Legal Officer I at Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)

Job Purpose

• Responsible for provision of guidance and legal opinions to the Authority and spearheading representation of the Authority in all legal, civil and criminal court proceedings.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

An officer at this grade will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Supporting the implementation of policies, strategies, guidelines, plans, standards and procedures pertaining to Legal Services;
• Representing the Authority in all civil and criminal court proceedings and Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms;
• Collecting and collating data on legal issues pertinent to the operations of IPOA in collaboration with the division of research;
• Supporting the preparation and drafting of contracts, leases, Memoranda of Understanding, formal agreements and other legal instruments;
• Participating in outreach programs to strengthen IPOA’s governance and improve the quality of service delivery by conducting legal aid clinics on constitutional matters;
• Liaising with the department of preventive services to assist in the conduct of audits of processes and actions of the National Police Service to ensure compliance with applicable legal and human rights standards;
• Evaluating evidence in completed investigations by the Authority submitted in non-complex matters for the determination of its sufficiency and recommending appropriate action to the Director of Public Prosecutions;
• Reviewing evidence in completed investigations by the IAU for determinations of its sufficiency for recommending appropriate disciplinary action;
• Preparing the Authority’s cases for prosecution; and
• Implementing risk mitigation measures.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have the following qualifications:

• Served for a minimum period of three (3) years at the grade of Legal Officer II at IPOA 9 or a comparable and relevant position;
• Bachelor’s Degree in Law;
• Post graduate Diploma in law;
• Registered as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya;
• Member of Law Society of Kenya;
• Valid Practicing License;
• Proficiency in Computer Applications; and
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.