Job details LEGAL MANAGER - JOB DESCRIPTION Reference number: ESD/LM2011 Job title: Legal Manager Division: Legal Reports to: Company Secretary Location: Nairobi Job summary The job holder is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the Legal department, provision of legal advisory services and ensuring effective management of legal and contractual risks. Key responsibilities Leadership role Provide leadership and ensure efficient and effective management of staff and resources in the Legal department. Legal risk Review and provide legal advice on tender documents. Review ongoing cases and advice management accordingly. Liaise with relevant departments to ensure that where legal risks have been identified, appropriate courses of action have been taken. Provide legal protection and risk management advice to management especially on contract management. Provide and interpret legal information, conduct training and disseminate appropriate legal requirements to staff. Policy development Review and advise management on legal implications of internal policies and procedures. Review and draft contracts, agreements and internal policies and ensure that they are in compliance with all statutory or legal requirements. Litigation management Review progress of outstanding litigation and liaise with and manage external lawyers. 1
Regulatory compliance Formulate compliance check-lists to be used for the purpose of ensuring that all information required is provided accordingly. Continuously monitor compliance with statutory obligations and advise management accordingly. Prepare monthly and quarterly reports for the department for executive management meetings. Contract negotiation Review all contracts or any other documentation where the Company has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to the executive management s attention. Prepare, review and modify contractual instruments to assist and support various business activities. Negotiate, review and draft documentation for business transactions and prepare and advise on the necessary checklist to be adopted to ensure information is submitted on time. Administrative duties Provide continuous leadership, supervision, training and development of department staff ensuring an effective and motivated team. Liaise with the HR department in conducting performance appraisals and ensure competency and training gaps are addressed. Focus areas of responsibility - % of time spent Legal advisory and contracts management - 50% Regulatory support (Negotiations, contracts and compliance and facilities available - land, resources for development such as licences, roads) - 30% Risk management - 10% People management - 10% Organisational positioning Company Secretary Legal Manager Legal Officers Company Lawyers Personal Assistant/Secretary Number of direct reports: 5 Number of staff in the Legal department: 7 2
Academic and professional qualifications LLB undergraduate degree; A Masters degree will be an added advantage; and Must be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Experience At least eight years legal experience ideally in a leading organisation, with a proven track record in contract negotiation and drafting; Proven track record of providing accurate and effective legal counsel; and Proven track record of adding value to an organisation through the development of comprehensive contract documents that mitigate risk and penalties. Additional skills Strong leadership and managerial skills; Excellent relationship management and communication skills necessary for interaction with the Government of Kenya, the Judicial system and negotiating parties; Demonstrate knowledge of, and experience with, laws dealing with government and/or commercial contract administration, particularly contract negotiation, preparation and administration; Ability to provide independent advice (orally and in writing) to senior level management on highly technical matters; Demonstrate success in managing and conducting a variety of litigation matters; Good planning and organization skills; and Proven ability to delicately solve sensitive matters. Core technical competencies required for the role In-depth knowledge of regulatory law; and Knowledge of the legal aspects of capital markets. Core behavioural competencies Core competencies required for the role: These are patterns of behaviour which will be required for a candidate to bring to this position in order to perform the required tasks and functions effectively. Leading and deciding Takes control and exercises leadership. Initiates action, gives direction and takes responsibility. Deciding and initiating action Leading and supervising Makes effective decisions even under difficult circumstances. Takes responsibility and shows initiative. Provides others with clear direction. Establishes standards of behaviour for others and motivates and empowers individuals. 3
Supporting and co-operating Supports others and shows respect and positive regard for them in social situations. Puts people first, working effectively with individuals and teams, clients and staff. Behaves consistently with clear personal values which complement those of the organisation. Working with people Adhering to principles and values Demonstrates interest in others, works effectively in teams, builds team spirit and shows care and consideration for individuals. Upholds ethics and values, acts with integrity and promotes equal opportunities. Interacting and presenting Communicates and networks effectively. Successfully persuades and influences others. Relates to others in a confident and relaxed manner. Relating and networking Persuading and influencing Presenting and communicating information Establishes effective relationships with customers and staff, networks effectively within and without the organisation and relates well to individuals at all levels. Makes a strong impression on others, gains agreement and commitment through persuasion and negotiation. Manages conflict effectively. Speaks clearly and fluently, expresses opinions and arguments clearly and convincingly and makes presentations with confidence. Analysing and interpreting Shows evidence of clear analytical thinking. Gets to the heart of complex problems and issues. Applies own expertise effectively. Quickly takes on new technology. Communicates well in writing. Writing and reporting Applying expertise and technology Analysing Writes clearly and succinctly in an interesting and convincing manner. Structures information in a logical manner to facilitate understanding by the intended audience. Applies specialist technical expertise, develops job knowledge and expertise and shares knowledge with others. Analyses data of a verbal and numerical nature and other sources of information, breaks information down into components, probes for further information and generates workable solutions to problems. Creating and conceptualising Works well in situations requiring openness to new ideas and experiences. Seeks out learning opportunities. Handles situations and problems with innovation and creativity. Thinks broadly and strategically. Supports and drives organisational change. Learning and researching Creating and innovating Formulating strategies and concepts Learns new tasks quickly, remembers information and gathers data for effective decision-making. Produces new ideas and insights, creates innovative products and solutions and seeks opportunities for organisational change and improvement. Works strategically to attain organisational goals, develops strategies and takes account of a wide range of issues that impact the organisation. 4
Organising and executing Plans ahead and works in a systematic and organised way. Follows directions and procedures. Focuses on customer satisfaction and delivers a quality service or product to the agreed standards. Planning and organising Delivering results and meeting customer expectations Following instructions and procedures Sets clear objectives, plans activities well in advance and manages time effectively. Focuses on customer needs and satisfaction, sets high standards for quality and quantity and consistently achieves set goals. Follows instructions and procedures, adheres to schedules and demonstrates commitment to the organisation. Adapting and coping Adapts and responds well to change. Manages pressure effectively and copes well with setbacks. Adapting and responding to change Coping with pressures and setbacks Adapts to changing circumstances, embraces change, is open to new ideas and deals effectively with ambiguity. Works productively in a stressful environment, controls emotions in difficult situations and handles criticism effectively. Enterprising and performing Focuses on results and achieving personal work objectives. Works best when work is related closely to results and the impact of personal efforts is obvious. Shows an understanding of business, commerce and finance. Seeks opportunities for self-development and career advancement. Achieving personal work goals and objectives Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking Accepts and tackles demanding goals, works longer hours when necessary and identifies opportunities for progressing to more challenging roles. Keeps up to date with competitor information and market trends, identifies business opportunities and demonstrates financial awareness. 5