Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The right to housing is embedded in the Constitution of Kenya, which provides that every person has the right to accessible and adequate housing. With Kenya’s growing economy and one of the fastest-growing urbanisation rates in the continent, the demand for housing has never been greater. The Affordable Housing Board is established under the Affordable Ho...

Responsibilities or duties

This cadre is responsible for the provision of legal advice, conveyancing, preparation, and review of contracts, Board Management Services, and handling litigation matters.

The duties and responsibilities of the Principal Legal Officer will entail:

• Coordinating the interpretation and implementation of the Board’s legal policies and ensuring alignment with best practices;
• Administering preliminary legal advice and support to various departments before escalation to top management;
• Representing the Board in Court;
• Coordinating responses to legal inquiries and drafting correspondence on routine legal matters;
• Guiding the members of the Board on their duties, responsibilities and powers, and how these should be exercised in the best interests of the Board;
• Ensuring that the procedures of the Board are followed and reviewed regularly, and that the members of the Board comply with written law;
• Assisting the Chairperson of the Board in organizing the activities of the Board, including providing information, preparing the agenda, issuing notices and preparing for the meetings, conducting evaluations of the Board, and development programmes of the Board;
• Providing secretarial services to the Board of Directors, including ensuring that the work plan of the Board papers is shared in advance of the meeting and keeping the record of attendance of the meetings;
• Ensuring that the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors are promptly prepared and circulated;
• Keeping the Board members abreast of and informed on current governance practice;
• Keeping a record of conflicts of interest declared by each member of the Board; and
• Coordinating the governance audit process.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -

• Bachelor's of Law (LL. B) degree from a recognized institution;
• Master’s degree in Law (LL.M), Social Sciences, or Business Administration or equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution is an added advantage
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Advocates Training Programme) from the Kenya School of Law;
• Membership in the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya in good standing
• Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Valid Practicing certificate;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

Experience needed

Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) general work experience, three (3) of which should have been at Assistant Director, Legal Services, or a comparable position;

• Coordinating the interpretation and implementation of the Board’s legal policies and ensuring alignment with best practices;
• Administering preliminary legal advice and support to various departments before escalation to top management;
• Representing the Board in Court;
• Coordinating responses to legal inquiries and drafting correspondence on routine legal matters;
• Guiding the members of the Board on their duties, responsibilities and powers, and how these should be exercised in the best interests of the Board;
• Ensuring that the procedures of the Board are followed and reviewed regularly, and that the members of the Board comply with written law;
• Assisting the Chairperson of the Board in organizing the activities of the Board, including providing information, preparing the agenda, issuing notices and preparing for the meetings, conducting evaluations of the Board, and development programmes of the Board;
• Providing secretarial services to the Board of Directors, including ensuring that the work plan of the Board papers is shared in advance of the meeting and keeping the record of attendance of the meetings;
• Ensuring that the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors are promptly prepared and circulated;
• Keeping the Board members abreast of and informed on current governance practice;
• Keeping a record of conflicts of interest declared by each member of the Board; and
• Coordinating the governance audit process.

• Proficiency in computer applications

• Bachelor's of Law (LL. B) degree from a recognized institution
• Master’s degree in Law (LL.M), Social Sciences, or Business Administration or equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution is an added advantage
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Advocates Training Programme) from the Kenya School of Law
• Membership in the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya in good standing
• Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
• Valid Practicing certificate
• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya