Manager, Legal Services

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Manager, Legal Services to lead and coordinate the delivery of comprehensive legal services within the organization. This senior role is critical in safeguarding KEBS’ legal, regulatory, and governance interests while supporting national, regional, and international trade facilitation in line with Kenya’s development agenda.

Key Job Information

• Position: Manager, Legal Services
• Job Reference: KEBS/HR/EXT/DEC-25/04
• Grade: KS 4
• Organization: Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
• Directorate: Corporation Secretary / Legal Services
• Department: Legal Services
• Location: KEBS Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Experience Level: Senior / Management Level
• Reporting To: Chief Manager, Legal Services
• Direct Reports: Assistant Manager, Legal Services

About Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the national standards body mandated under the Standards Act (Cap 496 Laws of Kenya) to develop standards, provide metrology and conformity assessment services, and promote standardization for consumer protection, environmental conservation, and facilitation of trade.

As a key public institution, KEBS plays a central role in supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its work, KEBS safeguards consumer health and safety, protects the environment, and entrenches a national culture of quality across industries.

Careers at KEBS offer professionals an opportunity to contribute to national development while working in a values-driven, compliance-focused, and professionally rewarding environment. This role represents one of the most strategic legal management job opportunities in Kenya’s public sector.

Job Description

The Manager, Legal Services is responsible for coordinating the provision of legal services across KEBS, providing authoritative legal guidance on corporate governance, litigation, contracts, and regulatory compliance. The role ensures that KEBS operates within the law while protecting institutional interests locally, regionally, and internationally.

This position articulates KEBS’ legal position on matters related to Standardization, Metrology, and Conformity Assessment (SMCA), negotiates legal instruments on behalf of KEBS, and supports executive management in decision-making that aligns with statutory, constitutional, and international obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities

• Coordinate the provision of legal services, litigation management, and administration of legal instruments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Lead the formulation, implementation, and review of KEBS legal policies, strategies, and procedures.
• Assess and respond to changes in the legal and regulatory environment to safeguard KEBS interests and facilitate trade.
• Oversee management of contracts, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and collaboration agreements at national, regional, and international levels.
• Lead litigation and arbitration matters involving KEBS before courts, tribunals, and quasi-judicial bodies.
• Implement legal business continuity strategies to ensure operational sustainability.
• Oversee divisional performance management, risk management, and resource planning.
• Develop staff capacity through training, mentorship, coaching, and on-the-job learning.

Operational Responsibilities

• Coordinate divisional work plans, budgets, Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks, and procurement plans.
• Provide legal advice on correspondence and operational matters with legal implications.
• Maintain and update KEBS litigation and legal case databases.
• Conduct internal legal clinics to enhance legal awareness among staff.
• Advise management on contracts, corporate governance, and statutory compliance.
• Support development of technical regulations and conduct legal impact analyses.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagements to ensure compliance with national and international legal obligations.
• Approve divisional expenditures, assign duties, and approve leave for direct reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Advocates Training Programme).
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Valid Practicing Certificate from the Law Society of Kenya.
• Membership in the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
• Certified Secretary (CS-K) qualification.
• Supervisory course of at least two (2) weeks.
• Management course of at least four (4) weeks.
• Minimum of eight (8) years post-admission experience, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public sector legal practice or regulatory institutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in corporate governance, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Exposure to international trade law, standards, and conformity assessment frameworks.

Key Competencies and Skills

Functional Skills

• Strategic and financial management
• Litigation, prosecution, and investigation
• Negotiation and contract management
• Risk management and auditing
• Project management and ICT proficiency
• Leadership, presentation, and report writing

Behavioural Competencies

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Time management and communication
• Counselling and interpersonal skills

Benefits and Compensation

KEBS offers a competitive public sector remuneration package aligned to grade KS 4, including benefits and allowances in accordance with government guidelines. Employees benefit from a stable work environment, professional development opportunities, and the prestige of serving in a nationally strategic institution.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to submit their applications in accordance with KEBS recruitment guidelines. Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below.

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