Principal Legal Officer

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is recruiting a Principal Legal Officer to join its legal function in Nairobi, Kenya. This Principal Legal Officer jobs in Nairobi opportunity is ideal for experienced advocates seeking HELB careers and the latest Principal Legal Officer vacancies in Kenya’s public sector.

Key Job Information

• Position: Principal Legal Officer
• Reference Number: HELB/016
• Organization: Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Grade: Grade 5
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Contract
• Contract Period: Up to three years, renewable subject to performance and retirement age
• Application Deadline: 1 September 2026

About Higher Education Loans Board

The Higher Education Loans Board is a Kenyan public institution that provides financial support to students and manages education financing programmes. HELB plays an important role in expanding access to higher education while administering loan recovery and related public services.

Professionals exploring jobs at HELB can contribute to a public institution with a national mandate and gain experience in legal, regulatory, financial, and governance matters.

Principal Legal Officer Job Description – Legal Officer jobs in Nairobi

The Principal Legal Officer will formulate, review, implement, and monitor statutory and legal policies and procedures relating to litigation, delegated prosecution, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. The role will also provide legal guidance while protecting HELB’s interests in courts and quasi-judicial bodies.

The successful candidate will identify legal risks, coordinate investigations and legal proceedings, develop litigation strategies, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and court decisions. This position is suitable for experienced advocates pursuing legal careers in Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement legal policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures covering litigation, prosecution, and ADR.
• Develop policy and legal frameworks supporting prosecution and litigation functions.
• Develop litigation, prosecution, and Alternative Dispute Resolution strategies.
• Coordinate investigations and delegated quasi-judicial prosecution processes.
• Monitor compliance with legal policies and procedures to minimize sanctions and litigation risks.
• Prepare legal briefs for external advocates, stakeholders, and other relevant parties.
• Coordinate legal conformance, compliance, and accountability structures.
• Promote legal education and awareness programmes for strategic stakeholders.
• Identify legal risks and develop appropriate mitigation frameworks.
• Represent HELB in courts and quasi-judicial bodies and prepare written and oral submissions.

Required Qualifications – Legal careers in Kenya

• At least nine years of relevant work experience, including three years at Senior Legal Officer level or an equivalent 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.
• Admission certificate as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Valid Practising Certificate and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Kenya.
• Management course lasting at least four weeks from a recognized institution.
• Certificate in Computer Applications and demonstrated merit through performance and results.
• Candidates seeking advocate jobs in Kenya should demonstrate strong litigation, negotiation, and legal advisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience in mediation, arbitration, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
• Excellent negotiation, networking, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to mentor, coach, plan, organize, and work effectively under pressure.

Benefits and Compensation

• Contract of up to three years, renewable subject to performance and applicable retirement requirements.
• Opportunity to provide legal leadership within a nationally significant public institution.
• Exposure to complex litigation, prosecution, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution matters.
• Professional development through strategic legal and governance responsibilities.
• Opportunity for professionals seeking senior legal jobs in Kenya.

How to Apply for Principal Legal Officer Jobs at HELB

Candidates interested in apply for Principal Legal Officer job Nairobi should submit an application letter, detailed CV, academic and professional certificates, Identity Card or Passport copy, and relevant testimonials. The application should quote HELB/016 and the position title on the cover letter and envelope.

Applications should reach the Chief Executive Officer, Higher Education Loans Board, Anniversary Towers, 19th Floor, P.O. Box 69489-00400, Nairobi, Kenya, by 1 September 2026. Soft copies should also be sent to [email protected]. Applicants who previously applied are encouraged to reapply. Successful candidates will be required to present valid Chapter Six clearance documents. HELB is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified women, youth, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities to apply.