Associate Legal Adviser at International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya)

The ALA supports implementation of the ICJ’s Africa Programme using a range of innovative advocacy strategies to support ICJ legal interventions, including, field research into human rights issues related to law and justice; writing, contributing to and editing human rights reports, legal memos and briefing papers; engaging with allies and advocacy targets including civil society, local and international media, government, diplomats, UN agencies and mechanisms.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Support:

• Assist in the development and execution of the Africa Programme, using ICJ’s range of legal, advocacy and capacity building tools to advance the Programme’s goals.
• Support the planning and organization of workshops, seminars, and training sessions to build the capacity of lawyers, judges and other stakeholders in the region.

Research and Analysis:

• Contribute to legal research and the preparation of reports on human rights issues relevant to the Africa region.
• Monitor and analyse legal and political developments, human rights and the rule of law developments internationally, including monitoring law reform initiatives and access to justice.

Advocacy and Communication:

• Engaging in advocacy efforts in various forums, contributing to the creation of engaging and informative content across multiple platforms (social media, newsletters, the ICJ website) to raise awareness and support advocacy initiatives of the Programme.
• Develop and implement communication strategies, manage press relations, and produce press releases and public statements to amplify the ICJ's visibility and advocacy impact.

Legal Interventions:

• Provide assistance to the Senior Legal Adviser and Legal Advisor in preparation of legal interventions, including drafting briefs and conducting background research for cases before national and regional courts and treaty monitoring bodies.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Under the guidance of the Senior Legal Adviser, assist in designing and delivering training sessions and capacity building exercises on ICJ Africa priority issues, including the development of materials and modules: developing advocacy initiatives, trial observations and assisting partners in developing litigation strategies and drafting court submissions.

Networking and Representation:

• Help maintain and develop relationships with the legal, political and academic communities in governments, as well as donors, NGOs, and other stakeholders in the region’s human rights community.
• Under the guidance of the Senior Legal Adviser, represent the ICJ in various capacities as directed, developing and maintaining relations and contributing to the organization's external communications and media work.

ICJ Network Engagement:

• Support engagement with the ICJ Network, facilitating the exchange of ideas and information on human rights issues within the Africa region.

Collaboration Across ICJ Projects:

• Work collaboratively with staff from other regional and international programmes, contributing to joint efforts and sharing updates on the Africa Programme’s activities.

Resource and Budget Management:

• Support the management of the programme’s resources and budget, including assisting in budget preparation and monitoring expenditure.

Fundraising and Reporting:

• Contribute to fundraising efforts, including drafting project proposals and maintaining donor relations.
• Prepare regular reports on programme activities for internal use and donor reporting.

Other Duties:

• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as requested by the Senior Legal Adviser or the Director of the Africa Programme.

PROFILE

Education:

• A degree in law.
• Advanced degree in international human rights law or international humanitarian law highly desirable.

Work experience:

• Progressive international experience in legal research, human rights advocacy, or related activities (minimum three years);
• Experience of practical legal and advocacy experience at the national, regional and international level working for the implementation of international human rights standards is highly desirable.
• Experience working in Kenya is required.