objectives;
• Oversee the development and implementation of the Division’s work plan and budget in line with the overall strategic objectives and government performance contract;
• Lead, coach and mentor the staff in the Division by creating an environment that promotes creativity, Innovations and maximise the potential of the team;
• Design sound legal risk management and good internal control systems for the Division;
• Oversee development of effective management of human resource within Division including succession management plans;
• Uphold integrity and professionalism in the performance of the Division’s functions;
• Promote a conducive work environment that can attract, retain and motivate employees in the Division; and
• Liaise with regional and international partners for the purposes of assessing best practices in legal services sector matters.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Provide secretariat services to the Board, including coordinating Board meetings, preparing and distributing agendas, briefing documents, and minutes, as well as ensuring that all Board decisions and actions are properly documented and communicated;
• Coordinate Board activities such as board induction and capacity building, board budget and work plans, board evaluation, legal audit, governance audit and implementation of the code of conduct and Ethics;
• Custodian of original contracts, intellectual property certificates and other instruments for safe keeping and accountability in usage and movement;
• Ensure the timely preparation and circulation of Board and Committee papers and ensure safe keeping of board committee minutes;
• Advise the Board Chairperson on the fixing of common seal;
• Provide legal guidance on contractual and statutory obligations;
• Oversee daily operations of the Division for efficient and effective service delivery;
• Conduct performance appraisals for direct reports;
• Liaise with the Office of the Attorney General on all legal matters concerning the Placement Service;
• Ensure that intellectual property issues affecting the Placement Service are effectively managed;
• Foster conducive corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good governance in line with the Constitution of Kenya;
• Guide compliance with the laid down procedures and processes; and
• Oversee the development and implementation of a succession management plan within the Division.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).
Academic qualifications

• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution;
• Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized institution; and
• Post Graduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid Practicing Certificate;
• Registered as a member of the Law Society of Kenya and in good standing;
• Be a certified Public Secretary (K) or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency certificate in computer application; and
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Previous relevant work experience required

• Served for a cumulative period of fifteen (15) years relevant work experience three (3) of which must have been in a management position.