Legal Officer and Head of Cultural Heritage Department Jobs in Kenya


The National Museums of Kenya (www.museums.or.ke) is a state corporation whose core mandate is identification, preservation, conservation and development of Kenya’s rich and diverse heritage.

The below positions have become vacant and we are seeking to recruit exceptional Kenyans with strong administrative, organizational and leadership skills to fill them.

Post: Head of Cultural Heritage Department

Position Function:


Reporting to the Director of Research and Collections, the holder of the position will be responsible for the development of research programmes and collection management strategies in the department.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Promote collections-based research in cultural heritage
  • Ensure effective curation and preservation of collections within the department
  • Formulate and implement strategies for effective research and capacity building programmes
  • Spearhead grant seeking efforts and leverage of financial resources to support the departmental activities
  • Organize forums for linking science and society through seminars, workshops, exhibitions and scientific conferences.
  • Monitor and regularly evaluate performance of staff within the department
Qualifications, experience and capabilities
  • Possession of a PhD in Anthropology, History, Linguistics, Art or other relevant discipline
  • At least three (3) years post doctoral research experience in any of the broad scientific fields mentioned above
  • A proven record of scientific leadership and achievement as demonstrated by high output of scholarly works (journal articles, books and book chapters) and not less than 5 articles in international peer-reviewed publications.
  • A proven and impressive track record of successful grant proposals as demonstrated by previous and/or current levels of research funding through individual or collaborative research projects.
  • A proven record of administrative skills as demonstrated by previous positions held.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to engage effectively with academic, business and lay audiences who desire to participate in research ventures with the institution.
Post: Legal Officer

Position Function:


Reporting to the Director General, provide legal advice to the Board and management on all matters pertaining to the institution’s staff, property, activities, rights and obligations.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide legal advice to the National Museums of Kenya and its programmes.
  • Liaise with external lawyers regarding all litigation matters
  • Draft contracts, MOUs and other legal instruments between NMK and other parties
  • Arrange for Board meetings and take minutes during such meetings
  • Draft gazette notices in liaison with the parent ministry and Attorney General’s Chambers.
  • Safeguard the institution’s copyrights and intellectual property rights.
Qualifications, experience and capabilities
  • Bachelors degree in Law
  • An advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practice certificate
  • Member of the Law Society of Kenya
  • Have a minimum of five years experience in a busy legal firm, company or Corporation.
  • Ability to work with integrity, confidentiality and work with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
  • Possess good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively address all levels within the organization.
Qualified and interested applicants may apply by enclosing a cover letter, a detailed resume, copies of academic and professional certificates and testimonials and names and addresses of three (3) referees (including telephone and email contacts).

Mail applications to: 

Director General, 
National Museums of Kenya, 
P.O. Box 40658-00100 
Nairobi, Kenya 

or send electronically through email to: dgnmk@museums.or.ke.

All applications should be received not later than 9th March 2012.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

NMK is an equal opportunities employer