Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal Affairs at Meru University of Science and Technology

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal Affairs shall:

1. Ensure the University compliance with Statutes, Charter, Regulations and Procedures;
2. Provide timely advise to the University Council and Management on legal matters and monitoring the compliance of the University with various applicable regulations;
3. Draft and review agreements, grants, awards, and contracts;
4. Oversee the legal management of the University Intellectual Property and other assets including land;
5. Maintain custody of the University’s seal and council documents;
6. Oversee preparation and review of the University’s legal policies and practices including the University Statutes and the Charter;
7. Identify, forecast and mitigate legal risks as well as developing remedial plans;
8. Manage the University’s litigation portfolio, developing case strategy and reviewing progress on ongoing litigation;
9. Assist the Chairperson in organizing Council calendar, preparing agenda, issuing notices and preparing for meetings, board evaluations and board development programs;
10. Ensuring that the minutes of the Council and Council committees are correctly, promptly prepared and circulated;
11. Assist the Council in carrying out Council induction and training, Updating university statutes and charters, Preparation of Council work plans, Council evaluation, Governance audit, Implementation of the Code of Conduct and Ethics;
12. Act as the Council Secretary.

For appointment to this Position applicant must have:

1. Bachelors of Laws degree from a recognized University;
2. Master’s Degree (LLM) from a recognized University. PhD degree will be an added advantage;
3. Has over 12 years’ experience of which 3 years served as Chief Legal Officer Grade 14 or in a similar comparable position;
4. Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Kenya School of Law;
5. Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and in good standing;
6. A valid practicing certificate from Law Society of Kenya;
7. Certified Public Secretary (K) and a member of Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya (ICS) in good standing;
8. Evidence of recent training certificate in Leadership and Governance;
9. Be of highest ethical standards, integrity and professionalism and comply with the requirements of Chapter Six of the constitution.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCES:
The following skills and competencies will be required:  

1. Be digital literate and conversant with computer online platform and applications;
2. Ability to develop short and long term operational plans;
3. Firm, fair and transparent style of leadership;
4. Experience in preparing Executive briefs and reports;
5. Be highly motivated and self-driven;
6. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
7. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
8. Possess Analytical, Planning, Negotiation and Leadership skills;
9. Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting and be a team player/leader.