Job Purpose
Provides strategic direction in the delivery of legal services, offering expert guidance on robust corporate governance practices while ensuring the secure management of legal documentation. Collaborates with senior management on legal affairs to guarantee adherence to statutory and regulatory obligations, thereby safeguarding KEYS’ interests in alignment with its mandate under the Standards Act (Cap 496) of the Laws of Kenya. This role facilitates domestic, regional, and international trade by simplifying business operations, all while upholding consumer health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainable trade practices, as outlined in Articles 42, 43(a, b, c & d), 46(a, b & c) of the Constitution of Kenya and the Standards Act (Cap 496). Additionally, it promotes a culture of excellence to advance Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Articulates Kenya’s stance on legal issues pertaining to Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA), while representing the country in negotiations at regional and international forums. This role is critical in fostering improved market access for Kenyan products within regional and global trade networks.
Oversee a range of critical responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, and team leadership to drive organizational success. Perform duties that include analyzing performance metrics, optimizing workflows, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Execute tasks such as mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and aligning departmental goals with broader company objectives. Handle responsibilities related to budget oversight, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication to maintain transparency and accountability. Address duties involving continuous process improvement, innovation implementation, and cross-functional project management to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Overseeing teams and directing operational activities constitute key managerial duties, requiring adept leadership and organizational skills to ensure team productivity and goal attainment. This role involves delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and fostering a collaborative work environment to drive efficiency and meet organizational objectives. Supervisory responsibilities include guiding employees, resolving conflicts, and implementing policies to maintain high standards of work quality and compliance. Additionally, the position demands strong communication abilities to align team efforts with company strategies while providing mentorship and support to enhance professional growth.
Provides strategic direction and maintains accountability for delivering legal services while ensuring the secure preservation of legal documents. Offers expert guidance on corporate governance best practices, oversees the execution of legal instruments, manages litigation processes, and advises management on legal affairs to uphold compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
To safeguard KEYS interests in fulfilling its mandate under the Standards Act CAP 496 of Kenya’s laws, the following requirements must be met.
Delivers strategic direction and bears responsibility for developing and executing KEYS Legal policies, strategies, and procedures.
Strategic leadership is provided in developing and interpreting the National Quality Infrastructure framework for Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA), ensuring KEYS fulfills its trade facilitation mandate. This role safeguards consumer health and safety, protects the environment, minimizes technical barriers to trade, and bolsters the competitiveness of Kenyan products and services.
Offers strategic direction in evaluation and adapts to shifts in the operational landscape that influence applicable laws, legal policies, and regulatory frameworks, thereby protecting KEYS interests, fostering seamless integration within the broader governmental context, and promoting national, regional, and international trade facilitation.
The position offers strategic leadership in the gazetteer of standards by the National Standards Council (NSC) and the issuance of legal notices for mandatory standards, serving as the gazetteer inspector.
Offers strategic guidance in developing and officially publishing statutory instruments that regulate KEYS operations.
Delivers high-level strategic direction in overseeing the administration of contracts, memoranda of understanding (Mouse), and collaborative legal instruments between KEYS and stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels to ensure their successful execution.
Demonstrates leadership in overseeing litigation and arbitral proceedings involving KEYS, ensuring robust defense strategies are implemented in judicial forums, tribunals, or other quasi-judicial entities to protect KEYS’ interests.
Offers executive leadership in crafting and executing comprehensive business continuity strategies tailored to legal considerations, safeguarding the ongoing viability of KEYS operations.
Provides strategic leadership in the establishment, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and improvement of the Management Systems adopted by KEBS for the purpose of ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and sustained customer satisfaction;
Ensures effective performance management and productivity enhancement across the directorate while maintaining full accountability for its overall performance outcomes.
The position is responsible for supervising the execution of the Risk Management Framework within the Directorate, ensuring risks are mitigated while also capitalizing on potential opportunities.
The incumbent is responsible for assessing and allocating the necessary human and physical resources within the directorate to ensure successful execution and attainment of strategic goals.
The directorate’s objectives are advanced by providing structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, coaching sessions, and practical on-the-job experiences to enhance and develop staff competencies.
The position encompasses a broad spectrum of operational duties and responsibilities, requiring the incumbent to oversee and execute various tasks integral to the organization’s seamless functioning. Key responsibilities include managing workflow processes, coordinating interdepartmental activities, ensuring adherence to established protocols, and maintaining accurate documentation. The role demands a keen attention to detail, strong organizational capabilities, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic environment. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency and support strategic objectives. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in relevant tools and systems, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
The incumbent is responsible for managing the creation and execution of work plans, budgets, Medium Expenditure Frameworks, and procurement strategies within the Directorate and the National Standards Council.
Offers strategic direction in managing correspondence that carries legal significance and guides personnel on potential legal actions stemming from KEYS operations conducted during official duties.
Strategically leads the creation, upkeep, and enhancement of KEYS databases, ensuring all relevant cases where KEYS holds an interest are accurately documented and maintained.
Delivers executive direction in organizing and facilitating legal clinics, ensuring staff are fully informed about operational procedures.
Provides legal counsel and guidance to the National Standards Council, management, and staff regarding legal instruments, contracts, and corporate governance, ensuring adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements.
Leads and manages collaborative efforts between KEYS and external stakeholders to guarantee adherence to statutory, regulatory requirements, and international obligations.
The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the preparation of KEYS and directorate board papers, ensuring their timely and accurate uploading to the E-Board platform for review and approval by the NSC.
Responsible for facilitating the board’s orientation and development initiatives, while coordinating board assessments to uphold high standards of corporate governance.
Delivers strategic direction to oversee the legal department’s service delivery efficiency and effectiveness, guaranteeing adherence to legal and regulatory standards while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
Delivers strategic direction in litigation matters, offers counsel on KEYS defense strategies, and provides recommendations on alternative dispute resolution approaches to protect KEYS interests.
Responsible for supervising the timely preparation and submission of responses to Parliamentary questions pertaining to KEYS’s legal mandate and operational activities.
The National Standards Council’s charter and additional governance documents are developed and reviewed under this position’s purview.
We manage and oversee the use and maintenance of specialized instruments to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance with established protocols. This role requires a meticulous approach to handling delicate equipment, performing routine calibrations, and conducting thorough inspections to identify any defects or deviations. You will be responsible for documenting all activities, maintaining detailed records, and reporting any issues to the appropriate personnel for resolution. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize instrument performance and troubleshoot technical challenges as they arise.
The professional communicates resolutions from the National Standards Council to directorates for implementation, thereby fostering operational efficiency within the organization.
Delivers custodial care for KEYS legal instruments and the corporate seal, ensuring their proper custody and responsible utilization.
Oversees the establishment of targets, evaluates performance metrics, grants approval for directorate benchmarks, and ensures continuous tracking of progress to maintain alignment with organizational objectives.
The incumbent is tasked with executing the implementation and subsequently submitting performance reports to the Managing Director.
Demonstrates leadership in executing National Standards Council resolutions pertaining to legal matters.
Reviews and authorizes financial outlays for the directorate to ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines and organizational policies.
Delegates tasks and authorizes leave for direct reports.
Job Requirements (Expertise, Qualifications, and Professional Competencies):
Candidates must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the specified knowledge areas and possess relevant hands-on experience in the field. Essential attributes include strong analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team environment. Proficiency in [relevant tools/technologies] and adherence to industry best practices are also mandatory. Additionally, familiarity with [specific processes/methodologies] and a commitment to continuous professional development are highly valued.
Academic qualifications include a relevant Bachelor’s degree or higher in a pertinent field such as education, child development, or psychology, complemented by specialized training in early childhood education. Candidates must possess a valid teaching certification or equivalent credential, along with a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in an educational setting, preferably with young learners. Proficiency in curriculum development and classroom management is essential, as is the ability to foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with students, parents, and colleagues effectively. Familiarity with child assessment tools and educational technology is advantageous.
Earn a Juries Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) degree from an accredited university or law school.
Obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from an accredited institution.
A supervisory program accredited by a recognized institution must be completed, with a minimum duration of two weeks.
A recognized institution must offer a management course with a duration of at least four weeks.
A recognized institution must provide a leadership training program that spans a minimum duration of four weeks.
Holding credentials from recognized professional organizations or associations is essential.
Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Law is essential for this role, providing specialized legal training and expertise to support complex legal matters.
Admission to the Roll of Advocates of the High Court of Kenya is required.
Holding a Certified Secretary (CS(K)) qualification, the candidate must demonstrate a thorough understanding of administrative procedures, organizational management, and executive support functions. Proficiency in handling confidential information, coordinating schedules, and facilitating communication between senior management and stakeholders is essential. Additionally, the individual should exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Experience in secretarial or administrative roles within a corporate or organizational setting is highly advantageous.
A registered and active member in good standing with the Law Society of Kenya.
Holders must possess a Current Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Kenya.
A minimum of two years of work experience in a related field is necessary.
A minimum of twelve years of relevant professional experience is required, with at least five years attained in a
Seeking a seasoned executive to fill a leadership role at the senior management level. This position requires extensive experience in strategic planning, decision-making, and team oversight to drive organizational success. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and executing high-impact initiatives. Key responsibilities include setting long-term goals, fostering innovation, and ensuring operational efficiency across departments. Ideal applicants will possess strong communication skills, financial acumen, and the ability to mentor emerging leaders. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high performance standards.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Diploma , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
12 years
