CORPORATION SECRETARY/DIRECTOR LEGAL SERVICES– GRADE E2

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), established under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 8 of 1999 is mandated to exercise general supervision and coordination over all matters relating to the environment in Kenya; and to be the Principal Instrument of Government in the implementation of all policies relating to the environment.

The Authority invites applications from qualified and experienced candidates for the following vacant positions:

1. CORPORATION SECRETARY/DIRECTOR LEGAL SERVICES– GRADE E2 (1 POST)

An officer at this level is responsible to the Director General for the overall legal matters and will be the principal legal advisor to the Authority. The officer is responsible for providing secretarial and related services to the Board as provided for in the Act and the Mwongozo Code of conduct for State Corporations.

Duties and responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities at this level will include but not limited to:

1. Providing legal advice to the Authority and ensuring integration of environmental concerns into policy and legislation at all levels;
2. Drafting the required regulations, guidelines and interpreting the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999;

• Advising on international conventions, treaties and agreements related to the environment to which Kenya is a party and assisting in their implementation;

1. Advising and assisting in various negotiations;
2. Drafting and liaising with various Government Institutions on the establishment and maintenance of a Registry of International Environmental Conventions and Treaties to which Kenya is a party;
3. Liaising with relevant Government Institutions and stakeholders on International Environmental concerns;

• Initiating legislative proposals, standards and guidelines on the environment.
• Establishing criteria and procedures for the assessment of environmental quality standards;

1. Monitoring of the implementation and compliance with legislation; and taking responsibility for all litigation matters in respect to the Authority;
2. Providing secretarial services to the Board and its Committees;
3. Providing guidance to the Board on their duties and responsibilities and on matters of Governance;

• Facilitating Board induction and development and implementation of the capacity building programmes;
• Preparing and managing Board Work-Plans;
• Facilitating Annual Board Evaluation;

1. Facilitating Governance Audits;

• Developing and implementing the Board Charters, Terms of Reference and the Code of Conduct and Ethics;
• In liaison with the Director General, preparing and circulating Board and Committee notices and papers;
• Taking minutes in all Board and Committee Meetings;
• Preparing Reports from Board and Committee field trips;

1. Keeping custody and accountability of the Corporation’s seal, securities, agreements, minutes, titles and other legal instruments;

• Maintaining and updating the Register of Conflict of Interest;
• Arranging the business of the Board’s meetings, keeping records of the proceedings of Board and performing other duties as the Board may direct;
• Providing advice on legal and corporate matters to the Board through interpretation and writing legal opinions;
• Overseeing implementation of Mwongozo Code of Conduct in the Authority;
• Responsible for implementation of the directorate’s strategic plan and realization of its objectives;
• Overseeing the implementation of performance appraisal system and performance contract for the Directorate;
• Ensuring accountability and prudent management of resources and assets and ensuring compliance with principles and values of good governance, transparency, accountability, ethics and integrity;
• Supervising, guiding and developing staff working under him or her.

1. b) Requirements for Appointment

For appointment to this position, a candidate must have:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or its equivalent qualification from a recognized University.
2. Master’s degree in Law (LLM), environmental law, or its equivalent qualifications from a recognized Institution.

• Post Graduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law.

1. Be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
2. Current practicing certificate.
3. Certified Public Secretary of Kenya (CPS K).

• A minimum period of fifteen (15) years relevant work experience and at least five (5) years in a senior management role in the Public Service or Private Sector.
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.

1. Membership of the Law Society of Kenya and Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPS) or any other relevant professional body in good standing.
2. Proficiency in computer applications.
3. Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.

• Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter Six of the constitution.

Key Competencies and Skills

1. Analytical skills.
2. Communication skills.

• Strategic and innovative thinking.

1. Interpersonal skills.
2. Ability to mobilize resources.
3. Negotiation skills.