Job Purpose
The incumbent will offer strategic leadership in delivering legal services, advising on sound corporate governance practices, and ensuring the secure management of legal documents, while supporting senior management on legal matters to uphold compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations. This role is crucial in safeguarding KEYS’ interests and advancing its mandate under the Standards Act (Cap 496) of Kenyan law. By fostering a conducive environment for local, regional, and international trade, the position aims to promote ease of doing business while protecting consumer health and safety, preserving the environment, and aligning with constitutional provisions—specifically Articles 42, 43(a, b, c & d), and 46(a, b & c)—as well as the Standards Act (Cap 496, Laws of Kenya). Additionally, the role will contribute to embedding a culture of quality essential for achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Kenya’s stance on legal matters concerning Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA) is clearly communicated, while representing the country’s interests in negotiations at regional and global forums. This role involves advocating for Kenyan products to secure improved market access in both regional and international trade environments.
Oversee and execute a range of critical responsibilities to ensure operational excellence and team productivity. Lead and manage daily tasks, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while fostering collaboration and accountability. Perform detailed evaluations of workflows to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategic solutions. Handle administrative duties with precision, maintaining accurate records and facilitating seamless communication across departments. Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards through meticulous oversight and proactive problem-solving. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Overseeing a team of employees and ensuring their performance aligns with organizational goals fall under the purview of this role. Duties include assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and providing constructive feedback to foster professional growth. The position demands strong leadership skills to motivate staff, resolve conflicts, and maintain a productive work environment. Accountability for team outcomes and adherence to company policies are also key responsibilities.
Provides strategic direction and oversees the delivery of legal services while ensuring the secure management of legal documents. Responsible for advising on best practices in corporate governance, administering legal instruments, and managing litigation matters. Additionally, collaborates closely with management to address legal issues and guarantee adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
To safeguard KEYS’ interests and effectively execute its mandate in alignment with the Standards Act CAP 496 of Kenya’s laws.
Delivers strategic direction and bears responsibility for the development and execution of KEYS Legal policies, strategies, and procedures.
Delivers visionary leadership in the development and analysis of the National Quality Infrastructure framework—encompassing Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA)—to empower KEYS in fulfilling its mandate of facilitating trade, simultaneously safeguarding consumer health and safety, protecting the environment, minimizing technical trade obstacles, and elevating the competitiveness of Kenyan products and services.
Delivers strategic direction in evaluation and addresses the effects of shifts in the operational landscape on applicable legislation, legal frameworks, and regulatory policies to protect KEYS interests, maintain a high degree of cohesion within the broader government context, and promote national, regional, and international trade facilitation.
Strategic leadership is provided in the gazetteer of National Standards Council standards and legal notices for mandatory standards, as well as the role of gazetteer inspector.
Delivers high-level strategic direction to develop and officially publish statutory instruments that govern the operations of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEYS).
Delivers high-level strategic direction in overseeing contracts, memoranda of understanding (Mouse), and collaborative legal instruments between KEYS and stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels to ensure seamless execution.
Ensures strategic direction in managing litigation and arbitration cases involving KEYS by delivering robust legal defense in courts of law, tribunals, or other quasi-judicial forums to protect and advance KEYS’ interests.
Delivers strategic direction in crafting and executing business continuity plans specifically focused on legal considerations to uphold the ongoing viability of KEYS operations.
The incumbent will spearhead the strategic leadership required to establish, implement, monitor, evaluate, and enhance KEYS’s Management Systems, ensuring operational efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term 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 outcomes.
The position involves supervising the execution of the Risk Management Framework within the Directorate, with a dual focus on minimizing potential adverse impacts of risks and capitalizing on advantageous opportunities.
The role involves managing the identification and allocation of both human and physical resources within the directorate to ensure successful execution and attainment of strategic goals.
Manages the enhancement of staff competencies within the directorate by implementing structured training initiatives, mentorship, coaching, and practical on-the-job learning experiences to ensure alignment with the directorate’s strategic goals.
The position entails overseeing and executing key operational duties to ensure seamless business processes. Responsibilities include managing workflows, coordinating resources, and implementing efficient systems to enhance productivity. Additionally, the role requires monitoring performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and executing corrective actions as needed. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are essential. Proficiency in relevant software and tools, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving, is also required.
The position involves managing the creation and execution of work plans, budget allocations, the Medium Expenditure Framework, and procurement strategies within the Directorate and the National Standards Council.
Provides strategic direction in managing responses to correspondence with legal implications and counsels staff regarding potential legal actions arising from KEYS operations conducted during official duties.
Strategically leads the creation, upkeep, and enhancement of KEYS databases for all relevant cases where KEYS holds an interest.
Offers executive guidance in organizing and implementing legal clinics, ensuring staff are thoroughly informed about operational procedures.
Provides legal counsel to the National Standards Council, senior leadership, and staff regarding legal instruments, contracts, and corporate governance matters, ensuring adherence to statutory and regulatory obligations.
Experienced professionals will oversee and facilitate coordination between KEYS and external stakeholders, ensuring adherence to statutory, regulatory requirements, and international obligations.
Ensures the timely preparation and uploading of KEYS and directorate board papers to the E-Board for review and approval by the NSC.
Responsible for facilitating the board’s induction and training initiatives, as well as coordinating board evaluations to uphold robust corporate governance standards.
The position offers strategic direction to oversee the legal function’s service delivery efficiency and effectiveness, guaranteeing adherence to legal and regulatory standards while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
Provides strategic direction in litigation affairs, offers counsel on KEYS defense strategies, and delivers expertise on alternative dispute resolution methods to protect KEYS interests.
Responsible for managing the timely preparation and submission of responses to Parliamentary questions pertaining to the legal mandate and operational activities of KEYS.
The role involves managing the development and assessment of the National Standards Council’s charter and other governance-related documents.
Responsible for the care, maintenance, calibration, and operation of a variety of precision instruments, ensuring accuracy and reliability in measurements. Performs routine inspections, troubleshooting, and adjustments to identify and resolve technical issues. Collaborates with engineering and quality assurance teams to validate instrument performance and compliance with established standards. Maintains detailed documentation of maintenance activities, calibration schedules, and any corrective actions taken. Assists in training staff on proper instrument usage and safety protocols. Stays informed about advancements in instrumentation technology to recommend improvements or upgrades when necessary.
Relays National Standards Council resolutions to directorates for seamless implementation, thereby enhancing operational efficiency within the organization.
Delivers custodial services for KEYS legal instruments and the corporate seal while ensuring responsible management and oversight of their usage.
Oversees the establishment of performance targets, evaluates and endorses the objectives set by the directorate, and ensures continuous monitoring of progress to maintain alignment with strategic goals.
The incumbent is tasked with executing the implementation process and subsequently submitting performance reports to the Managing Director.
Offers strategic direction in executing National Standards Council resolutions pertaining to legal affairs.
Evaluates and authorizes expenditures for the directorate.
Delegates responsibilities and authorizes time off requests for direct reports.
Job Competencies encompass a combination of knowledge, practical experience, and key attributes or skills required for the role.
A master’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is necessary for this role.
Earned a Juries Doctor or equivalent advanced legal qualification from an accredited university, demonstrating comprehensive legal expertise and academic excellence.
Holders of a Juries Doctor or equivalent law degree from an accredited academic institution are eligible for consideration.
A recognized institution must offer a supervisory course with a minimum duration of two weeks.
A recognized institution must offer a management course that spans a minimum duration of four weeks.
A recognized institution must offer a leadership training program that spans a minimum duration of four weeks.
Membership in recognized professional organizations and adherence to relevant industry standards represent essential professional credentials for this role.
Holders of a Post Graduate Diploma in Law are required for this role, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and frameworks.
As a candidate seeking admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, you must meet the established legal qualifications and professional standards set by the relevant authorities. This process requires thorough verification of your academic credentials, practical training, and ethical standing to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements. Additionally, you are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Kenyan law and the ability to uphold the highest standards of legal practice. Successful applicants will be admitted upon fulfilling all prescribed conditions and undergoing the necessary professional assessments.
Here’s the professional paragraph:
A Certified Secretary (CS [K]) designation signifies completion of a specialized program designed to equip professionals with essential administrative and organizational skills. This credential demonstrates proficiency in managing office operations, handling correspondence, maintaining records, and supporting executive functions with precision and discretion. Candidates pursuing this certification should exhibit strong organizational abilities, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality in all professional interactions. Additionally, the program emphasizes the mastery of time management, technical proficiency in office software, and the capacity to work efficiently under pressure while adhering to high ethical standards.
An active member in good standing with the Law Society of Kenya.
Holders of a current and valid Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Kenya are eligible to apply for this position.
Relevant prior work experience is a prerequisite for this position.
With a minimum of twelve years of relevant professional experience—five of which must have been in a
A leadership role at the senior level is required, demanding extensive experience and a proven track record of strategic decision-making. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively lead and inspire teams while managing high-level stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing and executing organizational goals, overseeing departmental budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years in a managerial capacity, along with a relevant advanced degree and exceptional problem-solving abilities. This position offers significant influence in shaping company direction and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Diploma , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
12 years
