Paralegals at HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya

POSITION SUMMARY:

• HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit Paralegals to contribute to a project, whose goal is: “To enhance the protection, resilience, and self-reliance of vulnerable refugees, including LGBTQI+ persons, and the host community in Nairobi.”
• The project seeks to contribute to: Enhancing the protection and resilience of vulnerable refugees, including LGBTQI+ persons, through community-based comprehensive assistance and the strengthening of existing protection systems.
• The Paralegals will be drawn from the areas surrounding the 3 HIAS site /outreach offices with large refugee populations. These include Isinya, Rongai, Matasia, Kasarani, Githurai, Gikambura, Njiru, Kawangware, Mwiki, Eastleigh etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in relevant trainings related to LGBTQI+ rights as guided by the HIAS project team.
• Support in collecting accurate data and disseminating information to the LGBTQI+ community members.
• Provide support and assistance in addressing the concerns or challenges faced by Gender and Sexual Minorities.
• Serve as a link between the community and actors in the justice system.
• Monitor and report human rights violations.
• Work with Partners to monitor and document legal interventions within the sexual and gender minority refugee community and report findings in follow-up meetings with designated HIAS staff.
• Facilitate access to, and referrals for, appropriate LGBTQI+-friendly legal services for sexual and gender minority refugees and asylum seekers.
• Assist in creating and establishing sustainable community networks with sexual and gender minority refugees and asylum seekers within the urban area.
• Create and support collaborative opportunities that sexual and gender minority refugees and asylum seekers can benefit from.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Education

• O – Level education certificate
• Any other relevant training

Experience

• Not less than three months’ work experience, preferably with an NGO.
• Experience in the field of refugee protection and assistance to sexual and gender minorities from the refugee community is an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Must be part of the sexual and gender minority community.
• Must not be in leadership or management, including the boards, in any refugee-led CBO.
• Must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Demonstrated experience on working with gender issues and/or SRHR.
• Should be well integrated to the dynamics, needs and challenges of members of the sexual and gender minority community.
• Ability to work with members of the community with little or no supervision.
• Good/basic working knowledge and experience of navigating STI/HIV care services.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Strong training skills in community development and working with refugees.
• Knowledge in Accountability to Affected Populations
• Knowledge in PSEA

Language

• Proficiency in English or Kiswahili and either, Luganda, Kinyamulenge, French, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromo and Kinyarwanda or any other major language spoken within the refugee community.
• Proficiency in English is MANDATORY and will be an added advantage.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae with at least 3 names and contacts of referees
• Valid and updated refugee ID
• Proof of registration
• Academic and Training Certificates