⚡ New Feature

Auto-Apply to Jobs While You Sleep

Stop spending hours applying manually. Our Premium Auto-Apply scans new listings every day and sends your application automatically — so you never miss an opportunity.

🔒 Secured by Stripe 📋 Cancel anytime ✅ 100+ jobs applied monthly
Home Jobs Nairobi Lead Counsel, Senior Legal Advisor

Lead Counsel, Senior Legal Advisor

Kenya Airways  · Aviation / Airline

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 4 June 2026
Posted May 23, 2026

Purpose

The Senior Legal Counsel position acts as the primary liaison and trusted advisor regarding current and prospective legal matters involving the company across its entire network. This role involves delivering legal support and guidance throughout the network by proactively identifying, addressing, and mitigating potential legal risks in alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.

The incumbent will be accountable for overseeing all legal risks pertaining to Company commercial legal transactions as well as litigation proceedings within designated units or stations, under the direction of the Departmental Team Leader, who serves as Company Secretary & Director of Legal, Risk, and Compliance, along with appointed external legal counsel.

Responsibilities

Offer legal counsel and proactive legal guidance to both Hub and all outstations, assisting in the detection of critical legal obligations, risks, and opportunities to ensure potential legal issues and risks are recognized and addressed prior to escalating into major business threats.

The role entails advocating for and managing the Company’s interests in contractual matters encompassing Commercial agreements, Joint Ventures, financing arrangements, Aircraft Leases, Registration processes, and Procurement/tendering activities, both domestically and across all external locations.

Develop innovative solutions and integrate flexible clauses to provide KM with necessary breathing room in commercial agreements.

Serve as the primary liaison for all litigation-related matters within the organization, overseeing legal issues at both the Group and country levels while coordinating closely with external legal counsel and relevant third parties.

Oversee the coordination with external legal representatives, ensuring clear and precise directives are provided while negotiating optimal fee arrangements for every legal engagement.

Diligently examine and, when necessary, draft all legal documents executed by the company to safeguard its rights and interests.

Offer strategic guidance to stakeholders regarding corporate authorities and collaborate closely with senior leadership to secure necessary board and committee approvals promptly.

Design and implement operational instruments, governance-related documentation, and standardized templates to facilitate and enhance the efficiency of Legal department functions.

Prepare legal and quasi-legal documents, including proxy forms, powers of attorney, delegations of authority, and tender documentation, while coordinating with notaries to ensure proper legalization of all materials.

Provide support in maintaining and updating documentation across various jurisdictions for the company’s international offices and subsidiaries, including business and trade registrations as well as license renewals.

Oversee and evaluate external legal counsel to guarantee optimal representation and service delivery.

Resolve disputes in a manner that upholds and protects the company’s interests at all times.

Offer strategic guidance on competition law matters to the business while delivering targeted training sessions to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Overseeing the company’s intellectual property portfolio in collaboration with external legal counsel and the marketing department ensures alignment between legal protection and strategic brand initiatives.

Effective oversight and growth of direct reports encompass individual performance enhancement, goal establishment, and continuous support, along with essential mentorship and career guidance tailored to daily responsibilities and project execution.

Perform other legally-related duties as assigned by the Departmental Director.

Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in a range of technical and interpersonal competencies, including problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Proficiency in relevant software, tools, or programming languages is essential, depending on the role’s requirements. Strong organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail are highly valued. Experience in project management, data analysis, or customer service may be necessary for certain positions. Additionally, the ability to adapt to evolving priorities and work effectively in fast-paced environments is crucial. Leadership potential and a proactive approach to challenges are also desirable traits for applicants to highlight.

Maintaining strict confidentiality, fostering trust, and upholding the highest standards of personal integrity are essential qualities for this role.

Demonstrated expertise in budget preparation and strategic planning is required.

Proven expertise in developing legal defensive or proactive strategies is essential.

We seek a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with proven experience in delivering exceptional results within fast-paced environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, methodologies, and compliance standards is essential to excel in this role. A minimum of [X] years of relevant experience and a degree in [relevant field] are required, though additional certifications may enhance your candidacy. The position demands a proactive approach, exceptional communication abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

A recognized university must confer a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL. B) as the minimum educational qualification.

Qualifications for the Certified Professional Secretary-K (CPS-K) designation are required.

A Master of Laws (LL.M) degree, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or certification as a Certified Secretary—or any other pertinent legal certification or training—will be considered a distinct advantage.

Hold a law diploma awarded by the Kenya School of Law (KSL).

Senior management roles requiring a minimum of eight years of experience within a publicly listed company or a fast-paced commercial setting are essential, specifically in Company Secretary, Legal, and Governance functions.

A master’s degree is considered beneficial for this role.

Required expertise in aviation or commercial laws and regulations is essential.

Proven understanding of applicable laws and regulatory frameworks is required.

Additional Information

Demonstrates exceptional conceptual and analytical abilities, along with a talent for producing clear, thorough documentation and delivering compelling presentations. Proficient in engaging stakeholders at all organizational levels to build consensus and drive decision-making through persuasive negotiation.

Accomplished in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and driving organizational change with exceptional leadership and cooperative skills.

A strategic, creative, and analytical professional with strong stakeholder engagement and risk management expertise.

Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal abilities, coupled with outstanding communication skills, are essential for this role.

An individual of the utmost integrity is required, along with strong collaborative abilities to function effectively as part of a unified team.

Achieves measurable outcomes with a strong emphasis on driving tangible results. Consistently meets and exceeds performance targets through data-driven strategies and disciplined execution. Prioritizes efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement to maximize impact and deliver value. Holds themselves and their team accountable for meeting objectives while maintaining high standards of quality and excellence.

We prioritize a customer-centric approach, ensuring that every interaction is tailored to meet and exceed client expectations. This role requires a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service, addressing customer inquiries promptly, and resolving issues efficiently. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities to foster long-term relationships and enhance customer satisfaction. A deep understanding of customer needs and the capacity to handle diverse situations with professionalism are essential.

Achieves outcomes efficiently through a proactive and goal-driven approach.

Professionalism is essential in this role, requiring a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct, appearance, and interpersonal interactions. Candidates must demonstrate reliability, integrity, and discretion in all professional settings. The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is critical. Additionally, a keen attention to detail and adherence to ethical guidelines are expected to ensure consistent performance and workplace harmony.

Decisive and resilient, the ideal candidate must demonstrate unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges and adapting swiftly to dynamic environments.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , Diploma , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate

Experience Required

8 years

More jobs in Nairobi