Job Specifications:

The functions of the office of Corporation Secretary and Director Legal Services entail:

• Providing guidance to the Board on their duties, responsibilities, and powers and how these should be exercised in the best interest of the Institute.
• Facilitating planning of all KEMRI Board of Management activities to ensure that they are aligned with the Institute’s strategies and all relevant Government directives.
• Coordinating evaluations of performance of board members and board development programs.
• Offering guidance to the Director, KEMRI, and top Management in preparation of Board papers.
• Providing secretarial services to the Board including ensuring that the minutes of the Board and board committees are promptly prepared and circulated.
• Custody of the seal and a record of its usage.
• Offering guidance to the Institute on matters touching on investigations of the Institute by external agencies to ensure that the Institute’s image and interest are secure.
• Formulating policy and Providing advice on legal and corporate matters to the Institute through interpretation and writing legal opinions.
• Ensuring that Legal Audit Compliance is carried out to confirm legal compliance with national, regional, and international legal requirements.
• Developing and reviewing relevant regulatory Legal framework for the better implementation of the Institute’s mandate.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts, Service Level Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding, leases and other legal documents to ensure compliance to statutory requirements and the Institute’s policies.
• Coordinating and ensuring representation of the Institute in courts or other judicial authorities.
• Reviewing and providing advice on legal risk at the Institute.
• Managing litigation and review progress of outstanding litigation.
• Liaising and managing external lawyers for the Institute.
• Management of intellectual property rights aspects of the institution.
• Contract negotiation with external parties.
• Initiation of legal action and defense on behalf of the Board of Management.

Person Specifications:

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• At least twelve (12) years’ relevant work experience, five (5) of which must have been in management position.
• 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.
• Certified Public Secretary (K) or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Membership to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPS (K)).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Council of Legal Education.
• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Valid practicing license.
• Leadership Course lasting not less than six (6) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated professional competence and administrative capability as reflected in work performance and results.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Analytical skills.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Mentoring, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Integrity.