Contracts & Compliance Officer

Job Rank/Seniority: OfficerDepartment: LegalLocation / Work station: NairobiWorking Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pmReports to: Legal Counsel (General Counsel)Direct reports: NoneABOUT SHOFCOSHOFCO is a leading community-based organization mobilizing the largest network of social groups in Kenya to provide holistic, needs-driven services and redefine the potential of citizen-led change.We partner across a range of sectors to provide programs ranging from health and education to economic and social empowerment. These services are informed by our community advocacy platforms. Originally founded in Kibera, SHOFCO is now reaching communities across Kenya, with more than 800 staff in 20 offices.JOB PURPOSE:The Contracts & Compliance Officer supports SHOFCO’s contractual integrity and regulatory compliance across programs, procurement, donor partnerships, and commercial engagements. This role takes primary responsibility for reviewing standard agreements, strengthening contract management systems, and proactively identifying compliance risks and working with a range of external vendors and partners.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DIMENSIONS1. CONTRACT DRAFTING, REVIEW, AND NEGOTIATION* Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements supporting SHOFCO’s operations and programs, including vendor agreements, consultancy contracts, partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and service contracts.* Ensure all agreements are legally sound, aligned with SHOFCO policies, and compliant with applicable laws in Kenya and other jurisdictions where SHOFCO operates.* Identify contractual risks and provide practical recommendations to mitigate financial, legal, and reputational exposure.* Maintain and improve standard contract templates to support efficient and consistent contracting across the organization. 2. DONOR AND GRANT AGREEMENTS* Review and support negotiation of donor funding agreements, grant agreements, sub-grant agreements, and consortium or partnership agreements with implementing partners.* Advise internal teams on donor contractual obligations, including compliance requirements, reporting obligations, intellectual property provisions, and audit rights.* Support the Grants, Finance, and Program teams in interpreting donor terms and ensuring SHOFCO’s program implementation remains compliant with funding agreements.* Assist in structuring agreements with downstream partners or community-based organizations to ensure appropriate risk allocation and legal compliance. 3. LEGAL ADVISORY TO PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS* Provide timely legal advice to SHOFCO program, operations, procurement, and finance teams on contractual and operational matters.* Participate in program design and partnership discussions to ensure legal considerations are addressed early in project planning.* Support staff in understanding contractual obligations and approval processes. 4. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND DOCUMENTATION* Support the maintenance of SHOFCO’s contract management systems and processes, ensuring agreements are properly executed, stored, and tracked.* Monitor contract timelines, key obligations, and renewal dates to support compliance and operational continuity.* Ensure proper documentation and legal review for high-value or high-risk agreements. 5. LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT* Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting SHOFCO’s operations and advise internal stakeholders on compliance requirements.* Identify legal risks related to partnerships, procurement, grants, and operational activities and recommend mitigation strategies.* Support the implementation of SHOFCO's legal and compliance policies, ranging from business licenses to statutory filings, etc. 6. DISPUTE PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION* Assist in managing contractual disputes, breach of contract issues, or claims involving vendors, partners, or other stakeholders.* Coordinate with external legal counsel as required and support preparation of legal documentation or responses. 7. CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION* Work closely with the General Counsel and collaborate with teams across Programs, Finance, Procurement, People & Culture, and Operations to ensure legal alignment across SHOFCO’s work.* Provide training or guidance to staff on contracting processes, legal risk awareness, and donor compliance.JOB COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES / SKILLS).ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS* Law degree (LLB required) * Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Kenya School of Law)PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS* 5–8 years of experience in contract law, commercial law, or nonprofit legal work. * Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. * Member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing. * Admission as a Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public is preferredOTHER REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (UNIQUE/JOB SPECIFIC)* Solid understanding of contract law and relevant regulatory frameworks in Kenya. * Familiarity with nonprofit, procurement, labor, and regulatory compliance considerations affecting nonprofits, particularly Public Benefit Organizations (PBOs). * Strong analytical and drafting skills. * Ability to handle sensitive commercial matters with discretion and professionalism. * Experience in nonprofit or multi-jurisdictional contexts preferred. * Training and experience in alternative dispute resolution are desirable.FUNCTIONAL SKILLS:* Effective negotiation skills to support agreements with vendors, consultants, and partners. * Ability to balance legal protections with practical operational needs. * Able to propose practical, balanced approaches that enable program delivery while protecting the organization. * Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities * Able to respond quickly to evolving legal and operational needs.BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES:* Demonstrates strong professional ethics and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters. * Exercises sound legal and professional judgment in advising colleagues. * Approaches legal challenges with a solutions-focused mindset rather than purely risk avoidance. * Demonstrates alignment with SHOFCO’s mission and values, particularly around safeguarding and community investment.HOW TO APPLYHow to Apply:All interested applicants should send their application with a detailed cover letter and CV to [email protected] with the job position “Contracts & Compliance Officer” in the subject line.Applications should reach us no later than 10th April 2026.SHOFCO Recruitment and Hiring Notes:Please note that SHOFCO does not charge any fee in the recruitment process, as the entire hiring process is free and fair.SHOFCO is committed to upholding Gender Equality, Diversity and Social inclusion, and seeks to reflect the communities that we serve. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.Additionally, SHOFCO seeks safety for the people that we serve, and employment with SHOFCO is conditional upon successful background and reference checks and other verification as needed. SHOFCO has a zero-tolerance policy on gross misconduct, including sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse. SHOFCO will request a certificate of good conduct and information from the job applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual misconduct, fraud, or abuse. By submitting an application to SHOFCO, the applicant confirms her/his/their understanding of these recruitment procedures.