Principal Legal Officer

How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants who meet the above requirements are required to submit their job application letters, curriculum vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates, copy of Identity Card or Passport and relevant testimonials quoting the Title and Reference Number of the position on the cover letter and envelope on or before Tuesday 1st September 2026 addressed to: The Chief Executive Officer, Higher Education Loans Board, Anniversary Towers, 19th Floor, P.O. Box 69489 - 00400, NAIROBI, KENYA. Soft copies to be sent to the email address provided for each position. Applicants who previously submitted applications are encouraged to reapply. Successful candidates will be required to present their Valid Chapter Six Requirements.

Show Your Courtroom and Policy Chops

This role sits at the intersection of litigation, prosecution, and policy. The panel will be looking for someone who can both argue in court and shape the legal frameworks that keep HELB out of it.

1. Lead with your litigation record: On your CV, list the most complex cases you've handled, your role in them, and the outcomes. Quantify where possible—number of cases won, settlements negotiated, or appeals argued. This gives the panel concrete proof of your courtroom readiness.

2. Prove your policy development experience: Beyond casework, show you've drafted or revised legal policies, guidelines, or frameworks. Describe the process—how you consulted stakeholders, aligned with statutory requirements, and got approval. This demonstrates you can handle the policy side of the role.

3. Highlight your ADR and prosecution work: The posting specifically mentions ADR and delegated prosecution. Prepare specific examples of mediations, arbitrations, or prosecutions you've led. Explain the strategies you used and the results achieved.

4. Show your leadership and management skills: With nine years of experience, you'll be expected to lead teams. Highlight any supervisory roles, mentoring, or cross-functional coordination. The management course certificate is a plus—mention how you've applied those skills.

5. Prepare for scenario questions on compliance and risk: The role involves monitoring compliance and mitigating legal risks. Think of a time you identified a legal risk and developed a mitigation plan. Be ready to walk through your thought process and the outcome.

6. Demonstrate your communication skills: As a legal advisor, you'll need to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers. Prepare examples of legal advisories or training you've delivered. Show you can translate legalese into clear, actionable guidance.

7. Know HELB's mandate and challenges: Research HELB's role in student financing and the legal issues it faces—loan recovery, fraud, and compliance. Tailor your answers to show you understand their context and can contribute from day one.

8. Polish your application package: Your cover letter and CV must be flawless. Use the exact job title and reference number as instructed. Attach all required documents—certificates, ID, testimonials—and ensure they're legible. A well-organized application shows attention to detail, a key trait for this role.