Job Purpose
The incumbent will spearhead the strategic delivery of legal services, offer expert guidance on corporate governance best practices, and ensure the secure management of legal documents while advising management on legal matters to uphold compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations, safeguarding KEYS’ interests in alignment with the Standards Act (Cap 496) of Kenyan law. This role is designed to enhance domestic, regional, and international trade, streamline business operations, and promote consumer health and safety, environmental protection, and quality assurance—consistent with Articles 42, 43(a, b, c, d), 46(a, b, c) of the Constitution of Kenya, the Standards Act (Cap 496), and Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Kenya’s position on legal issues concerning Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA) is clearly communicated, while advocating for national interests in negotiations at regional and international forums. This role involves representing Kenya in discussions to strengthen market access for domestic products across regional and global platforms.
Responsibilities include overseeing key operational functions, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures, and maintaining accountability for departmental performance metrics. Duties encompass collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive project execution, monitoring progress against strategic objectives, and identifying opportunities for process optimization. Additionally, the role requires managing stakeholder relationships, providing leadership to team members, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and organizational standards.
Overseeing operational performance and directing team efforts represent core managerial and supervisory obligations. Assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring adherence to protocols fall within these responsibilities. Additionally, evaluating staff performance, providing constructive feedback, and fostering professional development are essential duties. This role requires strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining productivity and team cohesion.
Provides high-level legal guidance, overseeing the delivery of legal services and ensuring the secure management of legal documents. Leads corporate governance initiatives, administers legal instruments, and manages litigation processes while advising management on legal matters to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
To safeguard KEYS interests in alignment with the realization of its mandate, as stipulated in the Standards Act CAP 496 of Kenya’s legal framework, the following requirements must be met.
Delivers strategic direction and bears responsibility for the development and execution of KEYS Legal policies, strategies, and procedures.
Provides strategic direction in the development and analysis of the National Quality Infrastructure framework, specifically in Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (YMCA), to support KEYS in executing its mandate of facilitating trade, protecting consumer health and safety, safeguarding the environment, eliminating technical trade barriers, and boosting the competitiveness of Kenyan goods and services.
The role leads the evaluation process and addresses the implications of evolving operational conditions on applicable laws, legal policies, and regulatory structures to protect KEYS’ interests, maintain a high degree of cohesion within the government’s broader framework, and support national, regional, and international trade initiatives.
Provides strategic direction in the development and gazetteer of standards by the NSC, as well as the issuance of legal notices for mandatory standards and serves as the gazetteer inspector.
Provides strategic leadership in drafting and gazettement of statutory instruments that guides KEBS operations;
Strategic leadership is provided in overseeing the management of contracts, memoranda of understanding (Mouse), and collaborative legal instruments between KEYS and partners at national, regional, and international levels to ensure their effective implementation.
Offers strategic direction in the management of litigation and arbitration proceedings involving KEYS to secure robust legal representation before courts, tribunals, or other bodies with quasi-judicial authority, thereby protecting the organization’s interests.
Delivers strategic direction for crafting and executing business continuity strategies concerning legal matters, thereby safeguarding the ongoing sustainability of KEYS operations.
Offers strategic direction in developing, executing, monitoring, assessing, and enhancing KEYS’s Management Systems to uphold operational excellence, performance efficiency, and enduring customer satisfaction.
Directs and ensures the effectiveness of performance management and productivity enhancement initiatives within the directorate, holding full accountability for its overall performance outcomes.
The Director ensures the execution of the Risk Management Framework within the Directorate, safeguarding against potential threats while capitalizing on opportunities.
The directorate’s resources, both human and physical, are identified and provided by this role to ensure the successful execution and attainment of strategic objectives.
Oversees the enhancement of staff competencies 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 role encompasses a range of operational duties and strategic tasks essential to maintaining and enhancing organizational efficiency. Responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day processes, ensuring adherence to established protocols, and identifying opportunities for improvement within operational workflows. The position requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, the individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline operations, implement best practices, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Proficiency in relevant tools and systems, along with effective communication and problem-solving capabilities, is critical to success in this position.
The role involves managing the creation and execution of operational strategies, financial allocations, the Medium Expenditure Framework, and procurement initiatives within the Directorate and the National Standards Council.
Delivers high-level guidance in addressing communications with legal implications and counsels staff on potential legal proceedings arising from KEYS operations conducted during official duties.
Strategically leads the creation, management, and enhancement of KEYS databases, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all cases where KEYS holds an interest.
Delivers strategic direction to staff on the execution of legal clinics to enhance operational effectiveness.
This role provides strategic legal counsel to the National Standards Council, senior management, and staff, ensuring adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements through guidance on legal instruments, contracts, and corporate governance matters.
Drives and oversees joint efforts with KEYS and external partners to uphold compliance with statutory regulations, legal mandates, and international commitments.
Responsible for managing the development of KEYS and directorate board papers, ensuring their timely submission and upload to the E-Board for review and final approval by the NSC.
Ensures the board’s induction and training processes are effectively supervised while coordinating board evaluations to uphold strong corporate governance standards.
Delivers strategic direction to oversee 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 expert leadership in litigation processes, advises on KEYS defense strategies, and offers strategic guidance on alternative dispute resolution methods to effectively protect KEYS interests.
Responsible for the management and timely completion of responses to Parliamentary inquiries pertaining to the legal mandate and operational activities of KEYS.
Responsible for directing the formulation and evaluation of the National Standards Council’s charter and related governance documents, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
instruments;
The position disseminates National Standards Council resolutions to relevant directorates, facilitating their adoption to enhance operational efficiency within the organization.
Ensures the proper custody and handling of KEYS legal instruments and the corporation’s seal while maintaining accountability for their use.
Oversees the establishment of objectives, evaluates and authorizes performance targets for the directorate, and continuously tracks progress to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
The incumbent is responsible for executing tasks and preparing performance reports, which are then submitted to the Managing Director.
Demonstrates leadership in executing National Standards Council resolutions pertaining to legal affairs.
Reviews and authorizes financial expenditures for the directorate, ensuring compliance with established budgets and fiscal policies.
The incumbent is responsible for delegating tasks and authorizing employee absences for those under their supervision.
We seek candidates who possess a strong foundation of relevant expertise, hands-on experience, and a well-rounded skill set to excel in this role. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a deep understanding of industry-specific principles, proven problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to adapt to evolving challenges. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, along with a collaborative mindset, are essential for fostering productive teamwork and driving results. Prior experience in similar positions, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning, will position you as a valuable asset to our organization.
We seek candidates with a relevant academic background, including a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A master’s degree or higher is preferred for this role. Additionally, candidates must possess specialized knowledge or certifications pertinent to the position.
A recognized institution must award a Master’s degree in law.
Earn a Juries Doctor or equivalent law degree conferred by an accredited educational institution.
A recognized institution must offer a minimum two-week supervisory training program.
A recognized institution must offer a management course with a duration of at least four (4) weeks.
A recognized institution must offer a leadership development program with a minimum duration of four weeks.
Holding active membership in recognized professional organizations relevant to the field is a key requirement.
Holders of a Postgraduate Diploma in Law are required to possess this qualification, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and frameworks. The role demands familiarity with case law, statutory interpretation, and legal research methodologies. Responsibilities include providing accurate legal advice, drafting precise legal documents, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates must exhibit strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly. Prior experience in a legal environment is advantageous, though not mandatory for all positions.
Qualified individuals seeking admission as Advocates of the High Court of Kenya must meet all prescribed eligibility criteria and successfully complete the relevant examination, if applicable. This process ensures that practitioners adhere to the professional standards and ethical requirements necessary for legal practice in the jurisdiction.
A Certified Secretary’s Course (CS(K)) is required, demonstrating proficiency in secretarial duties and administrative support.
A registered and active member in good standing with the Law Society of Kenya.
Hold an active Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Kenya, demonstrating eligibility to engage in legal practice within the jurisdiction.
Relevant professional experience in a comparable field is essential.
With at least twelve (12) years of professional experience, including five (5) years in a
Seeking a seasoned executive to fill a high-level leadership role within our organization. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in strategic decision-making, operational oversight, and team leadership at the senior management level. Responsibilities include driving company-wide initiatives, ensuring financial performance, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to achieve long-term growth objectives. Strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a proven track record of leading large teams are essential. The position requires a minimum of 10 years in a managerial capacity, preferably within a relevant industry, along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Diploma , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
12 years
