Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) is a State Corporation established in 1986 under the Science and Technology Act, Chapter 250 of the laws of Kenya which has since been repealed to Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013 with the mandate to conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources, disseminate research findings to stakeholders, build the capacity of stakeholders, and establish partnerships and cooperate with other research organizations and institutions of higher learning in joint research and training.

The Institute wishes to recruit dynamic, result-oriented and self-driven persons to fill the following vacant positions of a Senior Legal Officer on a three (3) years contract for the Legal Department at the Headquarters (Nairobi).

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for implementing legal services in the Institute.

Job Specifications

The 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; xi. Assisting in facilitating Board induction and development and implementation of the capacity building programmes;
• Assisting in facilitating legal, compliance and governance audits; xiii. Providing input in the development and implementation of the Board charters and the Code of Conduct and Ethics; and
• Providing input in the preparation and monitoring of the Departmental budgets and expenditures;

Person Specifications

For 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; iv. Post graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law;
• Admitted as an advocate of the High Court Kenya; vi. Member to the Law Society of Kenya; vii. Current Practicing Certificate;
• Demonstrable good results in work performance; ix. Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Key Competencies and skills

• Organization and management skills;
• Leadership and managerial skills; iii. Drafting skills; iv. Report writing skills;
• Negotiation skills and arbitration skills; and
• Analytical

MODE OF APPLICATION

Online Application

Interested applicants are required to submit a summary of information through filling of the form provided in the link below: https://forms.office.com/r/pUunYbdZVz

Hard copy applications

IN ADDITION to the online application, it is MANDATORY that all applicants should send their hard copy applications and attach their Curriculum Vitae and copies of relevant professional/academic certificates and national identification card. They should also include their day and evening telephone numbers, e-mail address and names and addresses of three referees to reach the Director KEFRI not later than Thursday 2nd May, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Envelopes containing the documents should clearly be marked with the position applied for and addressed to: –

The Director/CEO,

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O. BOX 20412-00200, City Square,

NAIROBI.

KEFRI is an equal-opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted