Principal Human Rights Officer (Redress Department) Job in Nairobi

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an independent National Human Rights Institution established by the Government of Kenya through an Act of Parliament (the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act 2011) and under the United Nations Paris Principles.

It is a constitutional commission created by Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 with the core mandate of furthering the protection and promotion of human rights in Kenya.

The Commission acts as a watchdog over the Government in the area of human rights, and provides leadership in moving the country towards a human rights state.

The Commission fulfils its human rights mandate through a number of programmes, including Research and Compliance, Public Education and Training, Complaints and Investigations, Redress and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The Commissions’ main office is in Nairobi and currently it has two regional offices in Wajir and Kitale. Officers may serve in the Head Office or in any of the regional offices.

The Commission is inviting applications for the following position in Redress Department:-

Principal Human Rights Officer (Redress Department) 

Ref: 
HR/RED/12/02

Location: Head Office, with occasional field travel

Duration: Five years contract (renewable)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Head of the Redress/Legal Services Department.
  • Scrutinise, analyse and advise on all petitions referred to the Redress Department for the possibility of legal resolution or other forms of redress.
  • Utilize (ADR) Alternative Dispute Resolutions mechanisms for redress of human rights violations.
  • Undertake and coordinate identified Public Interest litigation and Public Inquiries on human rights matters.
  • Undertake and/or supervise all of the Commission’s legal requirements including interpretation of constitutional, legislative and human rights instruments, prepare legal opinions and advice as and when required
  • Undertake legal research, drafting and advice on redress options.
  • Draft and/or coordinate preparation of all contracts for the supply of goods and services.
  • Represent the Commission in legal suits and/or supervise the same with external lawyers.
  • Quality assurance of all the programme outputs and preparation of all programme reports, ensure adequate flow of information and present the department in various commission meetings.
  • Managing and supervising programme staff and convening periodic meetings of the programme.
Skills, Experience & Academic Qualifications
  • Masters Degree in Law, preferably with a concentration in International Human Rights Law.
  • An Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practising certificate.
  • Eight years post-admission experience in litigation and human rights/social justice work, with at least three years at a supervisory level in a busy firm or organisation
  • Demonstrable knowledge of and exposure to international, regional and national human rights instruments and jurisprudence including approaches and techniques to address violations.
  • Experience in strategic litigation and conducting of public inquiries.
  • Very good report writing, facilitation, networking/ interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
  • Excellent computer skills in all computer packages
  • Working knowledge of Kiswahili highly desirable.
KNCHR is an equal opportunity employer which offers a competitive remuneration commensurate to qualifications and experience. 

Minorities and Persons with Disability are encouraged to apply.

If you possess the above qualities for the position, please send your application Cleary indicating the Ref No. on both the letter and envelope, together with a detailed C.V, a daytime telephone contact, and names and telephone contacts of three referees to reach us by 10th February 2012 to:

The Commission Secretary,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
Lenana Road, CVS Plaza, 1st Floor
P. O. Box 74359-00200
Nairobi.

Email: recruitments@knchr.org

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.


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