NGO Jobs in Kenya - Katiba Institute

Programme Officer


About the Position
The Programme Officer will work under the supervision of the Head of Research and Publication Programme with the key mandate of contributing towards the realization of the vision of the programme and the institution.
The Programs Officer will be expected to commit to KI values and objectives, comply with Katiba Institute policies including maintaining confidentiality of KI information during and beyond the tenure of their employment contract. KI also seeks an individual who will devote their time and attention during business hours to the discharge of duties as assigned and diligently serve and promote the interests of KI, including sometimes working for longer hours and participating in local travel when necessary.

Responsibilities
·         Contribute towards shaping a coherent vision for the research and publications programme;
·         Support the development of KI’s research and publication’s profile;
·         Undertake desktop and field based research on topical issues as determined by KI;
·         Support and promote dissemination of research products, including through dissemination of publications, presentations at local and international seminars, workshops and conferences;
·         Work with KI staff and consultants to ensure compliance with KI’s policies on quality of research as well as compliance with the requirements of all relevant regulatory bodies;
·         Assist in developing and strengthening partnerships with research institutions, government entities, civil society institutions, as well as international agencies;
·         Assist in resources mobilization to develop KI’s research and publication capabilities;
·         Assist in the development and implementation of a sustainable and effective communication and dissemination strategy of KI’s knowledge products;
·         Assist in the development and implementation of the work plan of the Research and Publications Programme;
·         Monitor assigned programmatic budgets to ensure prudent use of KI resources; and
·         Undertake all such other functions as may be directed by the management and that are within the mandate of the organization and complimentary to the above responsibilities.
Qualifications
·         A good degree in law, social sciences or political studies or any other related degree;
·         Possession of a Master’s degree in a relevant area will be an added advantage;
·         Experience in research, writing and speaking on a range of different constitutional, human rights and rule of law issues;
·         Excellent writing skills in English. Strong Kiswahili will be an advantage.
·         Particularly strong, demonstrated, research skills, using paper and electronic resources
·         Experience in working with communities and civil society organizations in Kenya;
·         Conviction in and commitment to constitutionalism and principles of human rights;
·         Ability to quickly grasp new and complex concepts;
·         Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team;
·         Ability to balance priorities and co-ordinate work effectively in order to meet deadlines and deal with heavy workloads; and
·         Sound judgment and/or temperament to enable interaction with persons from all sectors of society.

Litigation Manager

About the Position
The Litigation Manager will be one of Katiba Institute’s team of litigators, with the special responsibility of ensuring the smooth functioning of the Public Interest Litigation Unit. The Unit currently comprises 4 practising advocates, a legal assistance and usually includes two or three interns, or a pupil. The Litigation Manager will be part of the Senior Management Team, which comprises department heads from KI’s four departments and the Executive Director, mandated with ensuring that the organization operates effectively.
The Litigation Manager will be expected to commit to KI’s values and objectives, and comply with KI’s policies; fulfil instructions given from time to time; maintain confidentiality of KI’s information during and beyond the tenure of their employment contract. KI also seeks an individual who will devote their time and attention during business hours to the discharge of duties as assigned and diligently serve and promote the interests of KI.
Responsibilities
·         To co-ordinate activities of KI’s Public Interest Litigation Unit;

·         To be in charge of case management, including assigning of cases to advocates, monitoring progress of all cases being undertaken by the PIL Unit, ensuring quantity and quality control in regard to the work of the PIL Unit;
·         To identify high impact cases for litigation in consultation with the Executive Director;
·         To prepare annual work plan and budget for the PIL Unit and to have them consolidated with the master KI work plan and budget;
·         Supervising staff of the PIL Unit, including conducting performance reviews of the PIL Unit Staff;
·         Managing the PIL Unit budget in collaboration with Finance and Operations Programme;
·         To report on a regular basis to KI management on the progress being made by KI PIL Unit;
·         To engage in policy, advocacy and strategic litigation in defence of the constitution and in furtherance of human and peoples’ rights in Kenya;
·         To ensure filing and follow up of KI cases
·         To conduct, with colleagues, KI’s PIL matters before Courts and Tribunals;
·         To undertake legal research, write submissions and provide opinion on legal questions which KI is seized with;
·         To provide high quality legal advice to KI on existing and potential litigation matters;
·         To provide high quality legal advice and support to KI’s community partners;
·         To review new and existing litigated files to create, update, or amend litigation plans;
·         To assist the Board of Directors in carrying out their functions by providing legal advice on emerging issues and making recommendations in relation to a range of possible actions;
·         To disseminate and communicate PIL strategies and outcomes to the stakeholders and the public in order to ensure greatest impact of KI’s PIL work;
·         To form and maintain good working relations with all key partners including communities, constitutional commissions, government entities and donors;
·         To identify and pursue fundraising opportunities, under the guidance of the Executive Director; and
·         To undertake all such other functions as may be directed by the Executive Director and that are within the mandate of the organization and complimentary to the above responsibilities.
Qualifications
·         A postgraduate degree in law and a current practicing certificate, issued by the Law Society of Kenya;
·         Experience in research, writing and speaking on a range of different constitutional, human rights and rule of law issues of at least five years;
·         Experience in working with communities and civil society organizations in Kenya;
·         Conviction in and commitment to constitutionalism and principles of human rights;
·         Experience in case load management and supervision of staff;
·         Ability to quickly and accurately grasp new and complex concepts;
·         Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team;
·         Ability to balance priorities and co-ordinate work effectively in order to meet deadlines and deal with high workloads;
·         Sound judgment and/or temperament to enable interaction with persons from all sectors of the society;
·         Ability to communicate complex legal issues to communities
How To Apply
Please email a cover letter, curriculum vitae and names and contacts of three referees to: careers@katibainstitute.org. Kindly indicate the title of the position in the subject matter of your email. The Application must reach us by latest 11p.m. on Friday 20th September 2019.
Katiba Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Katiba Institute does not solicit fees for any job advertisement.