Fresh Jobs at Shining Hope For Communities

Key Responsibilities and Job Dimensions

Contract Drafting, Review, and Negotiation

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements supporting SHOFCO’s operations and programs, including vendor agreements, consultancy contracts, partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and service contracts.
• Ensure all agreements are legally sound, aligned with SHOFCO policies, and compliant with applicable laws in Kenya and other jurisdictions where SHOFCO operates.
• Identify contractual risks and provide practical recommendations to mitigate financial, legal, and reputational exposure.
• Maintain and improve standard contract templates to support efficient and consistent contracting across the organization.

Donor and Grant Agreements

• Review and support negotiation of donor funding agreements, grant agreements, sub-grant agreements, and consortium or partnership agreements with implementing partners.
• Advise internal teams on donor contractual obligations, including compliance requirements, reporting obligations, intellectual property provisions, and audit rights.
• Support the Grants, Finance, and Program teams in interpreting donor terms and ensuring SHOFCO’s program implementation remains compliant with funding agreements.
• Assist in structuring agreements with downstream partners or community-based organizations to ensure appropriate risk allocation and legal compliance.

Legal Advisory to Programs and Operations

• Provide timely legal advice to SHOFCO program, operations, procurement, and finance teams on contractual and operational matters.
• Participate in program design and partnership discussions to ensure legal considerations are addressed early in project planning.
• Support staff in understanding contractual obligations and approval processes.

Contract Management and Documentation

• Support the maintenance of SHOFCO’s contract management systems and processes, ensuring agreements are properly executed, stored, and tracked.
• Monitor contract timelines, key obligations, and renewal dates to support compliance and operational continuity.
• Ensure proper documentation and legal review for high-value or high-risk agreements

Legal Compliance and Risk Management

• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting SHOFCO’s operations and advise internal stakeholders on compliance requirements.
• Identify legal risks related to partnerships, procurement, grants, and operational activities and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support the implementation of SHOFCO's legal and compliance policies, ranging from business licenses to statutory filings, etc.

Dispute Prevention and Resolution

• Assist in managing contractual disputes, breach of contract issues, or claims involving vendors, partners, or other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel as required and support preparation of legal documentation or responses.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the General Counsel and collaborate with teams across Programs, Finance, Procurement, People & Culture, and Operations to ensure legal alignment across SHOFCO’s work.
• Provide training or guidance to staff on contracting processes, legal risk awareness, and donor compliance.

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

Academic Qualifications

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

Professional Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in contract law, commercial law, or nonprofit legal work.
• 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)

• Solid understanding of contract law and relevant regulatory frameworks in Kenya.
• Familiarity with nonprofit, procurement, labor, and regulatory compliance considerations affecting nonprofits, particularly Public Benefit Organizations (PBOs).
• Strong analytical and drafting skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive commercial matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in nonprofit or multi-jurisdictional contexts preferred.
• Training and experience in alternative dispute resolution are desirable.

Functional Skills:

• Effective negotiation skills to support agreements with vendors, consultants, and partners.
• Ability to balance legal protections with practical operational needs.
• Able to propose practical, balanced approaches that enable program delivery while protecting the organization.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
• Able to respond quickly to evolving legal and operational needs.

Behavioral Competencies/Attributes:

• Demonstrates strong professional ethics and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.
• Exercises sound legal and professional judgment in advising colleagues.
• Approaches legal challenges with a solutions-focused mindset rather than purely risk avoidance.
• Demonstrates alignment with SHOFCO’s mission and values, particularly around safeguarding and community investment.

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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.

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Job Purpose:

The Inspector of Works is responsible for inspecting, monitoring, and documenting civil construction works to ensure compliance with approved engineering designs, technical specifications, quality standards, safety regulations, and contractual obligations.

The role supports the Project Engineer in ensuring infrastructure projects are delivered to the required quality, within scope, and in accordance with engineering and regulatory standards.

Key Deliverables for this role will include:

• Daily site inspection reports
• Quality assurance and quality control reports
• Verified work measurement records
• Construction progress reports and photographic documentation
• Non-compliance and corrective action reports
• Contractor performance observations

Key Responsibilities and Job Dimensions

Site Inspection and Construction Supervision

• Conduct daily inspections of construction works to ensure activities are executed according to approved drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs).
• Monitor contractor activities to ensure compliance with engineering standards, approved work methods, project schedules, and contract requirements.
• Verify setting out, levels, alignment, and dimensions of works during construction.
• Identify and report any deviations from approved designs or specifications.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

• Inspect construction materials delivered to site to confirm compliance with project specifications and applicable standards.
• Monitor work quality and construction methods during implementation.
• Witness and document testing of construction materials, including: concrete, aggregates, reinforcement steel, soil compaction, WASH infrastructure components, etc
• Identify non-compliant works and recommend corrective actions

Measurement, Certification, and Documentation

• Measure completed works and verify quantities for contractor payment certificates.
• Maintain accurate site records, including daily site diaries, inspection logs, and progress reports.
• Prepare site inspection reports and progress updates for the Project Engineer, including photographs and technical reports.
• Support preparation of site instructions, variation documentation, and work verification records.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

• Monitor contractor compliance with OSHA standards, site safety plans and risk mitigation measures.
• Monitor implementation of environmental safeguards and mitigation measures.
• Identify unsafe practices and escalate them for immediate corrective action.

 Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with contractors, engineers, and project teams on site to ensure effective coordination of construction activities.
• Participate in site meetings and technical reviews, providing updates on construction progress and quality issues.
• Support the Project Engineer in resolving technical challenges during construction.
• Facilitate communication between relevant stakeholders on operational matters.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure construction works comply with Kenyan engineering standards, building codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor contractor adherence to approved designs, specifications, and contractual obligations.
• Verify that works align with approved project scope and engineering documentation.

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

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, or a related field.
• Registration with the Engineering board of Kenya or Technicians Registration Board (TRB) or eligibility for registration is an added advantage.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in civil works inspection or construction supervision.
• Experience working on infrastructure projects such as:
  • Water supply systems
  • Sanitation infrastructure
  • Buildings and social infrastructure
  • Roads and drainage systems
• Experience working on community-based infrastructure projects is an added advantage.

Functional Skills:

• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and site supervision practices
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specs, and BoQs
• Knowledge of construction quality control and inspection procedures
• Understanding of construction health and safety standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and reporting tools).

Behavioral Competencies/Attributes:

• Strong technical reporting and documentation skills
• Good communication and coordination skills, ability to have hard conversations with grace
• High level of attention to detail and integrity in reporting
• Ability to work in field-based environments, including informal settlements and remote project sites