Tuesday, February 21, 2012

BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL ADVOCATE JOB IN KENYA

About Bridge International Academies

Bridge International Academies was conceived in 2007 out of the belief that giving every child access to a high quality education would have the greatest impact on reducing poverty worldwide. With that guiding insight, Bridge International developed a strategy that would enable it to launch a large-scale network of high-quality, ultra low-cost, for-profit primary schools.

Operating a network of schools supported by a strong central headquarters gives Bridge International the scale, experience, and capacity to invest in systems of management, support, training, and innovation that allows individual schools to dramatically increase their effectiveness.

Using this model, Bridge International is able to profitably deliver high-quality education for $4 per child per month. This ensures that its academies will continue to successfully serve its communities as long as parents value the educational service provided. The first Bridge International Academy launched successfully in Kenya in 2009 and 60 academies will be operating in Kenya in January 2012. Through rapid and strategic expansion, Bridge International will provide a quality education to over a million students in the coming years.

About this position

We have and are continuing to develop one of the most sophisticated approaches to providing affordable education to MILLIONS of children in one of the most challenging environments in the world.

This position within the Finance and Administration Department, will report to the Senior Legal Officer and be responsible for offering professional and timely legal support across the company.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

Support the development of the company’s legal structures and systems
Developing and implementing action plans in consultations with department heads and the Senior legal officer

Attending court to file litigation documents and represent the company as may be required from time to time
Handling correspondences on legal aspects and recommending appropriate legal actions
Participate in drawing and vetting staff and commercial contracts, leases and other legal instruments while working closely with the lands department legal support team
Train a team of paralegal and public interfacing staff in basic legal procedures and incident reporting.
Ensure proper records regarding custody and proper management of company instruments such as land titles, seals, stamps, securities and records
Accompany staff on field activities where disputes and conflicts occur to guide discussions and collate all pertinent information to be used for decisions and actions.
Support investigations and maintain active liaison with security agencies to conclude investigations
Insurance claims support
Document legal activities and maintain an up-to-date legal actions and issues database for quick reference and guide to management and staff
Other legal and related tasks as may be assigned from time to time


Required qualifications, skills and attributes

LLB degree from a recognized institution
Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law
Hold a valid practicing certificate or in the process of acquiring one
Possession of company secretarial skills and exposure to resolution of labour issues and informal community issues will be valuable
At least 3 years experience in a similar position in middle level management within a corporate or large institution or a busy and well established legal practice
Understanding and experience in employment law
Experience in Litigation
Qualified or well exposed arbitrator with proven negotiation skills
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel required)

About You

Strong ability to lead and develop a team of paralegals
Must have strong knowledge of customer relations/satisfaction as they relate to legal and commercial concepts
Works well in an environment with firm deadlines; results oriented
Perform multiple tasks effectively
Able to work both independently and as part of a team
Strong analytical skills required
Capable of making timely, independent decisions while consulting as appropriate
Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skill
Confident, courageous and persuasive in court and during negotiations
Provides weekly and monthly reports and goes over with department heads and CEO
Maintains strict confidentiality in all matters
Opens and closes all legal files
Responsible for overall coordination of legal issues
Performs other related duties as assigned
Possess advanced skills in customer service and provides effective solutions
Ability to work long hours including weekends
Passionate about children and education in Africa
Must be well organized, detail-oriented and personable with a professional demeanor
Excellent communication skill necessary to interact with other attorneys/lawyers and clients by both telephone and written correspondence

In order to be considered for this position all candidates must register and upload their CV’s on our website at www.bridgeinternationalacademies.com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted