Senior Legal Counsel - Kisumu at Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, the successful candidate will be expected to lead litigation, provide legal aid services to clients, manage all access to justice programs, develop and maintain relationships with partners, create awareness on women’s rights in Western regions and parts of Rift Valley and supervise staff in Access to Justice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership
  • Oversee the implementation of all Programs
  • Oversee day to day running of the legal clinic, virtual justice center, and toll-free line.
  • Mentor and supervise staff working in the Access to Justice team in Kisumu
  • Approve all pleadings and other documents drafted by the Access to Justice team in Kisumu.
  • Oversee the implementation of women’s rights, governance, and advocacy projects undertaken by the Access to Justice team- Kisumu.
  • 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.
  • Support and collaborate with Grant Teams in the development of proposals and concept notes.
  • Generate content for print media and IEC materials.

Minimum Qualifications and Attributes:

The ideal candidate should at least possess the following qualifications and attributes: -

• An advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate, at least FIVE (5) YEARS post-admission experience, and a track record of high performance in litigation.
• Possession of a Master’s degree in Law or Social sciences and experience in the NGO sector is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in human rights advocacy and women rights issues.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency in computers, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Should be able to work under pressure.