Corporation Secretary / Director, Legal Services

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is hiring a highly accomplished Corporation Secretary / Director, Legal Services to provide strategic leadership in legal services, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. This executive role is central to protecting KEBS’ institutional interests while advancing national, regional, and international trade facilitation in line with Kenya’s legal and development frameworks.

Key Job Information

• Position: Corporation Secretary / Director, Legal Services
• Job Reference: KEBS/HR/EXT/DEC-25/01
• Grade: KS 2
• Organization: Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
• Directorate: Corporation Secretary / Legal Services
• Location: KEBS Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time, Executive Appointment
• Experience Level: Senior Executive / Director Level
• Reports To: Managing Director
• Direct Reports: Chief Manager, Legal Services

About Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

The Kenya Bureau of Standards is the national standards body established under the Standards Act (Cap 496 Laws of Kenya). KEBS is responsible for standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment services that safeguard consumer health and safety, protect the environment, and enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan products and services.

As a strategic public institution, KEBS supports Kenya Vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Job opportunities at Kenya Bureau of Standards offer professionals the chance to contribute to national development, regulatory excellence, and international trade facilitation.

This role represents one of the most senior legal leadership careers at KEBS, positioning the successful candidate at the heart of governance, compliance, and institutional decision-making.

Job Description

The Corporation Secretary / Director, Legal Services provides executive leadership in the provision of legal services, corporate governance advisory, and safe custody of legal instruments. The role ensures KEBS’ full compliance with constitutional, statutory, and regulatory requirements while safeguarding institutional interests.

In addition, the position articulates Kenya’s legal position on Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (SMCA) and negotiates at regional and international levels to enhance market access for Kenyan products. This is a flagship Director Legal Services vacancy in Nairobi for seasoned legal professionals seeking impactful public sector employment.

Key Responsibilities

Managerial and Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and accountability for legal services, corporate governance, litigation management, and custody of legal documents in line with the Standards Act.
• Lead formulation, implementation, and review of KEBS legal policies, strategies, and procedures.
• Oversee drafting and interpretation of the National Quality Infrastructure framework on Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment.
• Guide KEBS on legislative and regulatory changes to support trade facilitation and institutional integration within government.
• Provide leadership in gazettement of standards, legal notices, inspectors, and statutory instruments guiding KEBS operations.
• Oversee management of contracts, memoranda of understanding, and collaboration agreements at national, regional, and international levels.
• Provide executive leadership in litigation and arbitration matters involving KEBS.
• Lead development and implementation of legal business continuity and risk management strategies.
• Oversee performance management, productivity improvement, and resource planning within the directorate.
• Champion staff development through training, mentorship, coaching, and leadership development.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and implementation of work plans, budgets, Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks, and procurement plans.
• Provide executive guidance on correspondence and operational matters with legal implications.
• Oversee maintenance of KEBS legal and litigation databases.
• Lead legal clinics to enhance compliance awareness across the organization.
• Advise the National Standards Council, management, and staff on corporate governance, contracts, and statutory compliance.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement to meet national and international legal obligations.
• Oversee board processes, including induction, training, evaluation, and preparation of board papers.
• Ensure timely responses to Parliamentary questions related to KEBS’ legal mandate.
• Serve as custodian of KEBS legal instruments and the corporation seal.

Job Dimensions

• Financial Responsibility: Control and approval of a directorate budget of approximately KES 135 million.
• Assets Responsibility: Oversight of physical and intangible assets within the directorate.
• Decision Making: Strategic, operational, and financial decision authority.
• Working Conditions: Office-based with periodic local and international travel.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Law from a recognized institution.
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law.
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Certified Secretary (CS-K).
• Valid Practicing Certificate and membership with the Law Society of Kenya.
• Supervisory, management, and leadership courses of at least four (4) weeks each.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years relevant experience, including five (5) years at senior management level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public sector governance or regulatory institutions.
• Exposure to international trade law and quality infrastructure frameworks.
• Demonstrated leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strategic and financial management
• Negotiation and dispute resolution
• Litigation, prosecution, and investigation
• Corporate governance and compliance
• Leadership, communication, and presentation
• Problem-solving, counselling, and time management

Benefits and Compensation

KEBS employment at this level offers a competitive executive remuneration package in line with public sector guidelines, alongside opportunities to influence national policy, enhance professional stature, and build a lasting public service legacy.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates seeking careers at Kenya Bureau of Standards and senior Director Legal Services opportunities are encouraged to submit their applications in accordance with KEBS recruitment guidelines. Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below.

This vacancy is ideal for professionals searching for public sector legal jobs in Nairobi, corporation secretary careers at KEBS, and senior legal leadership opportunities in Kenya.