Senior Legal Adviser Job at The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID)

Responsibilities

The Senior Legal Adviser's primary job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support program strategy on litigation, including identifying potential strategic cases at the national, regional, and international levels in collaboration with partner organizations; researching and writing pleadings, legal memoranda, amicus curiae, submissions to regional human rights bodies, UN submissions, and case briefs on comparative and international human rights law; and identifying claims for use in national, regional, and/or international fora;
• Monitor compliance with international obligations relating to reproductive rights and jurisprudential developments;
• Design and implement advocacy strategies to support potential or existing litigation;
• Contribute to the development of advocacy materials and other Center publications;
• Support the development and implementation of a capacity-building strategy on initiatives to advance reproductive rights in the region;
• Undertake fact-finding missions to document and expose human rights violations;
• Develop and maintain relationships with local and regional NGOs and key stakeholders;
• Cultivate pro bono partnerships and develop projects with law firms, law associations, and law schools in the region to leverage the Center's work;
• Represent the Center externally on matters related to reproductive rights in the region through public speaking and interaction with the media;
• Assist the Regional Director with the supervision of interns, volunteers, and pro bono lawyers;
• Support other program, management, and operational activities as necessary; and
• International travel is required. 

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to the Center's mission, purpose, and values;
• Degree in law (Juris Doctor or postgraduate) required;
• Minimum 7 years related professional experience;
• Knowledge of international human rights, women's rights, and African human rights system preferred;
• Experience litigating constitutional and human rights cases in Kenyan courts necessary; before regional or international human rights systems a plus;
• Capable of complex legal analytical work and creative and strategic thinking;
• Advocacy experience, including as part of NGO coalitions a plus;
• Excellent writing, editing, research, and oral advocacy skills;
• Very detail-oriented with strong organizational and coordination skills; and
• Ability to work collaboratively, to multi-task, and to work under pressure. 

Compensation: The Center offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits program.