Director Legal Services at National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

Director Legal Services at National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) – National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Kenya Job Details

About the Role

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is seeking a Director Legal Services to lead the legal and governance function of the organisation. This is a full-time position based in Nairobi that combines strategic legal advisory with corporate governance oversight. The role sits at the intersection of environmental policy implementation and institutional compliance, requiring both specialist legal expertise and board-level leadership experience.

Established under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA) 1999, NEMA serves as the principal government instrument for environmental policy implementation across Kenya. The Director Legal Services will be responsible for ensuring environmental law is correctly applied, Board governance standards are maintained, and the Authority operates within all applicable legal frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver legal counsel to NEMA leadership on matters affecting environmental policy, legislation, and institutional operations
• Serve as secretary to the Board and its committees, including preparing notices, agendas, minutes and reports from all Board meetings and field activities
• Advise the Board on governance duties, responsibilities, and best practice in corporate accountability and ethical standards
• Oversee custody and accountability of the Authority’s seal, securities, agreements, legal records, property titles and other legal instruments
• Draft environmental regulations, guidelines and statutory instruments; interpret EMCA 1999 and provide written legal opinions on complex matters
• Manage the Board Charter, Terms of Reference, Code of Conduct and Ethics, and oversee compliance with the Mwongozo Code across the Authority
• Advise on international environmental conventions, treaties and agreements to which Kenya is party, and support Kenya’s implementation obligations
• Supervise directorate staff, implement performance management systems, and ensure strategic objectives are achieved within budgetary and governance constraints
• Initiate legislative proposals, environmental quality standards and assessment procedures; monitor compliance and manage all litigation involving the Authority

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognised university
• Master’s degree in Law (LLM), environmental law, or equivalent postgraduate qualification from a recognised institution
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law
• Valid practicing certificate from the Law Society of Kenya and membership of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK) or other recognised professional body
• Certification as a Certified Public Secretary of Kenya (CPSK)
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in legal practice, with at least 5 years in a senior management role within the public or private sector
• Completion of a leadership development course of at least four weeks’ duration from an accredited institution
• Proficiency in computer applications; demonstrated analytical, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills

What to Expect

• Board-level exposure and responsibility for institutional governance and legal risk management
• Opportunity to shape environmental law implementation across Kenya’s regulatory framework
• Leadership of a directorate team with accountability for departmental strategy and performance
• This Director Legal Services at National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) position in Nairobi is open to qualified candidates. Click Apply below to submit your application.