Legal Assistant at Express Shipping & Logistics (EA) Limited (ESL)

We have an excellent and exciting opportunity in the Legal Department for a Legal Assistant, to be based in Mombasa, Kenya, with frequent travel within Eastern Africa. We seek a highly organized and detail-oriented candidate with legal training and practical experience in corporate legal support, compliance, contract administration, governance records, litigation support, licensing and statutory filings. The Candidate will report to the Group Chief Corporate Officer.

Purpose:

• The Legal Assistant will support the company’s legal, compliance and corporate governance functions. The role will assist with legal research, preparation and review of documents, maintenance of legal and statutory records, monitoring of regulatory obligations, coordination with external counsel, and timely follow-up on licenses, permits, insurance claims and other legal matters.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain legal, insurance, statutory, license, permit, contract, litigation and governance registers, trackers and filing systems.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing and proofreading contracts, leases, licenses, correspondence, board papers, resolutions and other legal documents.
• Track contractual obligations, renewal dates, statutory deadlines and regulatory requirements, and escalate upcoming actions in good time.
• Support timely filing of statutory returns and maintenance of current shareholder and director records, including CR12 documentation.
• Assist with preparation and filing of board and committee records, including reference-numbered minutes and a board resolutions register.
• Conduct legal research, monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting company operations, and prepare concise briefs for management.
• Support litigation, arbitration, mediation and conveyancing matter by preparing case files, tracking deadlines and liaising with appointed external counsel.
• Coordinate periodic updates from external counsel and assist in compiling bi-annual performance evaluation reports.
• Monitor timely renewal of company licenses, permits, work permits and other regulatory approvals.
• Support companywide insurance administration, including updating asset schedules, following up claims and maintaining an insurance tracking schedule.
• Assist in monitoring legal expenditure, external counsel fees, land rates and other legal costs against the approved budget.
• Support debt collection and implementation of the credit control policy by maintaining documentation and following up assigned matters.
• Assist with legal and compliance training for staff and support the review of internal policies for legal conformity.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle all legal records and communications with accuracy and integrity.
• Perform any other duties assigned by management from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized institution.
• Post-graduate Diploma in Law or relevant paralegal/legal practice training is an added advantage.
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a valid practicing certificate will be an added advantage.
• At least one year relevant experience in a legal department, law firm or corporate environment.
• Proficiency in computer application packages and electronic document management.
• Knowledge of corporate governance, regulatory compliance and ISO standards will be an added advantage.

COMPETENCIES AND TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong legal research, drafting and proofreading ability.
• High attention to detail and excellent record-management skills.
• Good planning, organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage changing priorities, meet deadlines and work with minimal supervision.
• Sound judgement, discretion and a high level of integrity.
• Good interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Team player with initiative, drive and a service-oriented approach.