Legal Officer at Embu Water And Sanitation Company

Embu Water and Sanitation Company Limited, a public water utility company fully owned by the County Government of Embu and with a mandate to provide water and sanitation services in Embu County is seeking to recruit a self-driven individual for the position of Legal Officer.

Reporting to the Head of Corporate Services, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing of leadership in the implementation of the Company’s legal strategy, offer leadership in litigation, arbitrations, conveyance cases and offer legal advisory services and interpretation of legal matters to ensure effective management of legal and contractual risks. It’s also responsible for custody of governance and compliance in the institution as required by the statutory and regulatory laws

Key Responsibilities

1. Participating in the implementation of legal and governance policies, systems and procedures, in line with the company’s strategy to ensure the achievement of Company’s strategic plans.
2. Developing and leading corporate legal strategy to promote and protect the company's matters
3. Overseeing delivery of legal services and resources to accomplish corporate goals, strategies, and priorities
4. Reviewing progress of outstanding litigation and liaise with and manage external lawyers
5. Identifying company needs and developing efficient resource smart solutions including developing network of outside counsel and pro-bono relationships
6. Liaising with relevant departments to ensure that where legal risks have been identified, appropriate courses of action have been taken
7. Providing legal protection and risk management advice to management especially on contract management.
8. Providing and interpreting legal information, conducting training and disseminating appropriate legal requirements to staff
9. Reviewing ongoing cases and advice management accordingly
10. Maintaining proper corporate interactions with the relevant stakeholders
11. Advising the Board of Directors and the management on a variety of issues pertaining to law
12. Reviewing and advising management on legal implications of internal policies and procedures
13. Reviewing and drafting contracts, agreements and internal policies and ensuring that they are in compliance with all statutory or legal requirements.
14. Providing legal advice to line management and Managing Director.
15. Liaising and coordinating with external advocates.
16. Preparing, reviewing, and negotiating concepts and other legal documents between the Company and the third parties.
17. Custodian of legal documents and records.
18. Liaising and communicating with both the board and the shareholders
19. Providing legal opinions on issues affecting the Company
20. Handling lawsuits involving the company
21. Ensuring good corporate governance
22. Developing and managing the legal section budget.
23. Keeping cases organized, by establishing and organizing files; monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; inputting information into file database and case management software; confirming case status with the relevant Authorities
24. Helping in developing cases by maintaining contact with people involved in the case; scheduling depositions; preparing and forwarding summonses and subpoenas; drafting complaints; preparing and filing discovery requests; preparing responses to opposing counsel; generating status reports;
25. Maintaining case costs by verifying outstanding balances with attorney, clients, and providers;
26. Supporting case preparation by preparing case summaries and materials for mediation conferences; preparing pleadings; monitoring and obtaining discovery responses; organizing materials for case review;
27. Enhancing trial proceedings by organizing evidence; preparing exhibits; scheduling witnesses; ensuring that witnesses are ready when needed; taking courtroom notes;
28. Undertaking continuous professional development to keep up with current engineering and operating trends
29. Performing any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

PERSON PROFILE

1. Bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognized institution
2. Diploma in law from Kenya School of Law
3. Member of Law Society of Kenya
4. Holder of Current practicing Certificate
5. At least 3 years’ relevant experience
6. Stakeholder management skills
7. Organizational skills
8. Ability to multitask
9. Excellent Communication skills
10. Proficiency in ICT with strong MS office and internet ability
11. Problem analysis and problem-solving skills
12. Professionalism and confidentiality
13. Attention to detail and accuracy
14. Excellent planning and organizational skills
15. Strong analytical skills
16. Must satisfy the requirements of chapter six of the constitution of Kenya on Leadership and integrity through provision of; -
    1. Current certificate of good conduct from Directorate of Criminal Investigation Department.
    2. Current Tax compliance certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority.
    3. A clean and current report from an approved credit reference Bureau (CRB).
    4. Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
    5. Clearance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The appointment will be for a contract term of 5 YEARS renewable subject to satisfactory performance evidenced by continuous achievement of performance targets.