Legal Consultant, Economic and Social Rights in Africa at International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya)

SCOPE OF WORK

• The Consultant will assist ICJ Africa’s team with producing a report synthesizing available national, sub-regional and regional jurisprudence on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and criminalization of poverty.
• In developing the report, the consultant will complete the following activities:
• Review an existing draft and design a detailed plan and timeline for the completion of the research;
• Conduct desktop research, interviews and other research necessary;
• Produce a draft report and a draft executive summary;
• Following review by ICJ staff, finalize research report for publication;
• In consultation with ICJ staff, conceptualize, design, organize and execute a webinar and/or in person event to present report findings;
• Report to the ICJ Africa Director or other designated ICJ staff, regularly on progress made with regards to all activities in terms of the consultancy;
• Remain available at reasonable notice to participate in other events and discussions relevant to the consultancy during the period of the consultancy;
• Developing relationships with civil society organizations, Human Rights Defenders and human rights lawyers involved in litigating ESCR cases to draw strategic insights on how they were litigated;
• Perform such other duties and tasks assigned by ICJ Africa’s Director in respect of ICJ Africa’s mandate whether related or unrelated to the research project described above.

DELIVERABLES

• Inception Plan and Timeline
• A detailed plan and timeline for completing the research, based on a review of the existing draft, submitted within [timeframe].
• Draft Report and Executive Summary
• A draft report synthesizing national, sub-regional, and regional jurisprudence on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) and the criminalization of poverty.
• A draft executive summary highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Final Research Report
• A finalized, publication-ready version of the research report and executive summary, incorporating feedback from ICJ staff.
• Event Execution
• Conceptualization, planning, and execution of a webinar or in-person event to present the report’s findings, including a post-event summary of outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement Summary
• A summary of insights gained through engagement with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and lawyers involved in litigating ESCR cases.
• Regular Progress Updates
• Reports to ICJ Africa’s Director or designated staff on the progress of activities, including challenges and next steps.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The successful candidate will have:
• A degree in law. Further academic studies in international human rights law and in particular in respect of Economic, Social and Cultural rights is preferable.
• A minimum of 3 years progressive experience in the field of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at a domestic, regional or international level.
• Experience of litigation or litigation support nationally or before international or regional human rights systems is preferable.
• In-depth experience of legal research for advocacy purposes.
• Applied knowledge of international and regional human rights and humanitarian law and jurisprudence.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Competency in working in French and Portuguese is not required but advantageous.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to excel in creating partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multicultural team.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and the rule of law.