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

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required:

• Fifteen (15) years of cumulative service period of relevant work experience, with at least three (3) years at Assistant Director, Legal Services or comparable.
• Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Master’s degree in Law from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law.
• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid Practicing Certificate.
• Certificate in Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Registered as a member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

Responsibilities:

Job Purpose: 

Legal Officers are responsible for providing legal advisory services to the Board and Management of the Authority including contract preparation and administration, legislative drafting, and compliance with legal and regulatory legislation.

Functions: 

• Developing and vetting policy papers and instruments with legal implications for approval by the Authority.
• Advising the Authority on statutory obligations.
• Conducting Legal Due Diligence on all prospective Lessees, Licensees, Partners or other third parties with whom the Authority is to enter a legal relationship.
• 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.
• Providing legal guidance on contractual and statutory obligations binding to the Organization.
• Coordinating litigations for the Authority.
• Providing guidance on governance and adherence to statutory obligations.
• Preparing all Authority’s contracts, handling all litigation and conveyance matters.
• Facilitating the development of all Bills and Policies that have bearing on the Authority’s mandate.
• Establishing and managing the Legal Registry.
• Providing and interpreting legal information, conducting training, and disseminating appropriate legal requirements to staff.
• Safeguarding the Authority’s interests and ensuring they are adequately defended before the courts.
• Managing, reviewing, and monitoring progress of all outstanding litigation.
• Issuing instructions and liaising with the Authority’s appointed Advocates to ensure they act in the Authority’s interest.
• Ensuring the Authority complies with constitutional, regulatory, and all relevant laws in force through legal advisory services and efficient contractual risk management.
• Undertaking extensive review of different requests for approval, licenses, to ascertain legal soundness and ensure proper implementation.
• Documenting and maintaining records of all enforcement and compliance assignments and developing legal accountability structures.
• Managing, reviewing, and updating all the Authority’s codes, regulations, rules, guidelines, and by-laws for consistency and compliance with National and County Legal Frameworks.
• Establishing and managing the Authority’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism.
• Developing the Authority’s proactive and preventive legal policies and strategies aimed at forestalling disputes, controversies, and litigation.
• Advising the Board, Management, and relevant Departments on changes in Law.