Deputy Director, Legal Services

Information about the role

The Deputy Director, Legal Services (REF. KEMSA/HR/LS/03/2026, SA3) reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The purpose of this role is to provide strategic legal leadership by ensuring compliance, managing risks, safeguarding the Authority’s interests, and delivering high-quality legal advice, contract management, and dispute resolution services. This role also involves providing critical governance guidance and secretarial services to the Board.

Responsibilities and Duties

Legal and Strategic Leadership:

• Spearhead the development, implementation, and review of legal policies, strategies, frameworks, and programs for the Authority.
• Provide high-level legal advice on contractual and statutory obligations, including the interpretation of statutes and regulations.
• Ensure the Authority complies with constitutional, regulatory, and relevant laws through expert legal advisory services.
• Coordinate and negotiate conveyance instruments for the acquisition or transfer of assets, ensuring proper registration.
• Oversee the defense of the Authority before Courts and Tribunals, managing relationships with external advocates.
• Coordinate the review, drafting, and amendment of contracts and legal instruments to safeguard the Authority’s assets and reputation.
• Manage and monitor the status of litigation and advise on dispute resolution with stakeholders.
• Maintain custody and accountability of the Authority’s seal, securities, agreements, and titles.

Board Services:

• Provide guidance to the Board on duties, responsibilities, and governance matters.
• Assist with Board induction, training, charter updates, and governance audits.
• Manage Board annual work plans and coordinate meeting agendas and papers.
• Prepare and file Board Minutes and serve as the custodian of the organization's seal.
• Maintain Conflict of Interest and Gift Registers.
• Monitor implementation of Board decisions and report back to the Board.

Departmental Management:

• Manage departmental strategic plans, budgets, and performance contracts.
• Mentor, coach, and develop departmental staff.
• Implement Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and business continuity plans within the department.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years’ relevant work experience, with at least three (3) years in a management position.
• Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from a recognized institution.
• Master of Laws degree (LLM) 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.
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Kenya.
• Certificate in a Leadership Course (lasting not less than four weeks) from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated managerial, administrative, and professional competence.
• Thorough understanding of national goals and policies related to the legal function.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the KEMSA career portal at kemsa.go.ke or via the provided application link. Alternatively, physical applications can be addressed to:

Chief Executive Officer,
Kenya Medical Supplies Authority,
P.O BOX 47715-00100, NAIROBI
Attn: Director, Corporate Services

Applications must be submitted no later than April 14th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (East Africa Time).