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Home Jobs Nairobi Corporate Legal & Compliance Director / Secretary

Corporate Legal & Compliance Director / Secretary

Kenya Bureau of Standards  · Government

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 20 August 2026
Posted May 24, 2026

Our primary objective is to oversee and administer a specific range of responsibilities that contribute to the overall success of the organization. This role entails fulfilling key functions, including managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive project completion. The ideal candidate must possess a combination of relevant experience, technical proficiency, and strong interpersonal skills to effectively execute assigned duties. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, performance monitoring, and fostering a productive work environment.

Provides strategic direction in delivering legal services, offering guidance on robust corporate governance practices, and ensuring the secure management of legal documents, while assisting management with legal matters to uphold compliance with applicable laws and regulations, safeguarding KEYS’ interests in alignment with its mandate under the Standards Act (CAP 496) of Kenya’s legal framework. This role facilitates domestic, regional, and international trade while promoting ease of business operations, all while prioritizing consumer health and safety, environmental protection, and adherence to constitutional provisions—specifically Articles 42, 43(a, b, c & d), 46(a, b & c)—and the Standards Act (Cap 496) of Kenya. Additionally, it contributes to embedding a culture of quality to advance Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Crafts and conveys 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 accessibility for Kenyan products.

Responsibilities include orchestrating a diverse array of critical tasks, ensuring adherence to established protocols, and maintaining high operational standards. Duties encompass managing workflows, coordinating team efforts, and fostering collaboration to achieve organizational objectives. Tasks involve executing specialized assignments, troubleshooting challenges, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and consistent performance in dynamic environments. Additionally, it requires effective communication, problem-solving acumen, and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities while delivering measurable results.

Overseeing and directing team operations and ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures are essential managerial duties. Supervisory responsibilities involve guiding employees, fostering a productive work environment, and addressing performance-related issues. This role requires strong leadership skills to motivate staff, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain high standards of efficiency and accountability. Additionally, the position demands effective communication to align team goals with organizational objectives while monitoring progress and providing constructive feedback.

The role entails providing strategic leadership and overseeing the delivery of legal services while ensuring the secure management of legal documents. This position is responsible for advising on best practices in corporate governance, administering legal instruments, and managing litigation. Additionally, the individual will support senior management in legal matters to guarantee adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

To ensure the safeguarding of KEYS interests in alignment with the realization of its mandate under 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.

Strategically guides the formulation and application of the National Quality Infrastructure framework—encompassing Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA)—to uphold KEYS’s mandate in trade facilitation. Ensures consumer health and safety, environmental protection, and the mitigation of technical barriers to trade while enhancing the competitiveness of Kenyan products and services.

Provides strategic direction in evaluation and adapts to evolving operational conditions to assess their influence on applicable laws, legal policies, and regulatory structures, safeguarding KEYS’ interests while promoting seamless integration within the government’s overarching framework. Additionally, it fosters national, regional, and international trade facilitation through informed decision-making and proactive compliance measures.

Strategic leadership is provided in the gazetteer of standards by the NSC and in the issuance of legal notices for mandatory standards as a gazetteer inspector.

Provides strategic direction and oversight in the development and gazetteer of statutory instruments governing KEYS operations.

Delivers high-level strategic direction in overseeing contracts, memoranda of understanding, and collaborative legal instruments between KEYS and partners at national, regional, and international levels to ensure seamless execution.

The position involves leading the management of litigation and arbitration cases involving KEYS, ensuring robust defense in courts, tribunals, or other quasi-judicial forums to protect organizational interests.

Delivers strategic direction in developing and executing business continuity plans for legal affairs, safeguarding the ongoing sustainability of KEYS operations.

Provides strategic guidance to develop, execute, implement, track, assess, and enhance the Management Systems implemented by KEYS, ensuring optimal efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term customer satisfaction.

Directs and ensures the effective management of performance and productivity enhancements within the directorate, holding full responsibility and accountability for its overall performance outcomes.

The position is responsible for directing the execution of the Risk Management Framework within the Directorate, fostering proactive mitigation of potential negative impacts while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

The directorate’s resources, both human and physical, are identified and provided to ensure the effective implementation and achievement of strategic objectives.

The incumbent is responsible for enhancing 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.

The operational duties encompass a range of critical tasks essential to the smooth functioning of the department. Responsibilities include managing daily processes, ensuring adherence to established protocols, and maintaining accurate records to support decision-making. Additionally, the role demands coordination with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, resolve operational challenges, and implement improvements as needed. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in relevant software systems are required to perform these duties effectively.

The position entails managing the creation and execution of operational work plans, budgetary allocations, the Medium Expenditure Framework, and procurement strategies within both the Directorate and the National Standards Council.

Offers strategic direction in managing legally pertinent correspondence and counsels staff on potential legal actions arising from KEYS operations conducted during official duties.

Strategically leads the design, ongoing maintenance, and timely updates of KEYS databases for all relevant cases where KEYS holds an interest.

Offers strategic direction for the execution of legal clinics, ensuring operational teams are thoroughly informed and aligned with organizational objectives.

The role provides strategic legal counsel to the National Standards Council, senior management, and staff regarding legal instruments, contracts, and corporate governance, ensuring adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements.

Facilitates and oversees joint efforts between KEYS and external stakeholders to uphold adherence to statutory, regulatory mandates, and international obligations.

Prepares and reviews KEYS and directorate board papers, ensuring their timely submission and upload to the E-Board for review and approval by the National Steering Committee (NSC).

The role involves managing the board’s orientation, professional development initiatives, and structured assessments to uphold strong corporate governance standards.

Leads efforts to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal department’s service delivery, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.

Delivers strategic direction in litigation processes, offers counsel on KEYS defense strategies, and provides expert advice on alternative dispute resolution methods to ensure the protection of KEYS interests.

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring prompt preparation and submission of responses to Parliamentary questions related to KEYS’s Legal mandate and operational activities.

The role involves supervising the formulation and evaluation of the National Standards Council’s charter and related governance frameworks.

instruments;

The National Standards Council’s resolutions are disseminated to relevant directorates to facilitate their implementation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the organization’s operations.

Delivers custodial services for KEYS legal instruments and the corporate seal, ensuring responsible management and proper utilization.

Oversees the establishment of performance targets, evaluates and endorses the objectives set by the directorate, and ensures consistent progress through ongoing monitoring.

Compiles and submits performance reports to the Managing Director to ensure transparency and accountability in operational outcomes.

Demonstrates leadership by overseeing the execution of National Standards Council resolutions pertaining to legal affairs.

Reviews and authorizes financial transactions for the directorate to ensure compliance with established budgets and policies.

Duties are delegated and leave approvals are authorized for direct reports by the incumbent.

The ideal candidate will possess a robust blend of specialized knowledge, hands-on experience, and distinctive professional attributes, ensuring alignment with the core competencies required for this role. Demonstrated proficiency in the specified domain, coupled with a track record of relevant experience, is essential to excel in the position. Additionally, the role demands a unique combination of interpersonal, analytical, and technical skills tailored to meet the outlined responsibilities and objectives.

Applicants must possess a relevant academic qualification, typically a bachelor’s degree or higher in a pertinent field such as education, psychology, or a related discipline. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may be given preference.

A Juries Doctor or equivalent advanced degree in law, conferred by an accredited academic institution, is required for this position.

Earn a Bachelor of Laws degree from an accredited institution.

A supervisory training program of a minimum two-week duration, accredited by a recognized institution, is required.

A management course of at least four weeks’ duration from an accredited institution is required.

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

Membership in recognized professional organizations or relevant industry bodies is essential for this position. Additionally, candidates must possess the requisite qualifications to meet the role’s demands.

A Post Graduate Diploma in Law represents a specialized qualification designed for individuals seeking advanced legal education beyond an undergraduate law degree. This program typically equips graduates with specialized knowledge in specific areas of legal practice, such as corporate law, international law, or human rights law. Admission to this diploma program generally requires an undergraduate degree in law or a related field, along with satisfactory academic performance. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional roles in legal, corporate, or policy-related environments.

As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, admission entails fulfilling all prescribed legal requirements and standards set by the relevant regulatory body, ensuring compliance with professional ethics and continuing legal education obligations.

A Certified Secretary (CS(K)) designation signifies completion of a specialized secretarial program, equipping individuals with essential administrative and organizational skills. This credential typically requires coursework in office management, communication, and professional development, ensuring proficiency in handling executive support tasks. Graduates of this program are prepared to manage schedules, prepare documentation, and facilitate smooth office operations. Employers value holders of the CS(K) certification for their demonstrated expertise in maintaining efficiency and professionalism in diverse administrative roles.

A registered and current member of the Law Society of Kenya, in compliance with all professional standards and ethical obligations.

Current Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Kenya is required.

Relevant professional experience in a comparable role is mandatory for this position.

With at least twelve years of professional experience, including five years in a specialized role, the candidate must demonstrate a proven track record in the field.

We are seeking a highly qualified individual to fill a senior management role, requiring extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational oversight. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving organizational growth, optimizing team performance, and making data-driven decisions to achieve business objectives. Responsibilities include developing and implementing high-level strategies, overseeing cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with company vision and goals. The position demands strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and the capacity to mentor and inspire teams at all levels. A minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience in a relevant industry is required, along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications are a plus. The successful applicant will be expected to foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement while navigating complex business challenges.

Qualifications

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

Experience Required

12 years

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