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Legal Officer

Job Summary

The Legal Officer plays a critical role in providing legal guidance and support to ensure the Institute conducts its operations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and governance standards. The position is responsible for protecting the Institute's legal interests by offering timely legal advice, preparing and reviewing legal documentation, facilitating regulatory compliance, and supporting the development of policies and institutional frameworks. The Legal Officer will also contribute to effective risk management by identifying potential legal issues and recommending practical solutions that safeguard the organization's reputation and assets.

Working closely with management, government agencies, external legal counsel, and other stakeholders, the successful candidate will provide professional legal services that support strategic decision-making and promote accountability, transparency, and good governance. The role requires sound legal judgment, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage confidential information with the highest level of integrity.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Legal Officer will provide comprehensive legal support across the Institute and will be expected to perform a wide range of legal, advisory, and compliance functions. Key responsibilities include:

• Draft, review, interpret, and revise contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, leases, policies, and other legal documents to ensure they comply with applicable legislation and adequately protect the Institute's interests.

• Prepare legal opinions, briefs, advisory notes, and written interpretations on legal matters to guide management in making informed decisions.

• Conduct legal research on constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and administrative issues affecting the Institute and provide recommendations on emerging legal developments.

• Support the formulation, review, and implementation of regulations, policies, and governance frameworks that strengthen institutional effectiveness and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

• Monitor changes in legislation, regulations, and judicial decisions that may affect the Institute's operations and advise management on their implications.

• Ensure the Institute complies with all statutory obligations, regulatory requirements, contractual commitments, and internal governance standards.

• Represent the Institute in legal proceedings, negotiations, mediation sessions, arbitration matters, and other dispute resolution forums as required.

• Coordinate with external advocates, legal consultants, and regulatory authorities to facilitate the effective management of litigation and legal disputes.

• Liaise with the Office of the Attorney General and other government agencies on legal matters relating to the Institute's operations and strategic initiatives.

• Identify legal risks associated with institutional activities and recommend practical mitigation measures that minimize exposure to financial, operational, and reputational risks.

• Provide legal guidance to departments on procurement, employment matters, governance, partnerships, intellectual property, and contractual obligations.

• Review procurement and commercial agreements to ensure compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and procurement regulations.

• Maintain secure custody of legal records, contracts, litigation files, title documents, and other confidential legal information while ensuring proper record management practices.

• Develop and maintain effective systems for tracking legal matters, contractual obligations, and compliance requirements.

• Prepare periodic legal reports, case summaries, compliance updates, and briefing papers for management and relevant committees.

• Support internal investigations involving legal or regulatory concerns and provide recommendations where appropriate.

• Participate in organizational meetings, policy discussions, and strategic planning sessions by providing legal perspectives on proposed initiatives.

• Promote awareness of legal and compliance obligations by providing guidance and support to staff on relevant legal issues.

• Perform any additional legal or administrative duties assigned from time to time in support of the Institute's mandate and strategic objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants interested in this position should possess the following academic qualifications and professional credentials:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.

• A Postgraduate Diploma in Law from a recognized institution.

• A valid and current practicing certificate issued by the relevant professional regulatory body.

• Membership in the appropriate professional legal association will be an added advantage where applicable.

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office and legal document management systems.

• Knowledge of constitutional law, administrative law, contract law, labor law, public procurement legislation, and other relevant legal frameworks.

• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, corporate governance principles, and institutional legal processes.

• Excellent legal drafting, interpretation, and negotiation skills.

• Proven ability to conduct detailed legal research and prepare accurate, well-reasoned legal opinions.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to both legal and non-legal audiences.

• Ability to prioritize assignments, manage multiple deadlines, and deliver high-quality work under minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential and sensitive matters.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate should demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to ethical conduct in the execution of their duties. They should possess exceptional interpersonal skills and be capable of building productive working relationships with colleagues, management, government agencies, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders.

Successful candidates should also demonstrate:

• High standards of professionalism and ethical behavior.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to think critically and provide practical legal solutions.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to respond effectively to changing organizational priorities.

Compliance Requirements

The successful applicant will be expected to uphold the Institute's values by maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, confidentiality, and accountability in all professional activities. They must ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements while promoting sound governance and responsible institutional practices.

In addition, applicants must satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity and demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership, good governance, and public service values throughout their professional responsibilities.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to review the full job description and eligibility requirements available on the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) website before submitting their applications online. Applicants should clearly indicate the position applied for together with the corresponding reference number.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Chief Executive Officer
Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM)
KISM Tower, 12th Floor
Ngong Road
P.O. Box 30400–00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Eligible candidates should complete and submit their applications HERE