Principal Legal Officer at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Job Specification
The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail: -

• Providing legal advice to the Management on specific aspects under the directive of the Deputy Director (Legal Services).
• Drawing contracts, agreements and other legal documents for the Institute;
• Undertaking research on different information to ensure that the Institute is acting in accordance with all applicable laws;
• Preparing Quarterly Legal Reports;
• Identifying legal and compliance risks and issues relative to the Institute’s intended actions;
• Managing the risk exposure of the Institute by ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements;
• Drafting of legal opinions and preparing witnesses for court attendance;
• Review pleadings filed in court from time to time;
• Attendance of court from time to time to monitor progress of court cases involving the Institute;
• Undertaking conveyance for the Institute properties;
• Handling of intellectual property rights aspects of the institution.
• Undertaking such assignments as may be assigned by immediate supervisor;

Person Specifications
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have: -

• At least eight (8) years relevant work experience three (3) of which should have been at supervisory role;
• Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized institution;
• Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines; Law, Business Administration, Public Administration or equivalent qualifications from a recognized Institution is an added advantage;
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Council of Legal Education;
• Admitted as an advocate of the High Court Kenya;
• Membership to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
• Valid practicing licence;
• Management course lasting not less four (4) weeks;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Demonstrated work performance and results; and
• Fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. Certification in Data Protection and 3 years’ experience in a Data protection environment will be an added advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Analytical skills
• Strong communication and reporting skills
• Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Team player