Senior Legal Counsel – Access to Justice at FIDA

Ref: FIDA/SPO/03/2022

Job Summary: Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, the successful candidate will be expected to head and manage the day to day running of the Mombasa office, lead litigation, provide legal aid services to clients, manage all programs implemented by the Mombasa Office, develop and maintain relationships with partners, create awareness on women’s rights and supervise staff in the Mombasa Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Oversee the day to day running of the Mombasa office including the legal clinic, virtual justice center, and toll-free line
• Oversee the implementation of all Access to Justice Programmes (Legal Representation, Probono Lawyers Scheme, Mediation, Counseling/Group Therapy, Self- Representation, Strategic Impact Litigation, and Informal Justice Systems).
• Mentor and supervise staff working in the Mombasa office.
• Approve all pleadings and other documents drafted by the Access to Justice team in Mombasa.
• Oversee the implementation of women’s rights, governance and advocacy projects undertaken by the Mombasa Office.
• Monitor and evaluate programs and activities (prepare and oversee the preparation of the team’s work plans, result-based management reports, monthly team reports, and donor reports).

Legal Aid and Litigation

• Provide legal advice and referrals to clients.
• Draft pleadings and represent clients in Court.
• Conduct research and prepare pleadings in Strategic Impact Litigation cases.
• Draft legal opinions.
• Conduct community legal aid clinics and legal awareness forums.

Advocacy

• Liaise with other like-minded partners including CBOs, NGOs, government departments, to advance women’s rights at national, regional, and international levels.
• Draft petitions, memorandums and press briefings regarding public matters affecting women’s rights.
• Lobby and advocate for women’s rights at national as well as international level.
• Design, conduct research and analysis of key policy issues and legislations affecting women.
• Organize and facilitate workshops and trainings at national, County and community levels on women’s rights.

Minimum Qualifications and Attributes:

• MUST be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate.
  Possession of a Master’s degree in law or social sciences will be an added advantage.
• Must have at least FIVE (5) YEARS post-admission experience and a track record of high performance in litigation.
• Experience in program management in an NGO will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in women rights issues;
• Female Muslim candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.