Senior Assistant Director, Legal Services – Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)

About IPOA

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was established through an Act of Parliament in November 2011 to provide civilian oversight over policing in Kenya. The first Board took office in June 2012.

Vision: To create a strong civilian accountability framework that builds public trust and confidence in the National Police Service.

Mission: To conduct impartial and independent investigations, audits, inspections, and monitoring of the National Police Service to curb impunity and enhance professionalism in service delivery for the benefit of the public.

Senior Assistant Director, Legal Services

Job Type: Part-Time
Qualifications: BA/BSc/HND, Diploma
Experience Required: 5 years
Location: Kitale
Specialization: Law / Legal

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Managerial & Supervisory Duties:

Lead the formulation, execution, and review of policies, strategies, and guidelines related to prosecution, evidence assessment, civil litigation, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Oversee contract management, legal advisory services, compliance, and prosecution matters within the Authority.
Represent the Authority in legal, civil, and criminal cases, as well as ADR proceedings.
Conduct legal audits and ensure adherence to human rights standards.
Provide expert legal advice to the Deputy Director of Legal Services on prosecution, civil litigation, ADR, legal audits, and human rights compliance.
Facilitate communication and collaboration between departments and Board committees.
Approve reviewed investigative reports and provide recommendations to the Deputy Director, CEO, and Board Technical Committee.
Examine and approve departmental reports and documents for submission to the Deputy Director, Management, CEO, and Board Committees.
Supervise the prosecution of cases within IPOA’s jurisdiction.
Work closely with the Investigations Directorate to conduct case reviews.
Monitor legal audits, propose necessary reforms, and ensure adherence to constitutional and statutory requirements.
Lead contract negotiations, draft and review MoUs, agreements, and other legal documents.
Provide legal counsel to the Board, CEO, and senior management on contract administration and compliance.
Oversee legal research initiatives in collaboration with the research division.
Ensure proper management and organization of legal records.
Develop internal and external legal reports.
Strengthen partnerships with external agencies and other departments to enhance legal services.
Identify departmental risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Manage the financial and material resources assigned to the department.
Mentor and coach staff while facilitating professional development initiatives.
Oversee the implementation of annual work plans and budgets within the department.
Ensure adherence to quality assurance standards in legal operations.
Monitor staff performance and oversee performance evaluations.

Operational Responsibilities:

Represent IPOA in complex legal matters, including civil and criminal cases and ADR processes.
Evaluate and review investigation files related to IPOA’s legal mandates and provide recommendations.
Manage legal instructions from other departments and oversee the preparation of legal opinions, contracts, agreements, and MoUs.
Ensure IPOA’s full compliance with constitutional requirements, legal statutes, and regulatory frameworks.
Coordinate with external stakeholders and internal departments on contract management, legal advisory matters, and regulatory compliance.
Communicate key management decisions to the legal department staff.
Develop and execute individual work plans and submit periodic performance reports.
Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential legal challenges.