Research Assistants Jobs in Kenya

Call for Application for Research Assistants (Two Positions)

Consultancy on Implementation of Citizenship and Immigration Laws

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) which was founded in 1992 and registered in Kenya in 1994 with a mandate to entrench human rights and democratic values in the society.

The KHRC envisions a human rights state and society and outlines its mission as to foster human rights, democratic values, human dignity and social justice.

This vision and mission are driven by the goal of enhancing human rights centred governance at all levels.

Background

The right to nationality has been recognized and protected under international law and the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

The right to nationality is important because it defines the manner in which an individual is protected under international and national law.

When a person is identified as a citizen of a particular state, then that state is responsible for protecting and promoting the rights due to that person as a citizen.

Based on its work with communities in Northern Kenya, the KHRC has realized that discrimination with regards to citizenship has undermined national cohesion and development.

Through fact-finding missions and studies on citizenship, the KHRC has consistently voiced these concerns to the government and advocated for the removal of discriminatory vetting practices associated with registration of persons and acquiring identification documents.

Purpose: To generate evidence based and clear recommendations on how legislation and practice regarding citizenship determination, personal registration and the issuance of personal documents can be changed to ensure equality and efficiency.

Task: To support in conducting a field and desk-based research on the content and implementation of citizenship, immigration, national identification and registration laws and practice and any related discrimination in addition to distribution of relevant IEC materials.

Geographical Focus: Isiolo and Wajir counties

Target Groups: Pastoralist (Cushitic) communities in Wajir and Isiolo counties

Length of Consultancy: 14 days

Expected Outcomes

Data gathering and documentation of:
  • Constitutional provisions regarding citizenship, national identification and registration.
  • The gains and gaps in the recently enacted legislation on citizenship, national identification and registration.
  • Citizenship determination, personal registration and the issuance of personal document processes (birth certificate, identification card, and passport and death certificates) as they are currently implemented in Wajir and Isiolo counties.
  • Comparative numbers of persons from target marginalized groups who have attained various documents pertaining to citizenship vis a vis those who have been denied.
  • the gender and ethnic composition of vetting committees and the National Registration Bureau and Civil Registration departments
  • The planned or actual process of decentralisation of services relating to citizenship determination, personal registration and the issuance of personal documents.
  • Any improvements in the above processes and the causes of these positive changes in practice i.e. specific advocacy initiatives or implementation of certain provisions in new legislation etc.
  • Evidence of any aspects of the legislation which are not being implemented and why.
  • Hard evidence of any discriminatory processes in citizenship determination, personal registration and the issuance of personal documents, who perpetrates the discrimination and how.
  • The impact of discriminatory practices on research respondents.
  • Recommendations on how to strengthen legislation and real processes to ensure fair determination of citizenship and access to personal documents for all Kenyans.

Qualifications:
  • A relevant degree in social science discipline
  • Previous experience conducting field based research
  • Demonstrable experience in assignments of similar nature, including understanding of northern Kenya
  • Professional experience in conducting research (data collection & analysis) and reporting – both qualitative and quantitative
  • Excellent documentation and writing skills, attested by past works
  • Good analytical skills
  • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with local communities and as part of a technical team.
  • Availability to meet project deadlines

Key Responsibilities
  • Collect, edit and process research data as per the Agreed specifications
  • Attend a two-day training with the KHRC on access to personal documents and citizenship in Kenya
  • Arrange and conduct field interviews as per the agreed methodology
  • Record research data in accordance with specified protocol and procedures
  • Act as paralegals in the research areas and follow up with legal advice
  • Distribution of IEC materials on citizenship
  • Any other duties that may be assigned by KHRC or the research officer

How to submit the application

If you believe you fit the profile, submit your expression of interest (no more than 3 pages), CV detailing your suitability for the position, expected remuneration, daytime telephone contact and three referees 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 close of day on November 12, 2013.