Senior Legal Officer at Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for implementing legal services in the Institute.

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

• Providing legal advice to ensure the best legal approach is taken by the Institute;
• Drafting contracts, agreements and other legal documents;
• Undertaking research on different information to ensure the Institute is acting in accordance with all applicable laws;
• Assisting in preparing Board reports and minutes, and resolutions,
• Identifying legal and compliance risks and issues relative to the Institute's intended actions;
• Assisting in managing the risk exposure of the Institute by ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements;
• Liaising with external lawyers on all cases filed against the Institute to ensure instructions, witnesses and statements are procured on time;
• Working with external lawyers to initiate lawsuits or to formulate a defense, to gather evidence in legal proceedings involving the Institute and rendering general advice relating to any legal proceedings involving the Institute;
• Representing the Institute in litigation matters;
• Keeping track and updates of the amendments and changes in legislations;
• Assisting in facilitating Board induction and development and implementation of the capacity building programmes;
• Assisting in facilitating legal, compliance and governance audits;
• Providing input in the development and implementation of the Board charters and the Code of Conduct and Ethics; and
• Providing input in the preparation and monitoring of the Departmental budgets and expenditures;

Person Specifications
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -

• At least of four (4) years relevant work experience in a comparable position and institution;
• Bachelors of Laws degree from a recognized university;
• Minimum K.C.S.E C+ (Plus) or its equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Post graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law;
• Admitted as an advocate of the High Court Kenya;
• Member to the Law Society of Kenya;
• Current Practicing Certificate;
• Demonstrable good results in work performance;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Key Competencies and skills

• Organization and management skills;
• Leadership and managerial skills;
• Drafting skills;
• Report writing skills;
• Negotiation skills and arbitration skills; and
• Analytical skills.