Litigation & Research Associate at Katiba Institute (KI)

Job Description

KI has a Public Interest Litigation Unit which conducts KI’s litigation in-house. As KI’s
Litigation and Research Associate you will be responsible for undertaking research on diverse constitutional matters as well as conducting KI’s litigation.

You will also assist with developing litigation strategies to help KI meet its general mandate and public interest litigation (PIL) objectives.

Litigation & Research Associate Job Responsibilities

• To conduct constitutional and policy research, advocacy and strategic litigation in defense of the constitution and in furtherance of human and peoples’ rights in Kenya.
• To undertake legal research, write submissions and provide opinion on diverse constitutional issues.
• To conduct KI’s PIL matters before Courts and Tribunals.
• To provide high quality legal advice to KI on existing and potential litigation matters.
• To provide high quality legal advice and support to KI community partners.
• To file and follow up on high impact cases as may from time to time be determined by KI.
• To review new and existing litigated files to create, update, or amend litigation plans.
• To assist the Litigation Counsels and 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 communicate and disseminate PIL strategies and outcomes to stakeholders and the public in order to ensure the greatest impact of KI’s PIL work.
• To supervise and provide mentorship to litigation interns, paralegals, and other administrative staff within KI’s PIL Unit.
• To develop and sustain good working relationships 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.
• To undertake all other functions as may be assigned by the Executive Director and that are within the mandate of the organization and complimentary to the above responsibilities.

Qualifications for the Litigation & Research Associate Job

• Conviction and commitment to constitutionalism and principles of human rights.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya of at least three (3) year standing and with a current practicing certificate.
• Ability to analyze problems rigorously from all angles, showing sound practical judgment.
• Sound understanding and awareness of litigation processes, with experience in conducting and managing litigation confidently under minimum supervision.
• A good knowledge of constitutional and administrative law, including human rights; land & environmental law and devolution, or a clear ability to acquire the necessary knowledge within a short period of time.
• Good legal research skills in law, policy and social issues.
• Sound written and oral communication skills to give authoritative advice.
• 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 assignments effectively in order to meet deadlines and deal with high workloads.
• Sound emotional intelligence skills to enable interaction with persons from all sectors of the society.