Head of Litigation (Human & Health Rights Advocacy Experience) at MAL Consultancy

JOB SUMMARY

• Our client is seeking to onboard a Head of Litigation(HOL). The Head of Litigation will be a visionary and results-driven Head of Litigation to lead and grow our Strategic Litigation Unit into a regional center of legal excellence.
• The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years’ post-admission experience and a proven track record in strategic litigation at all levels of Kenya’s judiciary—including the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
• The candidate will also contribute to the unit’s fundraising efforts, strengthen its operational capacity, and embed strategic litigation as a core lever for systemic change in health-related human rights.
• The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping precedent-setting jurisprudence and influencing health and human rights policy at national and regional levels.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and grow the Strategic Litigation Unit by mentoring team members, strengthening internal legal capacity, and fostering a culture of strategic thinking and excellence
• Manage and coordinate outside counsel to meet the organization’s day-to-day legal needs.
• Use law creatively and strategically as a tool to advance health-related human rights.
• Oversee the docket of strategic litigation cases, providing guidance and quality control while personally litigating select high-impact matters aligned with the organization’s thematic areas of operations
• Research and advice on international and comparative human rights law
• Draft legal memoranda, briefs, opinions, and amicus curiae submissions
• Represent the organization in domestic, regional, and international human rights cases
• Build and maintain strong alliances with relevant social networks and advocacy groups
• Identify and mitigate legal risks related to organization programs and operations
• Provide guidance on legal risks, both locally and internationally, as they relate to the organization’s work
• Take part in fundraising for the department and contribute to broader institutional fundraising
• Contribute to the recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of legal staff, volunteers, and pro bono lawyers
• Participate in internal planning meetings and ensure adherence to institutional policies.

EDUCATION COMPETENCIES & SKILLS REQUIRED

• At least ten (10) years of proven experience in leading legal strategies and teams within the NGO environment, and preferably in a human rights-based institution
• Advanced degree in Law (LLB, LLM, or equivalent)
• A Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law (KSL)
• A registered and practicing Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
• Member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Law or Organizational Leadership, particularly with relevance to NGO management, will be an added advantage
• In-depth understanding of Human Rights-Based Approach to Development and programming issues and policy work at national, county, and international levels
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with international human rights law and policy is a plus
• Demonstrated experience using litigation to advance social justice and protect rights
• Experience in strategic litigation at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court
• Experience in developing and submitting amicus curiae briefs
• Familiarity with regional mechanisms such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Court, and EACJ
• Proven experience in legal team leadership, budgeting, and resource mobilization within the NGO or public interest legal sector
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• High ethical standards and commitment to human rights values
• Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and sound judgment in politically sensitive contexts
• Ability to lead with empathy and integrity, especially in high-pressure litigation settings.