Technical lead – Criminal Justice at Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU)

Job Purpose

Lead in all designing, implementation, reporting on criminal justice reform interventions under the strategic plan. Establish and nurture effective relationships and partnerships with criminal justice, civil society and grassroot based networks for effective delivery of reform interventions. Coordination IMLUs work to research, identify, analyse, develop, and manage high-impact strategies for an effective criminal justice towards Accountability, Healing and Justice.

Main Responsibilities of the Jobs

• Managerial / Supervisory/ Operational Responsibilities or roles:
• Assist the Lead Treaty Body and Criminal Justice Reforms in preparation for treaty body reporting and implementation of treaty body concluding observations and recommendations within the criminal justice sector;
• Assist the Lead Treaty Body and Criminal Justice Reforms domestication of treaty body obligations;
• Design criminal justice reforms interventions in line with the strategic plan,
• Identify and maintain structured and effective engagements with criminal justice actors, parliament, media, civil society to facilitate criminal justice reform;
• Establish and or strengthen and coordinate civil society partnerships for effective delivery of criminal justice reform;
• Develop funding proposals and ensure adequate budgeting for criminal justice reform priorities;
• Researches, drafts, and manages the production and distribution of a variety of written products, such as reports, issue briefs, position papers, and op-eds, that advance criminal justice reform work and translate research findings for a broader audience;
• Analyzes national and county legislative proposals, administrative policies, practices and regulatory changes in relation to promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms and designs effective advocacy interventions to influence and or advocacy for reform;
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative research;
• Lead in translating IMLU case file data into effective advocacy and influencing material
• Maintain high profile and visibility in all media and other spaces of IMLU’s Criminal Justice Reforms pillar;
• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum level of academic qualification required to perform effectively in the role:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) or Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences with requisite qualifications in international human rights law, criminology or criminal justice.
• Knowledge and Skills required to perform effectively in the role:
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of the project management cycle and public administration
• Excellent IT skills, with working knowledge of the various packages.
• Understanding of the imperatives of criminal justice reform in Kenya
• Knowledge of international human rights law
• Demonstrable experience of the Kenya Constitution and Kenyan law relating to criminal justice, with a preference for human rights law;
• Demonstrable experience, skills and understanding of the roles of leading, managing, implementing and delivering impactful advocacy interventions

Minimum level of professional qualification required to perform effectively in the role:

• A diploma in law or equivalent qualifications is a plus;
• Knowledge and experiential expertise as well as a proven track record in the criminal reforms sector.
• Knowledge of criminal justice research and policy making at the grass root level and national level
• Established relationships with the Judiciary, community grass root groups, NGOs, research institutions, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders. State officers are a plus.
• Excellent presentation, written, and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills; quantitative skills are a plus.
• Proven team player who works well and effectively with a vast audience.
• Strong political instincts and experience working with development partners
• Ability to prioritise, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self driven and works with minimal supervision

Minimum level of personal and professional experience required to perform effectively in the role:

• Minimum months or years of experience required to have to be appointed to the position:
• Minimum: At least 2 years experience in a criminal justice reform space -NGO
• Desirable: At least 4 years of experience in a related position in a reputable human rights organisation and as a member of a recognized association in Kenya.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Effective policy, advocacy and engagement,
• Submission of quarterly trend analysis report.
• Collating and timely submission of reports for annual reporting
• Developing reports for submission to treaty bodies
• Effective and productive partnerships
• Creativity and innovation
• High visibility and profile of IMLU criminal justice reform initiatives in media; academia, publishing, research; other spaces
• Influence in key criminal justice platforms/debates/discussions