Legal and Compliance Officer at Malindi Water and Sewerage Company

Job Specification

• Malindi Water and Sanitation Company invites applications from qualified, experienced, and motivated individuals for the position of Legal and Compliance Officer

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate.
• At least 5 years relevant experience in legal practice, regulatory compliance, public sector, utilities, environmental management, or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience in contracts drafting, regulatory compliance, and litigation management.
• Familiarity with the water sector regulatory environment is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Key Competencies

• High integrity and ethical conduct.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-engagement skills

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advisory services to management, departments, and the Board on all operational and strategic matters of the Utility. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including the Water Act 2016, EMCA 1999, PPADA 2015, OSHA 2007, PFMA 2012, Data Protection Act 2019, Mwongozo Code of Governance, and County sanitation bylaws.
• Draft, review, and interpret contracts, MoUs, consultant agreements, supplier contracts, and service agreements, including those related to desludging, wastewater treatment, infrastructure works, and reuse product distribution.
• Oversee compliance with WASREB regulatory guidelines, license conditions, quality- of-service requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution in liaison with external counsel; prepare legal briefs, affidavits, statements, and responses.
• Support procurement and contract management processes to ensure alignment with PPADA, regulations, and internal procedures.
• Develop and implement compliance frameworks, monitoring tools, and internal policies to ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.
• Conduct compliance audits, follow-ups, and risk assessments across all utility operations, including fecal sludge treatment and reuse activities.
• Maintain statutory registers, licenses, permits, contracts, and legal documentation.
• Ensure timely submission of statutory reports to regulators, including WASREB, NEMA, DOSHS, and County authorities.
• Provide support in land acquisition, wayleave management, and right-of-way matters for utility infrastructure.
• Sensitize management and staff on legal obligations, regulatory changes, and compliance policies.