Job Description
Legal Officer No. of Vacancies- Two (2)
Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) is a wholly owned Government Development Finance Institution (DFI) incorporated under the Agricultural Finance Corporation Act (Cap 323 of the Laws of Kenya). AFC is charged with the mandate of supporting the development of agriculture and agriculture industries by making loans and providing managerial and technical assistance to the loan beneficiaries.
The corporation invites applications for the position of Legal Officer.
Role Profile
As the Legal Officer at AFC, you will leverage your extensive experience and expertise in corporate law in our legal operations. Your ability to navigate complex legal matters and provide strategic guidance will be instrumental in ensuring AFC’s continued success in empowering farmers and supporting sustainable agriculture. You will play a pivotal role in representing AFC in legal matters, providing expert legal advice, and safeguarding the Corporation’s interests in all legal proceedings.
Key Responsibilities
1. Court Representation: Represent AFC in court proceedings and effectively present legal arguments to protect the Corporation’s rights and interests.
2. External Advocates Liaison: Collaborate with external advocates handling legal matters on behalf of AFC to ensure effective communication and coordination.
3. Legal Document Preparation: Prepare and file pleadings and legal documents on behalf of AFC in accordance with legal requirements.
4. Legal Issues Record Keeping: Maintain a comprehensive record of pending legal issues and prepare periodic progress reports for management.
5. Legal Advice and Guidance: Provide expert legal advice and guidance to AFC’s management and staff on various legal matters.
6. Contract Drafting and Review: Draft contracts and memoranda of understanding between AFC and third parties, ensuring the Corporation’s interests are well-protected.
7. Loan Documentation Verification: Verify all loan documentations from AFC’s Branches to ensure completeness and compliance with legal formalities, issuing Authority for loan disbursement.
8. Security Documentation Coordination: Co-ordinate the preparation, execution, registration, and renewal of all security documentation related to AFC’s operations.
9. Legal Document Execution: Draft, verify, and execute legal documents, including loan offers, charge documents, debentures, employment contracts, sale agreements, and other relevant agreements.
10. Land and Contract Dispute Handling: Handle legal issues arising from land and contract disputes, supporting the arbitration process as needed.
11. Professional Undertakings Issuance: Co-ordinate the issuance of professional undertakings on behalf of AFC.
12. Payment Voucher Review: Review and recommend payment vouchers for advocates, auctioneers, valuers, and debt collectors fees.
13. Ad Hoc Duties: Undertake any other relevant work assigned to the job holder from time to time to support AFC’s legal operations.
Person Specifications
To excel in this role, you should possess the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:
• Education: bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) and admitted to the Bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate.
• Certified Public Secretary with a current practicing license.
• Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years of legal practice experience, preferably in corporate law and contract management or 2-3 years dealing with company/corporation secretariat duties (Board matters).
• Litigation Skills: Proven experience in court representation and litigation management.
• Contract Drafting: Strong drafting skills with experience in preparing legal documents and contracts.
• Analytical Thinker: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound legal advice.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills to articulate legal arguments and communicate with stakeholders.
• Time Management: Proven ability to handle multiple legal matters, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Passion for Agriculture: A genuine passion for agriculture and a strong desire to contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural sector.
• Extensive knowledge of legal principles, practices, and procedures.
• Proven experience in court representation and litigation management.
• Strong drafting skills with the ability to prepare legal documents and contracts.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound legal advice.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to articulate legal arguments and communicate with stakeholders.
• Proven ability to handle multiple legal matters, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.