Vacant Positions at Kituo Cha Sheria (KITUO)

 PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The purpose of the position is to provide legal advice, representation and litigation services to clients, while providing programmatic support in planning, implementation, community engagement and mobilization, fundraising, and stakeholder partnerships primarily under LEAP and across KITUO’s programme areas. The position holder will be an integral member of KITUO’s public interest litigation team. Further, the holder will be assigned to a project or thematic area based on organizational need.
• In addition, the position contributes to community empowerment through legal aid outreach, public education, and capacity-building of community paralegals. The Programme Officer supports case management, project planning, donor reporting, and stakeholder engagement that inform institutional learning and organizational growth.
• Ultimately, the Programme Officer is responsible for ensuring that Kituo Cha Sheria’s legal and programme interventions are professional, client-centred, rights-based, and aligned with the organization’s mission of advancing social justice, human dignity, and equitable access to justice.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties of the Programme Officer- LEAP are:

Legal Aid and Client Support

• Provide legal advice, information and guidance to clients seeking assistance from Kituo.
• Conduct client screening and assessment of legal needs.
• Provide legal aid services to vulnerable and marginalized clients in accordance with Kituo’s policies and procedures.
• Identify cases suitable for legal intervention, litigation, referral or other appropriate mechanisms.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure that client matters are handled professionally and ethically.
• Follow up on client cases and provide appropriate updates on progress and next steps.

Litigation and Court Representation

• Manage and follow up on assigned litigation matters to ensure that cases progress effectively and within applicable timelines.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, submissions, applications and other legal documents.
• Attend court regularly and represent clients in assigned matters.
• Monitor court proceedings and provide timely updates to the Programme on case developments.
• Prepare case reports and maintain accurate records of litigation matters.
• Identify new cases and matters requiring public interest litigation or other legal intervention.

Programme Support

• Support the planning, coordination and implementation of programme activities, including legal aid clinics, awareness forums, workshops and trainings.
• Support case management, including maintenance of client records, referrals and liaison with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide legal information and guidance to clients under appropriate professional and organizational procedures.
• Contribute to the development of programme workplans, activity schedules and implementation strategies.
• Contribute to the preparation of programme reports, proposals and concept notes.
• Participate in relevant programme working groups and meetings.

Legal Research and Programme Documentation

• Conduct legal research on issues relevant to Kituo’s programmes and areas of intervention.
• Support the preparation of legal and programme documents.
• Document case studies, success stories, lessons learned and emerging legal issues.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and learning activities through collection and analysis of relevant programme information.
• Support the preparation of periodic programme reports highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations.

Community Legal Aid and Capacity Building

• Participate in legal aid outreaches and community-based legal assistance activities.
• Conduct legal awareness and community empowerment activities.
• Support the training and capacity building of community paralegals.
• Participate in fact-finding activities where required to support legal aid, litigation or programme interventions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support coordination and communication with community partners, local leaders, civil society organizations and government agencies.
• Represent Kituo and the Programme in relevant stakeholder meetings and working groups as delegated.
• Maintain effective working relationships with programme partners and other justice sector stakeholders.
• Support the development and dissemination of legal information and programme materials.

Other Duties

• Perform any other duties assigned by Management from time to time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Academic & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from a recognized institution.
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Must have a current practicing certificate.
• Additional professional training in human rights, public interest litigation, safeguarding or related areas, or relevant certificates, will be an added advantage.

Required Experience

• Minimum of  (3) years’ post-admission relevant professional experience, preferably within an NGO, human rights or legal aid environment.
• Demonstrable experience in litigation, legal aid and court representation.
• Experience in programme support, community legal outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in training and capacity building of community paralegals will be an added advantage.
• Experience in safeguarding and/or working with vulnerable and marginalized communities will be an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of human rights, access to justice and community empowerment.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal research, analysis, and drafting skills, including pleadings, affidavits and legal opinions.
• Strong programme and project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and monitoring.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal issues for varied audiences, including community groups and vulnerable clients.
• Strong community engagement, facilitation, and training skills.
• Sound report writing and monitoring & evaluation skills.
• Effective stakeholder management, networking, and representation skills.
• Mentorship and capacity-building skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, particularly when working with vulnerable or sensitive cases.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including documentation and record-keeping.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates passion for defending human rights, promoting equality, and challenging injustice.
• Upholds strict ethical responsibility, confidentiality, and impartiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and identity-related differences among clients and communities.
• Ability to work cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams—including programme staff, finance, and community partners.
• Ability to assess risks, propose creative solutions, and respond effectively to emerging issues.
• Demonstrates ability to take initiative, manage assignments independently, and represent the organization with confidence and professionalism.

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

• The Programme Officer will report directly to the Programme Manager, depending on the assigned project.

The Officer will work closely with:

• Programme teams
• Other Programme Officers
• Legal Assistants; Assistant Programme Officers
• Community volunteers and partners
• Administrative and finance teams
• Regular performance reviews will be conducted to align responsibilities with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
• The position may require travel to project sites, community areas, courts, and partner meetings as part of routine duties.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

Legal Aid & Client Support Outputs

• High-quality legal advice and support provided to clients in a timely manner.
• Accurate and up-to-date client files and case records.

Litigation & Court Outputs

• Well-drafted pleadings, affidavits and submissions prepared on schedule.
• Regular court attendance with accurate case progress reports.

Programme Support Outputs

• Legal aid clinics, forums, workshops and trainings conducted as planned.
• Updated case management records, referrals and stakeholder liaison notes.

Legal Research & Documentation Outputs

• Legal research findings, case studies and lessons learned documented.
• Programme reports capturing achievements, challenges and recommendations.

Community Legal Aid & Capacity Building Outputs

• Legal aid outreach and awareness activities conducted as scheduled.
• Community paralegals trained with improved capacity.

Stakeholder Engagement Outputs

• Active engagement with community partners, CSOs and government agencies documented.
• Meeting records and partnership updates maintained.

Reporting & Project Outputs

• Monthly, quarterly, and donor reports submitted on time.
• Updated activity logs, monitoring records, and case/impact data.
• Compliance with project indicators and targets.

DURATION & REMUNERATION

• This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable subject to performance, funding availability, and organizational needs.
• Remuneration and benefits shall be determined in accordance with Kituo Cha Sheria’s salary structure for Programme Officers.

The role may include:

• Health insurance (as per organizational policy)
• Field travel allowances
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to training, workshops, and continuous learning activities

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 PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The purpose of the position is to provide legal advice, representation and litigation support to clients, while providing programmatic support in planning, implementation, community engagement and mobilization, fundraising, and stakeholder partnerships across KITUO’s programme areas. The holder will be assigned to a project or thematic area based on organizational need. The Programme Officer will be expected to provide substantive support to these ongoing projects particularly the RAWI-EA coalition and the HAKI Mashinani/JVI partnership by managing casework, coordinating community outreach, and contributing to donor reporting and project documentation.
• In addition, the position contributes to community empowerment through legal aid outreach, public education, and capacity-building of community paralegals. The Programme Officer supports case management, project planning, donor reporting, and stakeholder engagement that inform institutional learning and organizational growth.
• Ultimately, the Programme Officer is responsible for ensuring that Kituo Cha Sheria’s legal and programme interventions are professional, client-centred, rights-based, and aligned with the organization’s mission of advancing social justice, human dignity, and equitable access to justice.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The duties of the Assistant Programme Officer – Migration Justice and Governance are:

Programme Support

• Assist in the planning, coordination and execution of programme activities, including legal aid clinics, awareness forums, workshops and trainings targeting refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs and host communities.
• Support the programme team in case management, including maintaining client records, following up on referrals and liaising with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide legal information and guidance to clients under the supervision of the Programme Officer/Legal Officer, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and adherence to organizational policy.
• Assist in the development of work plans, activity schedules and implementation strategies, ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Contribute to the preparation of programme reports, proposals and concept notes for internal use and donor submission.
• Attend and take notes at relevant working group meetings on behalf of the programme, as delegated.

Administration and Logistics

• Organize logistics for meetings, trainings and field activities, including venue booking, travel arrangements, invitations and documentation.
• Maintain programme filing systems, both hard copy and digital, to ensure easy retrieval of information.
• Draft and manage correspondence with partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders, as directed by the Programme Officer/manager
• Provide administrative support in procurement processes in line with organizational policies.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Support

• Support the collection, entry and analysis of data for monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Participate in conducting surveys, needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to inform programme interventions.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports highlighting progress, challenges and recommendations.
• Document success stories, case studies, lessons learned and best practices for programme visibility and learning.

Finance Support

• Assist in preparing activity budgets, fund requisitions and liquidations in accordance with finance procedures to ensure seamless programme delivery.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of accountability documents, including receipts and participant lists.
• Work closely with the finance department to support proper utilization and reporting of programme funds.

Legal Aid and Client Support

• Support client screening and preliminary assessment of legal needs for refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs, stateless persons and victims of trafficking.
• Assist in the provision of legal aid, information and guidance to clients in accordance with Kituo’s policies and procedures, under supervision.
• Support identification of cases suitable for legal intervention, litigation or referral, and escalate them to the assigned Legal Officer/Programme Officer.
• Provide legal advice, information and guidance to clients seeking assistance from Kituo.
• Provide direct legal aid, case management, and representation for victims of extreme injustices, labor migration abuses, and human trafficking under the HAKI Mashinani project, including coordinating with community justice centers and supporting the community paralegal network in informal settlements.
• Support the drafting of basic correspondence and preparation of documentation for pending cases.
• Accompany and support the Legal Officer during court attendance where required, and assist in maintaining accurate case records.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure that client matters are handled professionally and ethically.

Safeguarding Support

• Support the safeguarding focal point in awareness-raising and training activities, particularly for interns, volunteers and community paralegals.
• Assist in the use of the safeguarding reporting tool and in recording reported safeguarding concerns in line with organizational procedures.
• Participate in relevant safeguarding coordination meetings and working groups as delegated.

Community Paralegal Training and Legal Aid Outreach

• Support the planning and logistics of training for community and prison-based paralegals.
• Participate in legal aid outreaches, mobile clinics and fact-finding activities in support of legal aid, litigation or programme interventions.
• Assist in the preparation of training and outreach materials for paralegals and community members.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support coordination and communication with community partners, local leaders, civil society organizations and government agencies.
• Represent the programme at community events and meetings as delegated by the Programme Officer/manager.
• Assist in the production of IEC materials, newsletters and reports to enhance programme visibility.

Other Duties

• Perform any other duties assigned by Management from time to time.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Academic & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized institution.
• Enrollment in or completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Law will be an added advantage.
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or evidence of progress towards admission, will be an added advantage.
• Additional training in human rights, refugee law, migration governance, safeguarding or related areas, or relevant certificates, will be an added advantage.

Required Experience

• Minimum of Two (2) year relevant professional, internship or pupillage experience, preferably within an NGO, human rights or legal aid environment.
• Exposure to or interest in working with refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs, stateless persons and other forcibly displaced or marginalized communities.
• Demonstrated ability to provide administrative and logistical support for programme implementation.
• Basic experience in data collection, entry and reporting for programme monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of and commitment to human rights, access to justice, migration governance and community empowerment.
• Experience supporting donor-funded project activities, including budgeting and accountabilities, will be an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Sound legal knowledge with an ability to conduct basic legal research and support document drafting.
• Good organizational and administrative skills, including documentation and record-keeping.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to relate well with clients and community members.
• Basic data collection, data entry and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under supervision while showing initiative and attention to detail.
• High level of integrity, discretion and professionalism, particularly when working with vulnerable or sensitive cases.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to field sites, community areas and partner meetings as required.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates passion for defending human rights, promoting equality, and challenging injustice.
• Upholds strict ethical responsibility, confidentiality, and impartiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and identity-related differences among clients and communities.
• Ability to work cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams—including programme staff, finance, and community partners.
• Eagerness to learn, take direction, and grow professionally within the organization.
• Demonstrates reliability, timeliness and sound judgment in carrying out assigned tasks.

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

• The Assistant Programme Officer will report directly to the Programme Officer/Legal Officer, and ultimately to the Programme Manager for the Migration Justice and Governance programme.

The Officer will work closely with:

• Programme teams
• Other Programme Officers and Legal Officers
• Legal Assistants and other Assistant Programme Officers
• Community volunteers, paralegals and partners
• Administrative and finance teams
• Regular performance reviews will be conducted to align responsibilities with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
• The position may require travel to project sites, community areas, courts, and partner meetings as part of routine duties.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

Programme Support Outputs

• Legal aid clinics, forums, workshops and trainings supported as planned.
• Updated case management records, referrals and stakeholder liaison notes.

Administration & Logistics Outputs

• Well-organized logistics for meetings, trainings and field activities.
• Up-to-date programme filing systems, hard copy and digital.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Outputs

• Accurate and timely M&E data collected, entered and compiled.
• Documented case studies, success stories and lessons learned.

Finance Support Outputs

• Accurate and timely activity budgets and accountability documents.

Legal Aid & Client Support Outputs

• Timely, accurate client screening and support to legal aid provision.
• Accurate and up-to-date client files and case records.

Safeguarding Outputs

• Support to safeguarding awareness, training and reporting activities documented.

Community Paralegal Training & Legal Aid Outreach Outputs

• Legal aid outreach and paralegal training activities supported as scheduled.

Stakeholder Engagement Outputs

• Active engagement with community partners, CSOs and government agencies documented.
• Meeting records and partnership updates maintained.

Reporting & Project Outputs

• Monthly, quarterly, and donor report inputs submitted on time.
• Updated activity logs, monitoring records, and case/impact data.
• Compliance with project indicators and targets.

DURATION & REMUNERATION

• This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable subject to performance, funding availability, and organizational needs.
• Remuneration and benefits shall be determined in accordance with Kituo Cha Sheria’s salary structure for Assistant Programme Officers.

The role may include:

• Health insurance (as per organizational policy)
• Field travel allowances
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to training, workshops, and continuous learning activities