Litigation & investigations officer at Shining Hope For Communities

Job Purpose:

The Litigation & Investigations Officer plays a lead role in managing SHOFCO’s litigation portfolio and supporting investigations, both internal and also in support of the clients we serve in the gender department. This role provides substantive legal and procedural support in disputes, safeguarding matters, regulatory inquiries, and complex investigations. The Officer works closely with the Legal Counsel to mitigate legal risk and ensure the timely, professional handling of sensitive matters. This position will also closely work with the Gender team, providing support in the courts of Kenya to survivors of gender-based violence.

Key Responsibilities and Job Dimensions

 Litigation Management and Legal Representation Support

• Lead and manage litigation matters involving SHOFCO and its clients, particularly cases arising from the Gender Department’s community justice work.
• Manage SHOFCO’s litigation tracking system and maintain oversight of all active and potential cases.
• Represent SHOFCO clients in court proceedings where appropriate and coordinate with external counsel when required.
• Coordinate directly with internal and external legal counsel on case strategy, documentation, and court deadlines.
• Prepare pleadings, affidavits, and legal submissions before escalation to Legal Counsel.
• Monitor legal costs and support budget tracking for litigation matters.
• Monitor case progress and ensure timely filings, documentation, and follow-up with the courts and relevant authorities in Kenya.

 Gender Justice and Client Legal Support

• Provide legal support for cases related to gender-based violence, child protection, and other rights violations handled through SHOFCO’s Gender Department.
• Work closely with social workers, case managers, and community staff to ensure survivors receive appropriate legal support.
• Assist clients in navigating legal processes, including police reporting, court procedures, and protection mechanisms.
• Support legal empowerment initiatives and community awareness efforts related to rights and legal protection.

 Employment and HR Legal Matters

• Support the People & Culture team in addressing employment-related legal issues, including disciplinary actions, disputes, and litigation regarding employment law.
• Draft or review documentation related to employee grievances, disciplinary proceedings, and terminations to ensure legal compliance.
• Provide guidance on workplace investigations involving misconduct or policy violations, and represent the organization in hearings (both internal and external) for any misconduct allegations.

 Safeguarding and Misconduct Investigations

• Conduct or support investigations into safeguarding concerns, misconduct, fraud, or other violations of SHOFCO policies.
• Gather and review evidence, conduct interviews, and prepare investigation reports with findings and recommendations.
• Ensure investigations are conducted in alignment with applicable law, internal policy, and relevant standards for fair process, confidentiality standards, and safeguarding protocols.

Fraud and Compliance Investigations

• Investigate allegations of fraud, financial misconduct, corruption, or misuse of organizational resources.
• Work closely with finance, internal audit, safeguarding, and leadership teams to assess risks and ensure appropriate corrective actions.
• Support the implementation of controls and policy improvements arising from investigation findings.

Legal Advisory and Risk Management

• Provide legal advice to program, HR, and leadership teams on issues related to litigation risk, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify potential legal and reputational risks arising from cases or investigations and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters to the General Counsel.

Coordination with Authorities and External Counsel

• Liaise with law enforcement agencies, courts, regulatory authorities, and external legal counsel as required.
• Support the preparation of case documentation and legal strategy in coordination with the General Counsel.

Gender and Inclusion Portfolio

• Provide comprehensive support to the Gender and Inclusion team in regular engagement with relevant partners, including the Police, ODPP, and the Judiciary, in fast-tracking SGBV cases.
• Maintain SGBV Gender department databases, support in tracking cases at their various stages in court, and provide legal advice to the Regional teams. Maintain accurate and confidential records of litigation matters, investigations, and legal documentation.
• Track case timelines, court dates, investigation outcomes, and follow-up actions.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience, and Attributes / Skills).

Academic Qualifications

• Law degree (LLB required)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Kenya School of Law)

Professional Qualifications

• 4–7 years of relevant legal experience, with experience in litigation and dispute resolution.
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
• Admission as a Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public is preferred

Other required qualifications (unique/job specific)

• Strong analytical and drafting skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in nonprofit or multi-jurisdictional contexts preferred.
• Previous experience with employment law in Kenya is required.
• Training and experience in alternative dispute resolution are desirable.

Functional Skills:

• Can work closely with program staff, safeguarding teams, HR, and leadership.
• Builds strong relationships with police, courts, community leaders, and partner organizations.
• Strong understanding of gender-based violence laws, sexual exploitation and abuse frameworks, and survivor protection mechanisms.

Behavioral Competencies/Attributes:

• Belief in GBV survivors and sensitivity to gender-based violence cases, while maintaining legal objectivity
• Demonstrates empathy and respect, and maintains survivor dignity and avoids retraumatization during interviews.
• Willingness to ask difficult questions and follow evidence objectively.
• Able to synthesize complex information into clear factual findings.