Senior Legal Officer At Kenya Forestry Research Institute (Kefri)

Job Purpose:This position is responsible for implementing legal services in the Institute.Job SpecificationsThe duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:-Providing legal advice to ensure the best legal approach is taken by the Institute;Drafting contracts, agreements and other legal documents;Undertaking research on different information to ensure the Institute is acting in accordance with all applicable laws;Assisting in preparing Board reports and minutes, and resolutions,Identifying legal and compliance risks and issues relative to the Institute's intended actions;Assisting in managing the risk exposure of the Institute by ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements;Liaising with external lawyers on all cases filed against the Institute to ensure instructions, witnesses and statements are procured on time;Working with external lawyers to initiate lawsuits or to formulate a defense, to gather evidence in legal proceedings involving the Institute and rendering general advice relating to any legal proceedings involving the Institute;Representing the Institute in litigation matters;Keeping track and updates of the amendments and changes in legislations;Assisting in facilitating Board induction and development and implementation of the capacity building programmes;Assisting in facilitating legal, compliance and governance audits;Providing input in the development and implementation of the Board charters and the Code of Conduct and Ethics; andProviding input in the preparation and monitoring of the Departmental budgets and expenditures;Person SpecificationsFor appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -At least of four (4) years relevant work experience in a comparable position and institution;Bachelors of Laws degree from a recognized university;Minimum K.C.S.E C+ (Plus) or its equivalent from a recognized institution;Post graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law;Admitted as an advocate of the High Court Kenya;Member to the Law Society of Kenya;Current Practicing Certificate;Demonstrable good results in work performance;Proficiency in computer applications; andFulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.Key Competencies and skillsOrganization and management skills;Leadership and managerial skills;Drafting skills;Report writing skills;Negotiation skills and arbitration skills; andAnalytical skills.