icipe Legal Assistant Job in Nairobi Kenya

icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. 

icipe has 400 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya and Ethiopia.

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position ofLegal Assistant in the Legal Services Unit. 

Ref No. NRS/70/082014

The position is tenable in Duduville, Nairobi, Kenya.

This is a two-year contract, with opportunities for renewal pegged on individual performance and availability of funds. 

A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Overall Purpose of the Job

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Legal Officer, the Legal Assistant will provide legal advice to the Centre’s management and staff on all matters pertaining to the institution’s staff, property, activities, rights and obligations.

Specific Duties:

• Prepare or assist in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of international public or private law issues, decisions involving, inter alia, issues relating to privileges and immunities, litigation, arbitration, interpretations and policies for the organisation.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of complex documents such as Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding and contracts with governments, NGOs, and public and private entities, as well as in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes.
• Organise, file and maintain all legal documents such as contracts, project agreements, Memorandum of Association, memos, records, correspondence and reports, often confidential in nature.
• Track and organise patents, contracts and trademarks.
• Maintain contract database and record retention guidelines.
• Assist the Chief Legal Officer in coordinating and scheduling a wide variety of meetings, corporate events and on- and off-site Board meetings, assist in making travel arrangements, arrange for conference sites/rooms, prepare agendas and provide secretarial services to the Centres’ Governing Council and other committees, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views and meeting reports.
• Provide assistance on arbitration, litigation and other claims before arbitral and other tribunals or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases, and track the status and calendar deadlines for these matters.
• Interface with various departments and communicate and coordinate with senior officers and high level executives and contacts, both internally and externally, in a professional and positive manner. 
• Respond to issues raised and work with the Chief Legal Officer and other employees to resolve them.
• Conduct or assist in conducting extensive legal research and analysis and prepare legal documents/briefs, reports and correspondence.
• Undertake basic or extensive review of legal documents, instruments, or other material as required, identifying important issues, similarities and/or inconsistencies.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies aimed at providing an enabling legal and regulatory framework that preserves the integrity of the Centre while ensuring compliance to statutory requirements in all its transactions.
• Assist in managing and safeguarding the Centre’s Intellectual Property Rights and real estate.
• Provide or assist in providing legal advice on human resources matters and review any administrative issues.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Knowledge required for performing the job:

• Knowledge of government functions and processes to determine programme compliance.
• Familiarity with local rules of court and arbitral process.
• Knowledge of the civil and/or common law legal systems and principles.
• Ability to interpret and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Explain policies, procedures, rules, and/or regulations to employees, the public, vendors, and Government agencies.
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination and processing of a range of legal documents.
• Interpret and apply legislative instruments, and develop and present results, recommendations and opinions clearly and concisely.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Law (LLB)
• An advocate of the High Court of Kenya
• Member of the Law Society of Kenya
• Have a minimum of 3 years experience in a busy law firm, company, corporation or international organisation.
• Proficiency in using software such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

Other desirable attributes:

• Experience that demonstrates maturity, problem-solving skills, independent judgment, ability to work well under pressure, and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities in a busy environment.
• Results-oriented with excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and discretion in handling highly confidential information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to interface with tact and diplomacy at all levels within the organisation.
• Previous experience working in a not-for-profit organisation will be an added advantage.

Reporting:

This position reports to the Chief Legal Officer.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

How to Apply

All applications must arrive via email on or before the 3rd September 2014. 

Please quote the job reference number NRS/70/082014 on the email subject line. 

Interested applicants should submit: 

(a) a confidential cover letter, 

(b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), and 

(c) a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the job, to:

LegalAssistant@icipe.org

ICIPE is an equal opportunity employer