JKUATES/01/09/2025:General Counsel and Head of Legal

Legal Advisory and Management

1. Strategic Legal Counsel - Provide proactive, comprehensive, and strategic legal advice and opinions to the Executive Wing, the Board, Deputy Governors, and all Departments on a wide range of legal issues about the Bank's mandate, operations, policies, and statutory functions (e.g., monetary policy, financial sector supervision, payment systems, foreign exchange management, currency issuance, public debt management).
   

2. Legal Risk Management - Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across all aspects of the Bank's operations, developing robust legal frameworks and strategies to protect the Bank's interests.
   

3. Litigation Management - Oversee and manage all litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes involving the Bank, coordinating with and managing external legal counsel where necessary. Represent the Bank in legal proceedings as required.
   

4. Contract Management - Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and administration of all complex contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents entered into by the Bank, ensuring legal soundness and protection of the Bank's interests.
   

5. Legislative Review & Drafting - Monitor, analyze, and interpret new and existing legislation, regulations, and judicial pronouncements relevant to the Bank's operations. Advise on their implications and contribute to legislative drafting processes related to the financial sector and central banking.
   

6. Compliance - Ensure the Bank's activities and policies are in strict compliance with the Central Bank of Kenya Act, Banking Act, Companies Act, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, other relevant Kenyan laws, international conventions, and best practices.
   

7. Intellectual Property Management - Advise on and manage the Bank's intellectual property rights.
   

8. Legal Training & Awareness - Conduct or coordinate legal training and awareness programs for staff across various Departments to foster a culture of legal compliance and risk awareness.
   

Board Secretarial Services & Corporate Governance

1. Board and Committee Support - Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors and all Board Committees (e.g., Audit Committee, Risk Management Committee, Human Resources Committee), ensuring efficient and effective functioning.
   

2. Meetings Management - Prepare comprehensive Board and Committee meeting agendas in consultation with the Chairperson, Governor, and Committee Chairs. Oversee the timely preparation and distribution of accurate Board papers and supporting documentation. Attend all Board and Committee meetings, accurately record minutes, and ensure their timely circulation and archiving.
   

3. Resolution Tracking - Monitor and track the implementation of Board and Committee resolutions, providing regular updates to the Board and relevant stakeholders.
   

4. Corporate Governance Framework - Oversee, develop, and continuously review the Bank's corporate governance framework, policies, and practices (e.g., Board Charter, Codes of Conduct, Conflict of Interest policy) to ensure adherence to local and international best practices and regulatory requirements.
   

5. Board Induction & Development - Coordinate the induction programs for new Board members and facilitate ongoing training and professional development for the Board to enhance their effectiveness.
   

6. Statutory Compliance - Ensure compliance with all statutory obligations related to company secretarial practice and corporate filings.
   

7. Stakeholder Communication - Facilitate effective communication between the Board, management, and other key stakeholders (e.g., government ministries, regulatory bodies).
   

Departmental Leadership & Management

1. Strategic Leadership - Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Legal Services and Board Secretariat Department, aligning its objectives with the overall goals of the Bank.
   

2. Team Development - Lead, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing legal and corporate secretarial team, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, continuous learning, and client-centric service.
   

3. Performance Management - Set clear performance objectives, conduct regular performance appraisals, and manage the professional development of the departmental staff.
   

4. Budget Management - Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
   

5. Process Improvement - Continuously review and improve departmental processes, systems, and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
   

6. External Counsel Management - Oversee the selection, engagement, and performance management of external legal service providers, ensuring value for money and high-quality services.
   

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized university.
   

2. Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
   

3. Must be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate.
   

4. Must be a Certified Public Secretary (CS-K in good standing with the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya (ICS-K).
   

5. A master's degree in Law (LL.M.), Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or a related field is an added advantage.
   

6. Member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
   

YEARS AND NATURE OF EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant post-admission experience in legal practice, with at least eight (8) years in a senior management or leadership role within a reputable financial institution, regulatory body, large corporate, or a leading law firm specializing in financial services.
   

2. Demonstrable experience in providing comprehensive legal advice, managing complex litigation, and handling intricate corporate transactions.
   

3. Proven track record in providing Board Secretarial services and implementing robust corporate governance frameworks.
   

4. Experience in a Central Bank or Financial Sector Regulatory environment is highly desirable.
   

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

Technical Competencies

1. Exceptional Legal Acumen - Deep understanding of Kenyan law, particularly financial services law, corporate law, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
   

2. Corporate Governance Expertise - In-depth knowledge of best practices in corporate governance and experience in their implementation.
   

3. Relationship Management - Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders (Board, Executive Management, departments) and external parties (regulators, external counsel).
   

4. Sound foundation in Litigation and Court practice and processes.
   

5. Knowledge of Banking laws and Regulations.
   

6. Knowledge of Statutory Management processes and procedures.
   

7. Labour Laws and other employment legislations.
   

8. Excellent knowledge and understanding of Corporate law and procedures.
   

Behavioural/General Competencies

1. Strategic Thinking - Ability to provide forward-looking legal advice that supports the Bank's strategic objectives while mitigating risks.
   

2. Leadership & People Management - Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
   

3. Communication & Interpersonal Skills -Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong negotiation, influencing, and presentation abilities. Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal professionals.
   

4. Integrity & Professionalism -Unquestionable integrity, ethical conduct, and discretion, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
   

5. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills - Strong analytical capabilities to assess complex legal issues and provide pragmatic solutions.
   

6. Attention to Detail - Meticulous attention to detail in legal drafting and board processes.
   

7. Resilience & Adaptability - Ability to operate effectively under pressure and adapt to a dynamic regulatory and economic environment.