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Home Jobs Nairobi Director of Legal Services & Corporate Governance (Re-Advertised)

Director of Legal Services & Corporate Governance (Re-Advertised)

Kenya Bureau of Standards  · Government

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 20 August 2026
Posted May 23, 2026

Job Purpose

The position entails providing strategic direction in the delivery of legal services, offering counsel on sound corporate governance practices, and ensuring the secure management of legal documents. Additionally, the role supports senior management in addressing legal matters to uphold compliance with applicable laws and regulations, thereby safeguarding the interests of KEYS in alignment with its mandate under the Standards Act (Cap 496) of Kenya’s legal framework. This function aims to foster local, regional, and international trade while promoting ease of doing business, all while protecting consumer health and safety, safeguarding the environment, and adhering to Articles 42, 43(a, b, c & d), 46(a, b & c) of the Constitution of Kenya, as well as the Standards Act (Cap 496) of the Laws of Kenya. Furthermore, the role contributes to embedding a culture of quality that advances 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), engaging in negotiations at both regional and international levels to bolster market access for Kenyan products.

Oversee and execute a range of critical responsibilities aligned with the role’s core functions, ensuring adherence to established standards and organizational objectives. Perform assigned duties with precision, maintaining high levels of accuracy and efficiency in all tasks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support key initiatives, contributing to the achievement of departmental and company-wide goals. Address daily operational challenges proactively, implementing solutions to enhance productivity and workflow optimization. Serve as a dependable resource for colleagues, offering guidance and support to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and industry regulations throughout all activities.

The position involves overseeing and leading a team, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to company standards. Responsibilities include delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and fostering a productive work environment. The role requires strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate staff, and a commitment to achieving organizational goals. Additionally, the manager must address employee concerns, provide constructive feedback, and uphold workplace policies to maintain a positive and compliant team dynamic.

Delivers strategic direction and bears full accountability for the delivery of legal services and the secure management of legal documentation. Additionally, offers expert counsel on robust corporate governance practices, oversees the preparation and administration of legal instruments, manages litigation processes, and advises senior leadership on legal affairs to uphold compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

To uphold KEYS’ interests in fulfilling its mandate under the Standards Act CAP 496 of Kenya’s legal framework, the following requirements must be met.

Offers high-level strategic direction and bears responsibility for the development and execution of KEYS Legal policies, strategies, and procedures.

The position offers strategic direction in developing and interpreting the National Quality Infrastructure framework, specifically in Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA), to support KEYS in executing its mandate on trade facilitation. Additionally, the role ensures consumer health and safety, environmental protection, and the reduction of technical barriers to trade, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Kenyan goods and services.

Provides strategic direction in evaluating and addressing the influence of evolving operational conditions on applicable laws, legal policies, and regulatory structures to protect KEYS’ interests, maintain a high degree of alignment with government-wide objectives, and advance national, regional, and international trade facilitation.

Provides strategic direction for the formal publication of standards by the National Standards Council, as well as the issuance of legal notices pertaining to mandatory standards and the appointment of gazetteer inspectors.

Strategically leads the development and official publication of statutory instruments to guide and regulate KEYS operations.

Strategically leads the oversight and administration of contracts, memoranda of understanding (Mouse), and collaborative legal instruments between KEYS and its partners, ensuring their effective implementation at the national, regional, and international levels.

Experienced legal professionals oversee the management of litigation and arbitration matters involving KEYS, both as claimants and respondents, to ensure robust defense in judicial forums, tribunals, or similar quasi-judicial bodies, thereby protecting KEYS’ interests effectively.

Delivers high-level strategic direction for crafting and executing business continuity plans related to legal considerations, safeguarding the long-term viability of KEYS operations.

Offers visionary leadership to establish, execute, monitor, assess, and enhance the Management Systems implemented by KEYS, ensuring operational efficiency, effectiveness, and ongoing customer satisfaction.

The incumbent is tasked with leading performance management and enhancing productivity across the directorate, holding full responsibility and accountability for its overall performance.

Supervises the execution of the Risk Management Framework within the Directorate, safeguarding against adverse risk impacts while capitalizing on potential opportunities.

The role involves managing the allocation and provision of both human and physical resources within the directorate, ensuring their optimal utilization to support the successful execution and attainment of strategic objectives.

Leads the enhancement of staff capabilities within the directorate by implementing structured training initiatives, mentorship, coaching, and practical on-the-job learning experiences, ensuring alignment with the directorate’s strategic goals.

Oversee daily operational tasks to ensure seamless workflow execution, maintaining high efficiency and productivity standards across all processes. Monitor performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, implementing corrective actions as needed to enhance operational effectiveness. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align departmental objectives with organizational goals, fostering collaboration and streamlined communication. Manage resource allocation and scheduling to optimize workflows, ensuring timely completion of projects while adhering to budgetary constraints.

The incumbent is responsible for directing the preparation and execution of operational strategies, budgeting, Medium Expenditure Framework, and procurement initiatives within the Directorate and the National Standards Council.

Delivers strategic direction in managing correspondence with legal implications and counsels personnel on potential legal actions arising from KEYS operations conducted during official duties.

Strategically leads the creation, administration, and continuous enhancement of KEYS databases for all relevant cases where KEYS holds an interest.

Delivers strategic direction in organizing and leading legal clinics to ensure operational effectiveness among staff.

Provides legal counsel and strategic advice to the National Standards Council, senior leadership, and staff regarding legal instruments, contractual obligations, and corporate governance matters, ensuring adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements.

Experienced professionals will oversee and facilitate cooperation between KEYS and external stakeholders, ensuring adherence to statutory, regulatory mandates, and international commitments.

The incumbent is tasked with managing the development of KEYS and directorate board papers, ensuring their timely submission and upload to the E-Board system for review and endorsement by the National Steering Committee (NSC).

Ensures the board’s induction and training processes are managed effectively while coordinating board evaluations to uphold strong corporate governance standards.

Delivers strategic oversight to assess and enhance the legal function’s service delivery efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory mandates while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.

Delivers strategic direction in legal disputes and offers counsel on KEYS defense strategies while advising on alternative dispute resolution approaches to uphold and protect KEYS interests.

Ensures prompt preparation and submission of responses to Parliamentary questions concerning KEYS’s legal mandate and operational activities.

This role involves supervising the creation and evaluation of the National Standards Council’s charter and other governance-related documents.

We require proficiency in handling a variety of instruments. Candidates must possess the technical skills necessary to operate these tools accurately and efficiently. Familiarity with the specific functions and applications of each instrument is essential. Additionally, the ability to perform routine maintenance and calibrations to ensure optimal performance is required.

The National Standards Council’s resolutions are conveyed to relevant directorates to facilitate their implementation, thereby promoting operational efficiency within the organization.

Delivers custodial services for KEYS legal instruments and the corporation seal, ensuring responsible management and oversight of their usage.

Oversees the establishment of performance targets, evaluates and authorizes the objectives set for each directorate, and ensures consistent monitoring of progress against established goals.

The incumbent is tasked with executing tasks and preparing performance reports for submission to the Managing Director.

Delivers strategic direction for the effective execution of National Standards Council resolutions concerning legal affairs.

Approves directorate expenditures;

Assigns duties and approve leave to the direct report.

Job Requirements (Expertise, Background, and Proficiencies / Capabilities).

Academic qualifications must include a relevant bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, along with demonstrated expertise in the subject through teaching or research experience.

Hold a law degree at the master’s level from a reputable academic institution.

Hold a Juries Doctor (JD) or equivalent Bachelor of Laws (LLB) qualification from an accredited university or recognized higher education institution.

A minimum two-week supervisory program from an accredited institution is required.

A recognized institution must offer a management course that spans a minimum duration of four weeks.

A recognized institution must offer a leadership development program that spans a minimum duration of four weeks.

Holding current memberships in recognized professional bodies is a vital qualification for this role, reflecting a commitment to ongoing education and adherence to industry standards. These credentials often signify specialized expertise, ethical practice, and a dedication to professional development, ensuring alignment with best practices in the field. Candidates with such qualifications are typically expected to meet rigorous criteria set by these organizations, demonstrating both competence and credibility in their respective disciplines.

Earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Law, demonstrating advanced legal education and specialized expertise in key areas of the field.

As an applicant seeking admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, you must meet the specified eligibility criteria and adhere to the procedural requirements set forth by the relevant legal authorities. This process involves fulfilling academic qualifications, completing mandatory practical training, and successfully passing the qualifying examinations prescribed by the Council of Legal Education. Additionally, you are expected to demonstrate good character and professional integrity throughout the application and admission process.

Holders of the Certified Secretary’s designation, specifically the CS(K) credential, are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of corporate governance principles, compliance frameworks, and executive support methodologies. This role requires individuals to possess exceptional organizational acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks under strict deadlines. Responsibilities include preparing board meeting materials, maintaining statutory registers, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to regulatory mandates. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential to liaise effectively with executives, board members, and external authorities.

A qualified and current member in good standing of the Law Society of Kenya.

Holders of an active and current Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Kenya are eligible to apply.

Minimum of one year of direct work experience in a related field is necessary.

With a minimum of twelve years of relevant professional experience, including at least five years in a

We are seeking an experienced executive to lead our senior management team, responsible for strategic decision-making and overseeing daily operations to drive organizational success. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in leadership, with at least 10 years of progressively responsible management experience, including budget oversight and team development. Key responsibilities include setting long-term goals, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a high-performance culture. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is required, along with strong communication and analytical skills. Advanced degrees and industry certifications are preferred but not mandatory.

Qualifications

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

Experience Required

12 years

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