Legal Officer (1 Position) at Refugee-Led Organization Network of Kenya (RELON-Kenya)

Position Purpose

• The Legal Officer will provide legal support, case management, and referral services with a strong focus on family reunification, resettlement pathways, complementary pathways, and child protection (including custody-related matters).
• The role aims to enhance access to justice and durable solutions for refugees and asylum seekers, particularly vulnerable groups.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Legal Assistance & Case Management

• Handle and support cases related to family reunification, resettlement, and complementary pathways.
• Provide legal guidance and referrals for child custody and child protection cases affecting refugee families.
• Conduct case intake, assessment, and provide preliminary legal advice (including court representational where applicable).
• Maintain accurate case files and ensure confidentiality.

Referrals & Coordination

• Refer cases to relevant legal aid providers, UN agencies, embassies, and protection partners.
• Liaise with stakeholders involved in resettlement and family reunification processes.
• Support clients in navigating legal and administrative systems.

Legal Awareness & Outreach

• Conduct awareness sessions on refugee rights, legal pathways, family reunification, and documentation processes.
• Promote awareness on child protection, gender equality, disability inclusion, and prevention of exploitation and abuse.

Documentation & Follow-Up

• Support refugees in accessing and renewing legal documentation.
• Track case progress and ensure follow-up with relevant institutions.

Reporting & Engagement

• Document legal trends, challenges, and emerging protection issues.
• Prepare reports, case summaries, and referral tracking updates.
• Engage with communities, RLOs, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or related field.
• Diploma or certification in refugee law, human rights, or paralegal studies is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in legal aid, protection, or refugee law.
• Demonstrated experience in family reunification, resettlement programs, and complementary pathways.
• Experience handling or supporting child custody and child protection cases.
• Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers, or marginalized communities.
• Prior experience with NGOs, UN agencies, or RLOs is highly desirable.

Contract Conditions

• This is a fixed-term, non-permanent position.
• Renewal or extension is subject to satisfactory performance, organizational needs, and availability of funding.