Director Corporate and Legal Affairs at Strathmore University

Basic job summary

The Director will be responsible for the management of the University’s Corporate, Legal, Secretarial, Compliance and Insurance functions. This position will provide administrative support to the University Council and its Committees, the Management Board and Governance organs of the University’s affiliate entities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Corporate & Governance Function

• Providing governance guidance and advice to the Chair of the University Council, the Vice Chancellor, the Management Board and members of the University Council (and its committees/boards).
• Providing high-level advice and strategic support to the Chair of the University Council, the Management Board and to the Vice-Chancellor.
• Advising the University Council, the Management Board and its Committee on its regulations and processes as per the law, regulations, University Statutes and its regulations.
• Providing secretariat support to the University Council (and its committees/boards), management and other decision-making bodies of the University.
• In liaison with the Vice Chancellor establishing and implementing good governance practices including evaluation surveys, governance audits, performance reviews, and internal and/or external reviews of governance processes.
• Ensuring effective communication between the University Council and the senior management of the University.

Legal Function

• Responsible for advising the University of the legal risks and legal developments that are likely to affect the University and its operations.
• Provide robust legal support to the University and its subsidiaries.
• Review and/or prepare all legal instruments entered into by the University and its subsidiaries, this includes but is not limited to Contracts, Agreements, MOUs, Leases etc.
• Managing the process of engaging external lawyers by issuing instructions promptly to protect the University’s interest against third parties.
• Managing all the litigation and dispute resolution maters of the University proactively.
• Interpreting legislation, policies, procedures, by-laws and other official
• Overseeing the effective discharge of the University’s statutory and legislative
• Ensure the proper management of institutional policies, procedures, guidelines and bylaws.
• Lead in the development, publishing, maintaining and managing amendments and revision of University statutes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain a repository of information and data on all matters relating to institutional governance.

Secretarial Function

• Acting as a company secretary for, or providing secretariat support to, University-controlled entities.
• Guide the University Council (and its committees/boards) on their duties and responsibilities.
• Providing secretarial support to the University Council (and its committees/boards) including ensuring that members of the University Council (and its committees/boards) are provided with the information necessary for them to fulfil their responsibilities, timely distribution of notices and agenda of meetings of the Council and preparation of the agenda papers in accordance with the Council’s procedures
• Managing, collating and preparing all documentation and communication required for University Council (and its committees/boards) meetings.
• Maintaining a register of conflicts of interests of members of Council (and its committees) and advising the Chair of Council in respect of any real or potential conflict of interest arising for members of Council (and its committees) or for the
• Maintaining custody of and controls over the use of the Common Seal.

Risk and Compliance Function

• Ensuring compliance with the Universities Act 2012 and subsequent amendments, compliance with a broad spectrum of legislation and applicable laws.
• Managing the University’s Insurance matters – procurement, cover, claims, advice, and litigation.
• Managing of and annual reporting on Public Interest Disclosures (Whistleblowers);
• Ensuring compliance with relevant institutional policies, legal and regulatory requirements
• Maintain an appropriate framework and procedure for monitoring, identifying, measuring, assessing, reporting and managing risks arising from Governance issues.

Team Leadership

• Promoting good working relationships between the Council and the University administration
• Provide effective leadership, supervision, technical training and oversight of the Corporate and Legal Affairs team.
• Ensure proper planning, prioritization and deadline management for efficient work practices and processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Current Practicing Certificate
• Master’s Degree in Law or other related field
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law, and must be admitted to the Bar in your respective country
• CPS (K) qualification will be an added advantage
• A member of a professional body e.g. Law Society of Kenya or Institute of Arbitrators
• At least 8 years’ experience in post-admission practice in a busy law firm or in house counsel setting
• A good appreciation of the legal and regulatory requirements in the academic industry
• Experience in the engagement and management of outsourced legal services to ensure the organizational interests are preserved

Competencies and Attributes

• Ability to view and analyze problems and issues from multiple perspectives
• Negotiating skills and capacity to work with other professionals including non-legal professionals to develop innovative solutions to conflicting interests and positions;
• Business Acumen – Knowledge of the strategic direction, key deliverables, programs, services, and environmental influences on the University
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Ability to engage and persuade an audience
• Excellent Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Good Research and Analysis Skills