Legal Officer- 4 positions at Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC)

Job Purpose

• This is the entry level for degree holders with a Postgraduate Diploma in Law into this cadre. An officer at this level works under the guidance of the Manager Legal Services and Senior Legal Officer. The officer is responsible for providing legal services, advice, and support to the Corporation; preparing and reviewing legal documents; representing the Corporation in assigned legal proceedings; supporting litigation, conveyancing, contractual, and loan-related legal matters; and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to protect the Corporation’s legal interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising the Corporation on all legal matters that may arise in its operations;
• Representing the Corporation in court, tribunals, and other dispute resolution forums in assigned matters and attend court proceedings, mentions, hearings, and rulings as required.
• Preparing, reviewing and filing of pleadings and other legal documents on behalf of the Corporation in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and procedures.
• Liaising with external advocates handling legal matters on behalf of the Corporation on all matters filed against the Corporation with a view to ensuring effective communication, coordination, and timely management of assigned legal matters.
• Drawing and vetting of contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding, leases, charges, securities, and other legal instruments with a view to ensuring that the same are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements and aligned with the Corporation’s policies.
• Reviewing of loan and security documentation submitted with a view to ensuring completeness, compliance with legal requirements, and fulfilment of necessary legal formalities before processing and disbursement.
• Coordinating the preparation, execution, registration, and renewal of security documentation relating to the Corporation’s operations, including charges, guarantees, and other security instruments.
• Supporting conveyancing transactions and property-related matters, including conducting property searches, registration of documents, transfers, leases, and perfection of securities in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Conducting legal research and preparing legal opinions, briefs, memoranda, and reports on litigation, conveyancing, contractual, loan documentation, and other legal matters.
• Maintaining comprehensive legal records, including litigation files, conveyancing files, contract registers, court diaries, security documentation records, and records of pending legal issues, and prepare periodic reports on the status of legal matters for Management.
• Coordinating the issuance of professional undertakings on behalf of the Corporation and monitor compliance with obligations arising from such undertakings.
• Providing legal support in resolving disputes through negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution processes where applicable.
• Review and recommend payment of legal-related invoices and vouchers, including advocates’, auctioneers’, and debt collectors’ fees, in accordance with approved procedures.
• Perform any other relevant duties assigned to support effective legal operations of the Corporation

Person Specification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B) from a recognized university;
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law or equivalent recognized institution;
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya;
• Valid Practising Certificate;
• Membership of the Law Society of Kenya;
• At least 2-3 years post-admission experience;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Analytical
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Attention to detail and critical thinking
• Innovative
• Organisational skills
• Team Player
• Strategic Planning skills