Essential Job Details

• Position Titles: Deputy Director, Legal Services; Principal Planning, Risk and Quality Assurance Officer; Principal Internal Auditor
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Number of Vacancies: 3 Positions
• Salary: Based on Government of Kenya Salary Scales for KUCCPS 03 and KUCCPS 05 grades
• Category/Department: Legal Services, Planning & Quality Assurance, Internal Audit
• Reporting To: Respective Directors and Chief Executive Officer
• Application Deadline: 2nd June 2025 at 5:00 PM EAT

Introduction

An exciting opportunity awaits highly qualified and motivated professionals looking to build a meaningful career in public service. A prominent state corporation tasked with the strategic coordination of university and college placements for government-sponsored students is inviting applications for three senior-level roles. These full-time positions based in Nairobi offer a rare chance to influence the national higher education system while advancing your own career in legal services, planning, or internal audit. If you are a visionary professional with a strong background in policy implementation, compliance, quality assurance, or legal and regulatory affairs, this is your opportunity to make a long-term impact.

About the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS)

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is a State Corporation established under the Universities Act, 2012. The organization coordinates the placement of Government-sponsored students to universities and colleges, ensuring merit-based, equitable access to higher education. It plays a pivotal role in managing student admission processes, collecting and analyzing data to inform policy, and supporting national development through human capital planning. With a national footprint and digital infrastructure that supports nationwide selection, KUCCPS upholds principles of fairness, transparency, and service to the youth of Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

Deputy Director, Legal Services (Grade KUCCPS 03)

• Provide legal advisory services to the Board and Management to ensure operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Draft and review contracts, MOUs, and agreements to safeguard the interests of the organization
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations and advise departments accordingly
• Ensure legal compliance in policy formulation and execution
• Represent the organization in legal proceedings including court cases and tribunals
• Oversee the development of internal legal frameworks to guide institutional governance and decision-making
• Coordinate responses to legal audits, inquiries, and compliance checks by external agencies
• Develop and implement legal risk mitigation strategies across KUCCPS departments
• Manage the Legal Services team and ensure continuous capacity development

Principal Planning, Risk and Quality Assurance Officer (Grade KUCCPS 05)

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans aligned with the corporation’s mandate
• Monitor and evaluate performance indicators to assess departmental outcomes and organizational impact
• Conduct risk assessments and formulate strategies to minimize institutional vulnerabilities
• Ensure institutional compliance with quality assurance frameworks in higher education and public service
• Coordinate policy formulation and documentation processes
• Facilitate internal performance reviews, audits, and impact evaluations
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including ministries and regulatory bodies, to align planning initiatives
• Compile and present analytical reports for Executive and Board decision-making

Principal Internal Auditor (Grade KUCCPS 05)

• Plan, execute, and report on internal audits covering operational, financial, and compliance domains
• Develop risk-based audit plans and oversee their implementation
• Evaluate internal controls, risk management practices, and governance processes for adequacy and effectiveness
• Ensure audits align with national audit standards and international best practices
• Prepare timely and objective audit reports with actionable recommendations
• Collaborate with management to follow up on audit findings and implement corrective actions
• Identify systemic issues and recommend preventive solutions
• Train and mentor junior audit staff to build internal capacity

Qualifications and Skills

Deputy Director, Legal Services

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) from a recognized institution
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate
• Master’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or related field is an added advantage
• Minimum of 10 years’ legal experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial or senior role
• Excellent understanding of corporate, administrative, and constitutional law
• Strong leadership, communication, and litigation skills
• Familiarity with public sector operations and the Universities Act

Principal Planning, Risk and Quality Assurance Officer

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Planning, Education, or related field
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity
• Proficiency in data analytics tools and performance management systems
• Sound knowledge of public policy, risk management, and M&E frameworks
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and presentation skills

Principal Internal Auditor

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Auditing, or a related field
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA, CIA, ACCA)
• Minimum of 8 years’ audit experience, with at least 3 years at supervisory level
• Knowledge of audit software, public finance laws, and IPSAS standards
• Demonstrated ability to conduct complex audits and communicate findings clearly
• Ethical, objective, and detail-oriented approach to oversight functions

Company Culture and Values

KUCCPS fosters a culture of excellence, integrity, and public service. Staff members are empowered to contribute to impactful national outcomes while working in a professional, inclusive, and performance-driven environment. The institution values accountability, transparency, and equitable service delivery. In line with national goals, KUCCPS supports career development and capacity building for its employees.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the Deputy Director or Principal Officer positions at KUCCPS.

To be considered:

• Applications MUST be submitted online through the KUCCPS Careers Portal: careers.kuccps.net
• Interested candidates must create a profile, complete the online application form, and upload the following documents:
  • Detailed CV
  • Copies of academic certificates
  • Testimonials
• The application deadline is 2nd June 2025 at 5:00 PM EAT
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit:
  • Police Clearance Certificate from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
  • Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority
  • Clearance Certificate from HELB
  • Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
  • Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) report

Equal Opportunity Statement: KUCCPS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, persons with disabilities, and applicants from marginalized areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

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