Principal Legal Affairs Officer at Capital Markets Authority (CMA)

PRINCIPAL LEGAL AFFAIRS OFFICER – CMA/PLAO/05/2021 – 1 POST

Job Description

Reporting to the Director, Corporation Secretary and Legal Services, the Principal Legal Affairs Officer will be responsible for guiding the Authority on legal expectations, defending the Authority in Court or suing in its behalf and ensuring delivery of the Authority’s Contracts, Agreements and coordinating the Authority’s Board affairs under the guidance of the Corporation Secretary. This is a position under permanent and pensionable terms of service.

Responsibilities:

1. Managing litigation of Court and Tribunal cases through Internal Legal Officers and liaison with external Advocates procured to provide legal services for the Authority on witness identification, preparation of witness statements, preparation of pleadings and other court documents such as written submissions;
2. Advising Management on the applicable laws, rules, and standards with regard to the Authority’s business processes;
3. Developing, implementing and maintaining Directorate obligations guidelines regarding compliance, corporate governance, business ethics issues and practice including regulatory requirement;
4. Preparing legal opinions on legal issues pertaining to the Authority’s mandate and issues arising in its engagement with internal and external stakeholders;
5. Facilitating Authority’s compliance with relevant Statutory and Regulatory requirements and Government Circulars and keeping abreast with legal reforms;
6. Advising the Authority’s management on general legal issues;
7. Coordinating the procurement of legal services providers and their effective management to ensure delivery of quality legal services;
8. Coordinating legal research;
9. Coordinating the drafting and negotiating of Contracts/Agreements/MoUs and other legal documents between the Authority and other parties to ensure that the interests of the Authority are protected;
10. Monitoring the Division’s compliance with the Authority’s Quality Management System and compliance related activities;
11. Coordinating the preparation of draft management reports, Board Papers, proposals, and any other documents emanating from the Department.
12. Attending Board and Board Committee Meetings.

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor of Laws
2. Relevant master’s degree
3. Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid Practicing Certificate
4. Certified Secretary and in good standing the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS)
5. A minimum of six (6) years relevant experience
6. At least two (2) years in a supervisory position
7. Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks is added advantage

Competencies

1. Proficiency in Computer Applications
2. Report writing skills
3. Presentation skills
4. Interpersonal skills
5. Communication skills
6. Negotiation skills
7. Ability to work minimal supervision