The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) invites applications from qualified, committed, and results-driven professionals for two strategic leadership roles at its headquarters. As a leading state corporation mandated with the protection and conservation of wildlife in Kenya, KWS plays a critical role in sustainable environmental stewardship and the promotion of eco-tourism in the country. In line with its commitment to organizational excellence and enhanced service delivery, KWS seeks to fill the following senior-level vacancies:
- Corporation Secretary/Director Legal Services – Job Grade E3(2)
Ref: KWS/08/2025
Number of Positions: One (1) - Director Planning, Partnerships & Enterprise – Job Grade E2(2)
Ref: KWS/09/2025
Number of Positions: One (1)
These are five-year contract positions, renewable once subject to performance and retirement age. The successful candidates will report directly to the Director General.
Position 1: Corporation Secretary/Director Legal Services
Job Grade: E3(2)
Ref: KWS/08/2025
Number of Posts: One (1)
Overall Purpose of the Job
Reporting to the Director General, the Corporation Secretary/Director Legal Services will be responsible for ensuring effective management of corporate affairs, legal compliance, and governance frameworks within the organization. The role will involve advising the Board and Management on legal matters and ensuring that the Service operates within its legal mandate and upholds national and international legal obligations.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide strategic legal leadership in developing policies and regulations that guide the operations of the Service.
- Spearhead formulation, implementation, and review of legal strategies, regulations, and guidelines to enhance the Service’s mandate.
- Advise the Board and Management on corporate governance frameworks, legal compliance, and best practices in line with the Mwongozo Code of Governance.
- Oversee the delivery of Board Secretariat services, including preparation of Board papers, implementation of Board resolutions, and maintenance of accurate records.
- Lead negotiations on legal aspects of partnerships, contracts, and collaborations with national and international stakeholders.
- Provide legal advice on matters relating to wildlife conservation, contracts, procurement, intellectual property rights, dispute resolution, and statutory compliance.
- Develop and oversee dispute resolution strategies, including litigation and international arbitration.
- Facilitate legal research on issues affecting wildlife conservation and advise on emerging global legal trends for policy development.
- Supervise development and execution of the department’s work plan and budget, aligning with the strategic direction of the Service.
- Draft and review all legal documents including contracts, leases, memoranda of understanding, and service-level agreements.
- Guide the review and amendment of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act and associated regulations.
- Establish and maintain the Service’s securities register for managing legal documents and proprietary instruments.
- Develop and manage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for the Service.
- Lead the formulation and implementation of internal governance structures, including the Board Manual, Charter, and Codes of Ethics.
- Oversee legal drafting of regulations, codes, treaties, and rules applicable to the Service.
- Mentor, coach, and develop the legal team to build a high-performing and motivated workforce.
- Establish and manage the Service’s legal registry to ensure secure recordkeeping of legal documents.
- Prepare and monitor the legal department’s annual budget and ensure prudent utilization of resources.
- Liaise with the Attorney General, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders on legal matters.
- Ensure the safekeeping of the Service’s legal instruments, including the seal, title deeds, contracts, and agreements.
- Maintain an updated conflict of interest register and foster transparency in operations.
- Facilitate Board induction, performance evaluation, and implementation of training and development programs.
- Develop and implement Board calendars to ensure timely execution of governance responsibilities.
- Represent and defend the interests of the Service in courts and other legal forums.
- Monitor and review progress on all ongoing litigation and advise accordingly.
- Supervise, appraise, and guide direct reports for effective service delivery.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
- Master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Kenya School of Law.
- Must be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
- Certified Public Secretary (CPS(K)) in good standing.
- Membership with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
- Membership with the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries.
- Demonstrated experience in litigation and court processes.
- Certificate in Strategic Leadership Development Programme (SLDP).
- At least twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, with five (5) years in a managerial role in either the public or private sector.
- Proficiency in computer applications.
- Clean disciplinary record.
- Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
Position 2: Director Planning, Partnerships & Enterprise
Job Grade: E2(2)
Ref: KWS/09/2025
Number of Posts: One (1)
Overall Purpose of the Job
Reporting to the Director General, the Director of Planning, Partnerships & Enterprise will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to expand and sustain diversified funding sources, strategic partnerships, and robust enterprise development. The role also entails leading corporate planning and institutional performance monitoring while ensuring alignment with the overall strategic direction of KWS.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee the formulation, review, and implementation of policies, strategies, regulations, and systems related to partnerships, enterprise development, and planning.
- Lead the development and nurturing of partnerships with government agencies, corporates, foundations, NGOs, development partners, and international bodies aligned with the Service’s mandate.
- Design and implement resource mobilization strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
- Review and implement business development strategies and identify emerging market opportunities for enterprise growth.
- Coordinate corporate planning processes and ensure alignment with national priorities and the KWS Strategic Plan.
- Guide the implementation of donor-funded programs and provide timely and accurate reporting on progress and outcomes.
- Facilitate resource mobilization work plans and support the drafting of funding proposals, project concept notes, and negotiation documents.
- Identify potential funding opportunities from bilateral, multilateral, and private sector actors to support KWS programs.
- Lead the preparation of financial reports linked to mobilized resources and ensure accountability and transparency.
- Promote strategic decision-making through analysis of stakeholder priorities, policy trends, and market intelligence.
- Lead the development and monitoring of the Service’s Strategic Plan and alignment with departmental and national development goals.
- Drive the financial viability of enterprise activities through the identification of new investment areas and revenue streams.
- Coordinate strategic communication related to partnerships, business development, and resource mobilization.
- Oversee the development of communication materials including reports, press releases, blog posts, and social media content aligned to institutional goals.
- Ensure harmonization of policies and procedures with the Strategic Plan and overall mission of the Service.
- Identify and expand local and international tourism markets to enhance revenue for the Service.
- Lead implementation of customer service standards, including formulation of standard operating procedures for engagement with stakeholders.
- Coordinate and build capacity among security and operational staff involved in partnership projects and income-generating activities.
- Manage the Directorate’s budget and ensure responsible utilization of financial resources.
- Review donor-funded projects and ensure compliance with timelines, quality, and contractual obligations.
- Supervise and mentor staff, fostering a high-performance culture and continuous professional development.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Planning, Communication, Public Relations, or related disciplines.
- Master’s degree in Strategic Management, International Development, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related field.
- Certification in Project Management will be an added advantage.
- Minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant work experience, with at least six (6) years in a senior management role.
- Proven ability to build and manage partnerships with development agencies, corporates, government entities, and international organizations.
- Certificate in Strategic Leadership Development Programme (SLDP).
- Membership to a recognized professional body.
- In-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape and sector-specific dynamics in conservation and development.
- Demonstrated understanding of innovation ecosystems, business modeling, and market trends.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
- Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
- Clean disciplinary record.
- Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
Application Instructions
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications by completing the KWS Application for Employment Form, available on the Kenya Wildlife Service website.
Each application must include:
- A duly filled application form
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of academic and professional certificates
- Copy of National Identity Card
- Details of current employer and remuneration
- Daytime telephone contact (both office and mobile)
- Names and contact details (email and phone) of three (3) referees
Applications should be addressed to:
Director General
Kenya Wildlife Service
P. O. Box 40241 – 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Deadline for submission is Monday, 25th August 2025 at 4.30 PM.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Applications without the required documents will not be considered.
Kenya Wildlife Service is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified individuals from marginalized communities, youth, women, and persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
