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Home Jobs Nairobi Corporate Secretary & Legal Services Director

Corporate Secretary & Legal Services Director

Kenya Bureau of Standards  · Government

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 20 August 2026
Posted May 22, 2026

Job Purpose

The role entails offering strategic direction in the delivery of legal services, advising on best practices in corporate governance, and ensuring the secure management of legal documentation. Additionally, it involves collaborating with management to address legal matters, guaranteeing adherence to statutory and regulatory obligations to uphold KEYS’s interests in alignment with the Standards Act (Cap 496) under Kenyan law. The position further aims to streamline local, regional, and international trade while fostering an enabling business environment, all while safeguarding consumer health and safety, protecting the environment, and complying with constitutional provisions—specifically Articles 42, 43 (a, b, c & d), 46 (a, b & c)—as outlined in the Constitution of Kenya and the Standards Act (Cap 496). Furthermore, the role contributes to the institutionalization of a quality-driven culture that supports the realization of Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Articulates Kenya’s stance on all legal aspects concerning Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA) and engages in negotiations at regional and international platforms to promote market access for Kenyan products in global and regional markets.

Responsibilities include managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations, and overseeing team performance to meet organizational goals. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional departments to streamline processes, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive productivity. Additionally, the position requires analyzing data to assess departmental effectiveness, preparing comprehensive reports for senior leadership, and maintaining open communication channels to address team concerns and feedback promptly.

Overseeing and guiding team members, this position entails delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring operational efficiency. Responsibilities include fostering a collaborative work environment, resolving conflicts, and maintaining high performance standards. The role requires leadership skills, strong communication, and the ability to motivate and develop employees. Additionally, the manager will conduct performance evaluations, set departmental goals, and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.

Offers strategic leadership while overseeing the delivery of legal services and ensuring the secure custody of legal documents. Advises on best practices in corporate governance, manages legal instruments, handles litigation, and assists management in legal-related decisions to guarantee adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

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

Delivers high-level strategic direction while ensuring accountability for the development and execution of KEYS Legal policies, strategies, and procedures.

The role involves spearheading the development and analysis of the National Quality Infrastructure framework, specifically in Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA), to ensure KEYS fulfills its mandate of facilitating trade, protecting consumer health and safety, safeguarding the environment, minimizing technical trade barriers, and enhancing the competitiveness of Kenyan goods and services.

Provides strategic direction in evaluating and addressing the implications of evolving operational conditions on applicable legislation, legal policies, and regulatory frameworks, thereby safeguarding KEYS’ interests and ensuring seamless integration within the broader governmental landscape. This role facilitates national, regional, and international trade by maintaining compliance and advancing institutional objectives amid dynamic external factors.

Strategically leads the development and official publication of standards by the National Standards Council (NSC), including the drafting and issuance of legally binding notices for mandatory standards and the appointment of gazetteer inspectors.

The role entails providing strategic leadership to develop and gazette statutory instruments that govern KEYS operations.

The incumbent will spearhead the strategic direction for managing contracts, memoranda of understanding (Mouse), and collaborative legal instruments between KEYS and its partners, spanning national, regional, and international entities, to ensure seamless execution.

Demonstrates leadership in managing litigation and arbitral proceedings involving KEYS, ensuring robust defense before courts, tribunals, or other quasi-judicial entities to protect KEYS’s interests.

Offers executive guidance to shape and execute robust business continuity strategies specifically focused on legal considerations, thereby safeguarding the operational resilience of KEYS.

Provides strategic direction in developing, executing, monitoring, assessing, and enhancing KEYS’s Management Systems to guarantee operational efficiency, effectiveness, and consistent customer satisfaction.

Responsible for directing performance management and productivity enhancement initiatives within the directorate, this role holds full accountability for the directorate’s overall performance outcomes.

Overseeing the deployment of the Risk Management Framework within the Directorate, this role ensures proactive mitigation of adverse risk impacts while capitalizing on strategic opportunities.

The directorate’s resources—both human and physical—are identified and provided under this role to ensure the successful execution and attainment of strategic objectives.

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

The role encompasses a wide range of operational duties and responsibilities designed to ensure seamless business functions. Key tasks include managing day-to-day processes, coordinating workflows, and maintaining efficient systems to support organizational objectives. The position requires meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively across teams to deliver consistent results. Additionally, the individual will be responsible for monitoring performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions to enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Proficiency in relevant software tools, adherence to compliance standards, and effective communication are essential prerequisites for success in this position.

The incumbent is responsible for managing the creation and execution of work plans, budgets, the Medium Expenditure Framework, and procurement strategies within both the Directorate and the National Standards Council.

Provides strategic leadership in responding to correspondence which have legal bearing and advise staff on legal action resulting from KEBS operation while on official duty;

Delivers strategic direction for the design, upkeep, and enhancement of KEYS databases covering all matters in which KEYS holds an interest.

Delivers strategic direction in organizing and conducting legal clinics for staff members to ensure operational awareness.

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

Drives and organizes joint initiatives between KEYS and external stakeholders, ensuring adherence to statutory, regulatory mandates, and international obligations.

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the compilation of KEYS and directorate board papers, as well as ensuring their timely upload to the E-Board system for review and approval by the NSC.

The role involves supervising the board’s induction process, coordinating training initiatives, and facilitating board evaluations to uphold robust corporate governance standards.

Delivers strategic direction to oversee the efficiency and efficacy of the legal department’s service delivery, guaranteeing adherence to legal and regulatory standards while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.

Delivers strategic direction in litigation initiatives, advises on defense strategies to uphold KEYS interests, and offers counsel on alternative dispute resolution approaches to mitigate risk and ensure favorable outcomes.

Manages the timely preparation and submission of comprehensive responses to Parliamentary questions related to KEYS’s legal mandate and operational activities.

The role involves managing the creation and evaluation of the National Standards Council’s charter and related governance documents.

instruments;

The role disseminates National Standards Council resolutions to various directorates to facilitate their implementation, thereby enhancing the organization’s operational efficiency.

The position is tasked with maintaining and safeguarding KEYS legal instruments and corporate seal, along with overseeing their proper utilization.

Oversees the establishment of performance targets, evaluates and authorizes directorate performance goals, and ensures continuous tracking of progress against established benchmarks.

Prepares and delivers performance reports to the Managing Director, ensuring timely and accurate submission.

Demonstrates leadership in executing National Standards Council resolutions pertaining to legal affairs.

Reviews and authorizes expenditures for the directorate, ensuring compliance with established financial policies and procedures.

Duties are assigned, and leave requests from direct reports are reviewed and approved.

Job Duties and Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience):

Hold a relevant academic qualification such as a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, demonstrating foundational knowledge and specialized expertise.

A Juries Doctor or LL.M. from an accredited university is required.

Holders of a Juries Doctor degree or an equivalent Bachelor of Laws qualification from an accredited academic institution are eligible to apply.

A recognized institution must provide a supervisory program of at least two weeks in duration.

A recognized institution must offer a management course with a duration of at least four weeks.

A recognized institution must offer a Leadership Course with a duration of at least four weeks.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

Holders of a Postgraduate Diploma in Law are required to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, frameworks, and procedures. This qualification typically encompasses core modules such as contract law, criminal law, constitutional law, and legal research methodologies. Candidates must possess the ability to analyze complex legal issues, interpret statutes and case law, and apply legal reasoning to practical scenarios. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to ethical practice. Prior experience in a legal or related professional setting is highly advantageous, as is familiarity with legal research tools and databases.

As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, you must meet the prescribed qualifications and undergo the required admission process to practice law in Kenya.

A Certified Secretary’s qualification, specifically the CS(K) designation, is required for this role.

Member of the Law Society of Kenya and in good standing

Holders must possess a valid and active Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Kenya.

Relevant prior work experience is a prerequisite for this role.

With at least twelve years of professional experience, five of which must have been in a specialized role,

We are seeking a seasoned executive to join our leadership team as a Senior Management professional. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership, with a proven track record of driving organizational growth and efficiency. Responsibilities include developing and implementing high-level initiatives, overseeing departmental performance, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. The role demands strong analytical skills, exceptional decision-making abilities, and the capacity to mentor and inspire teams across multiple functions. A minimum of 10 years in progressive leadership roles, coupled with a relevant degree in business administration or a related field, is required. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future direction of the company while collaborating closely with the executive team to achieve long-term objectives.

Qualifications

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

Experience Required

12 years

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