Legal Intern at Refugee Consortium of Kenya

RCK PURPOSE: RCK is a national NGO that was established in 1998 in response to the increasingly complex refugee situation in Kenya. RCK’s mission is to protect and promote the rights and dignity of refugees, IDPs and other forced migrants through enabling programs of legal aid, awareness creation and advocacy

JOB PURPOSE: To provide legal advice and procedural support to the organization  on issues relating to and affecting the refugee community.

REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to: Assistant Program Officer –Legal and Psychosocial Support
Staff reporting to this post: None

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To offer legal services to asylum seekers, refugees, and members of the host community at RCK’s legal clinic, Kenya Prisons and Police Stations upon instructions by the Supervisor;
• Conduct case interviews and obtain biographical and demographical information on refugees and asylum seekers and members of the host community while making relevant consultations with the programme;
• Offer relevant legal and social advice to refugees and asylum seekers;
• Identify needs and provide requisite support to refugees, asylum seekers, and members of the host community who visit RCK Legal clinic in consultation with programme staff;
• Assist in the day to day running of the Legal Clinic by helping in registration of clients, filing and keying in client information in the data base and any other duties that might be delegated; and
• Participate in RCK’s ongoing projects in other programmes, such as the advocacy campaigns, capacity Building workshops, and research projects when called upon.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree in Law
• Experience in civil and criminal litigation is an added advantage.
• Experience working with an NGO/Humanitarian field is an added advantage.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
• Knowledge of the Kenyan legal system and of regional & international instruments on refugees and human rights.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal working hours are eight hours from 8am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. This is an internship program that runs for 6 months.

Behaviour Competencies:

• Professionalism: In-depth theoretical knowledge of and significant experience in relevant fields of refugee law, Strong analytical, problem solving and drafting skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication (written, spoken and presentational) skills. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili..
• Technology Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software applications, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources, etc.
• Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.