KI has a Public Interest Litigation Unit that conducts KI’s litigation in-house. The Unit is comprised of distinguished litigators and scholars in diverse areas of constitutional and human rights law

ABOUT KATIBA INSTITUTE

Katiba Institute (KI) was established to promote the understanding and implementation of Kenya’s new Constitution. KI endeavors to enhance the implementation and the realization of the objects of the constitution through research, constitutional education, constitutional litigation and encouraging public participation. KI also works to foster the spirit of Constitutionalism in the East African region by promoting exchange of academic discourse on constitutional issues and by working with like-minded organizations to secure greater freedoms in the East African Region.

JOB OFFER AND PURPOSE

KI has a Public Interest Litigation Unit that conducts KI’s litigation in-house. The Unit is comprised of distinguished litigators and scholars in diverse areas of constitutional and human rights law. KI will offer the successful applicant a unique opportunity for personal growth in research, writing and litigation within the specific area of their employment but also within other areas of KI’s mandate, not only at a local level but also at a regional level.

As KI’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Litigation Advocate you will be responsible for providing legal advice to communities dealing with violent extremism, and their supporting local organizations; supporting communities and community partners through capacity building; providing technical and other support to civil society partners working in the CVE sector; conducting research on trends and dynamics of violent extremism in Kenya and related constitutional matters; sharing research findings with stakeholders at relevant meetings and workshops within Kenya; developing strategic litigation around CVE and litigating the same on behalf of KI; and forming and maintaining good working relationships with all key partners including communities, constitutional commissions, government entities and donors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• An undergraduate degree in law and a current practicing certificate;
• At least 3 years work experience, post admission to the bar, with good knowledge of human rights law and criminal litigation, or a clear ability to acquire the necessary knowledge within a short space of time;
• Familiarity with CVE and peacebuilding work;

• Experience in conducting and managing litigation confidently with limited supervision and a sound understanding and awareness of litigation processes;

• Experience with conducting primary and/or desktop research and preparing clear and analytical reports (preferably proof of published work); and/or
• Ability to analyze problems rigorously and from all angles, showing sound practical judgement;
• Experience in conducting field research and working with vulnerable communities;
• Ability to develop policy and advocacy ideas and proposals based on research findings and analysis;
• Strong oral and written communications skills; and
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES

• A postgraduate degree in law or related degree; preferably in social sciences, conflict resolution, or political and security studies;
• Proven track record of research, writing and speaking on violent extremism, radicalization, counter and preventative strategies, and their intersection with human rights, policing and rule of law.
• Demonstrated experience working with communities and civil society organizations in Kenya;
• Conviction in and commitment to constitutionalism and principles of human rights; particularly in relations to victims of violent extremism and benefit of the law for terrorism suspects and/or their families;

• Ability to grasp quickly and accurately, new and complex concepts;
• Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team;
• Ability to balance priorities and co-ordinate work effectively in order to meet deadlines and deal with high workloads;
• Sound judgment and/or temperament to enable interaction with persons from all sectors of the society;
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues to communities in a

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Please email your application to Human Resources (careers@katibainstitute.org) with the job title as the subject line.

In your application include a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae with three referees, and two samples of past work (such as articles, research papers or court submissions).

The Application must reach us by latest 17:00 EAT on 28^th February 2018.

Katiba Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.