Principal Legal Officer

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is seeking an experienced and strategic legal professional to fill the position of Principal Legal Officer. This senior role is responsible for formulating, reviewing, and monitoring statutory and legal policies that govern litigation, prosecution, and Alternative Dispute Resolution processes in support of HELB’s mandate.

Key Job Information

• Position: Principal Legal Officer
• Reference Number: HELB/016
• Grade: 5
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Contract (up to three years, renewable subject to performance)
• Experience Level: Senior Leadership

About the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

The Higher Education Loans Board is a State Corporation mandated to provide financial assistance to eligible Kenyan students pursuing higher education and training. Through loans, scholarships, and grants, HELB plays a critical role in expanding access to education and strengthening national development.

As a public institution operating within a complex legal and regulatory environment, HELB is committed to strong governance, accountability, and compliance. The organization offers careers at HELB that provide professionals with an opportunity to contribute to impactful public service while advancing their expertise within structured and ethical systems. These job opportunities at HELB attract leaders dedicated to integrity and institutional sustainability.

Principal Legal Officer Job Description

The Principal Legal Officer is responsible for providing strategic legal leadership and oversight across litigation, prosecution, and Alternative Dispute Resolution functions. The role ensures that HELB’s legal frameworks, policies, and procedures are effective in mitigating risk, preventing losses, and safeguarding institutional interests.

As part of HELB employment opportunities, this position provides assurance to management on legal compliance, represents the institution in courts and quasi-judicial bodies, and coordinates delegated prosecution processes. The officer works closely with internal departments, external counsel, and justice sector stakeholders to support HELB’s objectives while strengthening trust and accountability across latest jobs at HELB governance structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement legal policies, standards, and procedures governing litigation, prosecution, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
• Develop and review legal policy frameworks supporting prosecution and litigation functions.
• Formulate litigation, prosecution, and ADR strategies aligned with HELB’s risk profile.
• Coordinate investigations and oversee delegated prosecution processes.
• Manage quasi-judicial and alternative justice processes involving HELB.
• Monitor compliance with legal policies and standards to prevent sanctions and adverse judgments.
• Develop legal briefs and instructions for external advocates and other parties.
• Coordinate legal compliance and conformance across institutional operations.
• Promote legal education and awareness programs for strategic stakeholders.
• Identify legal risks, map exposure areas, and develop mitigation frameworks.
• Conduct negotiations and support dispute resolution initiatives.
• Develop legal accountability and governance structures.
• Establish and maintain the institution’s legal universe and records.
• Represent HELB in courts and quasi-judicial forums.
• Prepare written and oral submissions for filing in court.
• Monitor compliance with court decisions and consent orders.
• Coordinate preparation of legal opinions and advisories.

Required Qualifications

• At least nine (9) years of relevant work experience, with a minimum of three (3) years served at the grade of Senior Legal Officer or in a comparable position.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Kenya School of Law.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid Practicing Certificate.
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Kenya.
• Management course certificate lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Certificate in Computer Applications.
• Demonstrated merit, leadership ability, and strong performance outcomes.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking, analytical ability, and effective decision-making.
• Mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and networking skills.
• Report writing, planning, and organizational capabilities.
• Emotional intelligence, stress management, and mentorship skills.
• Innovative, proactive, and inquisitive professional mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player.

Benefits and Compensation

The successful candidate will be engaged on a renewable contract of up to three years, subject to performance and retirement age policies. HELB offers competitive compensation aligned to Grade 5, a professional leadership environment, and opportunities to influence institutional legal strategy. These Principal Legal Officer opportunities support long-term growth within public sector legal careers in Kenya.

How to Apply for Principal Legal Officer Job Opportunity at HELB

Experienced advocates seeking Principal Legal Officer jobs in Kenya, public sector legal careers at HELB, litigation and prosecution leadership roles, ADR and compliance vacancies, and job opportunities today at HELB are encouraged to apply this week. Applicants should submit an application letter, detailed curriculum vitae, and certified copies of academic and professional certificates, clearly quoting the job title and reference number.

Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and required to present valid Chapter Six compliance documents. HELB is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Women, Youth, Marginalized Communities, and Persons with Disabilities seeking Principal Legal Officer vacancies in Nairobi, Kenya.