Senior Legal Officer II

Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Legal Officer II to join its Legal Services and Governance team in Nairobi. This role offers an exciting opportunity for professionals exploring legal officer opportunities at Kenya-AIST or legal jobs in Kenya to provide expert legal advice, support governance, and ensure compliance across a leading science and technology institution.

Key Job Information

• Position: Senior Legal Officer II
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time, Contract
• Experience Level: Senior (Grade 7 equivalent)
• Application Deadline: 22nd December, 2025

About Kenya-AIST

Kenya-AIST is a premier national institution dedicated to advancing scientific research, innovation, and technology development. The organization operates in a dynamic regulatory environment requiring robust legal frameworks, governance oversight, and operational compliance. Kenya-AIST emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and innovation across all functions, including legal, procurement, and asset management.

Employees at Kenya-AIST benefit from a collaborative and supportive work environment, access to professional development opportunities, and engagement in high-impact projects. The institution values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a conducive environment for career growth and skills enhancement in public sector legal services.

Job Description

The Senior Legal Officer II provides comprehensive legal support to Kenya-AIST, including advisory services, governance guidance, and regulatory compliance oversight. The role ensures the Institute operates within statutory and contractual frameworks, mitigates legal risks, and effectively manages disputes and institutional legal matters. The officer also serves as the Council Secretariat, supporting governance and legal oversight for the institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and review legal policies, strategies, regulations, and procedures.
• Provide legal, regulatory, and compliance advice to the Institute’s management and departments.
• Develop and maintain the Institute’s Conflict of Interest and Gift Registers.
• Verify documents issued as collateral, securities, or support for loans, assets, contracts, and conveyance of property.
• Conduct legal research, investigations, and preparation of preliminary submissions for legal matters affecting the Institute.
• Identify legal risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Negotiate disputes to settle matters out of court where possible.
• Draft, review, and vet leases, agreements, and Memorandums of Understanding.
• Represent the Institute in court and other legal fora.
• Examine draft records of matters to be gazetted related to the Institute.
• Conduct periodic legal audits to ensure statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain the legal registry and initiate legal action for recovery measures.
• Disseminate relevant legal updates impacting projects, programs, and activities.
• Provide guidance to the Council/Board on governance and legal responsibilities, serving as the Kenya-AIST Council Secretariat.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid Practicing Certificate.
• Registered member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
• At least eight (8) years of relevant work experience, with three (3) years served as a Legal Officer I or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems, email, video conferencing, internet research, and basic data management.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices and data protection laws is an advantage.
• Demonstrated merit and ability in legal practice and governance functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing legal advisory in higher education or public sector institutions.
• Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Familiarity with legal frameworks applicable to research, innovation, and technology sectors.
• Proven track record in drafting, reviewing, and managing institutional contracts, agreements, and MOUs.

Benefits and Compensation

Kenya-AIST offers a competitive compensation package for Grade 7 roles, opportunities for professional growth, and exposure to high-impact legal and governance projects. Employees benefit from ongoing learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and a collaborative work environment aligned with national and international best practices.

How to Apply

Interested candidates seeking Senior Legal Officer opportunities or legal officer jobs in Nairobi should submit their applications through the Kenya-AIST online recruitment portal: https://recruitment.kenya-aist.ac.ke/. Each application must include:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic and professional certificates
• National ID or passport
• Two letters of reference, including one from a former supervisor
• Other relevant supporting documents

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide clearance from:

• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Criminal Investigation Department (CID) – Certificate of Good Conduct

Applications must be submitted on or before 22nd December, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Kenya-AIST is an equal opportunity employer committed to implementing Article 232(i) of the Constitution.

This role is ideal for professionals seeking Senior Legal Officer II vacancies in Nairobi or public sector legal positions in Kenya with opportunities to advance governance and compliance in a leading science and technology institution.