Deputy Director Legal Services at The Social Health Authority (SHA)

JOB PROFILE

The Deputy Director, Legal Services will provide strategic legal leadership and guidance to ensure the Social Health Authority (SHA) operates within the legal and regulatory framework of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and other relevant laws. This role oversees legal compliance, contract management, dispute resolution, policy formulation, and governance matter to safeguard the Authority’s interests. Additionally, the position ensures adherence to statutory obligations, mitigates legal risks, and supports decision-making through sound legal advice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Fifteen (15) years cumulative experience and at least three (3) of which should have been at the level of Assistant Director or in a comparable position in the public or private sector.
• Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized institution;
• Master’s Degree in Law or a relevant field from a recognized institution
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law;
• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya;
• Hold a valid practicing certificate;
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks at a recognized institution.
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results; and
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Strategic and innovative thinking
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to mobilize resources
• Negotiation skills

Responsibilities:

• Conduct Legal Due Diligence on all prospective Lessees, Licensees, Partners or other third parties with whom the Authority is to enter a legal relationship with.
• Developing and vetting policy papers and instruments with legal implications for approval by the Authority;
• Advising the Authority and coordination with the functional areas in relation to various legal requirements which must be complied with and the legal obstacles which must be overcome in order to obtain the Authority’s targeted results;
• Responsibility for the timely release of legal advice to assist the Authority in making an informed decision;
• Ensuring timely compliance with rules and regulations affecting the Authority, including the Code of Conduct and Ethics;
• Attending to all legal matters of the Authority including advising, vetting and drafting of legal agreements in relation to the Authority’s operations; and
• Provide legal guidance on contractual and statutory obligations binding to the Organization
• Coordinate litigations for the Authority.
• Provide guidance on governance and adherence to statutory obligations.
• Prepare all Authority contracts, handle all litigation and conveyance matters for the Authority.
• Facilitate the development of the all Bills and Policies that have bearing on the Authority’s mandate.
• Establish and manage the Legal Registry.
• Provide and interpret legal information, conducting training and disseminate appropriate legal requirements to staff.
• Safeguard the Authority’s interests and ensuring that they are adequately defended   before the courts.
• Manage, review, and monitor progress of all outstanding litigation.
• Issue instructions, liaise with the Authority’s appointed Advocates with a view to ensuring they act in the Authority’s interest while handling cases on its behalf.
• Ensure the Authority complies with constitutional, regulatory and all relevant laws in force through the provision of legal advisory services and contractual risks are efficiently managed.
• Undertake extensive review of different requests for approval, licenses both internal and external for purposes of ascertaining legal soundness, make appropriate recommendations and ensure proper implementation.
• Document and maintain a record of all enforcement and compliance assignments undertaken by the Authority’s officers and develop legal accountability structures in relation to enforcement assignments.
• Continuously manage, review and updating of all the Authority’s codes, regulations, rules, guidelines, by-laws for consistency with each other, and also compliance with the National and County Legal Frameworks.
• Establish and manage the Authority’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism.
• Develop the Authority’s proactive and preventive legal policies and strategies aimed at forestalling disputes, controversies and litigation.
• Attend Board Meetings in the absence of the Corporation Secretary
• Arrange and participate in stakeholder engagements (ICPSK, IOD, SCAC, AG).