Programme Advisor Job in Nairobi, Kenya – KHRC

Kenya Human Rights Commission

Job Title: Programme Advisor– Legal Affairs and Human Rights Monitoring
 
Department: Institutional Support and Development 
 
Reporting to: Deputy Executive Director 
 
Contractual Period: Two year renewable contract based on performance and funding
 
Location: Nairobi with frequent travels 
 
Target Group: Human Rights Workers  and Partners at County, National, Regional and International  levels 

Overall Purpose of Role: To contribute to the fulfilment of the organization’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives by providing technical expertise and leadership in various aspects of legal aid, public interest litigation,  human rights monitoring and response and institutional and programmatic liaison and accountability.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Legal Aid Work
  • Offer legal aid and support  to victims of human rights violations;
  • Coordinate  and supervise weekly and monthly  legal aid clinics;
  • Organize legal aid clinics for County Based Human Rights Networks(HURINETs);
  • Ensure a continuous assessment and improvement of the legal aid clinic;
  • Institute and prosecute select cases on behalf of Legal Aid Clients(see below);
  • Document the human rights violations reported at the LAC in the electronic database.
2. Public Interest Litigation
  • Develop and implement the  public interest litigation strategy;
  • Develop quarterly  status and periodical reports on the current KHRC’s PIL cases;
  • Institute and sustain other PIL and strategic cases on the emerging human rights violations;
  • Hold briefing meetings with lawyer’s claimants, petitioners and witnesses as necessary;
  • Ensure return  of  KHRC’s funds paid as bails in court(to the Director of Finance and Administration); 
  • Prepare and publish case digests on identified cases and issues. 
3. Human Rights Monitoring and Response
  • Monitor and document the emerging human rights and governance issues in the society;
  • Track the constitutionality of public policies and performance of relevant public institutions;
  • Prepare and publish quarterly and state of human rights reports and the UPR report; 
  • Coordinate urgent actions, rapid responses and other interventions on emerging human rights issues;
  • Engage with the county, national, regional and international human right mechanisms over emerging issues;
  • Advocate for a responsive and conducive operational environment for CSOs and other organizations.
4. Institutional and programmatic liaison and accountability
  • Act as the legal advisor to the organization, both in its programmes and operations;
  • Work with team members in dealing with the legal and human rights issues within their areas;
  • Participate in the  internal committees and overall activities/ affairs  of the organization;
  • Represent the KHRC in all the relevant networks and partnerships at all levels.
  • Supervise researchers, interns , consultants and other staff or human resources assigned to this project.
  • Ensure timely reporting and accountability in line with KHRC and donor’s schedules and policies.
  • Undertake other tasks and interventions as may be assigned from time to time by your immediate supervisor.
Qualifications and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Law.
  • An advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with a practicing certificate and in good standing.
  • A minimum 3-4 years of related experience preferably in the NGO sector. 
  • Ability to network with or develop a broad array of partnerships with both state and non-state actors.   
  • A solid understanding of the human rights discourse and its application in the promotion of good governance.
  • A solid understanding of the county, national, regional and international human rights mechanisms.
  • Previous exposure to work at the regional or international levels will be an added advantage.
  • Proven track record in undertaking policy research and advocacy on governance and human rights issues.
  • Demonstrable experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods including experience of developing human rights-based indicators.
  • Demonstrable experience working with or coordinating partners with community and national levels organizations and networks.
  • Good understanding of programmes and project management.
  • Willing to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision;
Personal Attributes and Skills
The job holder should possess the following skills and behavioral competencies: 
  • Passionate and committed to respect for human rights,  diversity, integrity and transparency
  • Ability to fundraise and mobilize resources.
  • Planning, Organizing and Delivery of Results
  • Adapting and Coping; demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
  • Results-driven, flexible, analytical and a practical problem solver.
  • Ability to work in teams
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
If you believe you fit the profile, submit your application and CV detailing your suitability for the post including a daytime telephone contact and three referees, preferably your current or previous line managers to vacancies@khrc.or.ke quoting the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line. 

The closing date for this position is on Friday 8th April, 2016. 

Disclaimer
 
KHRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and will seek to recruit the most qualified person for the job irrespective of race, color, marital status, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. 
 
Canvassing will automatically lead to disqualification.  

Only successful candidates will be contacted