Kenya: Legal Officer - CREAW

Vacancy announcement

CENTRE FOR RIGHTS EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Deadline for application: 31ST October 2008

CREAW is inviting applications from individuals for the following position:

Job Title: Legal Officer

Duty Station: Nairobi with frequent visits to the field.

Duration: Starting November 2008, one (1) year contract with possibility of extension.

CREAW is a non-governmental, non-partisan, membership organization whose goal is to transform society by empowering women and expanding frontiers for women’s rights and freedoms. CREAW aims at setting standards in upholding human rights and empowering society through civic education, legal advocacy and women’s rights awareness.

DESCRIPTION:

The ideal person should be responsible for the following:-

* Attending to clients both new and existing for purposes of offering legal advice and referrals to other partner organizations
* Drawing and amending of all pleadings, applications and submissions
* Conducting pre-trial briefings and preparing files for trial
* Attending Court for purposes of conducting hearings (including applications and appeals), facilitating the recording of consents, picking up rulings and or judgments.
* Corresponding with clients to update them on the current position of their cases
* Conducting legal research and drafting of legal opinions
* Reconciliation of parties by using alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation and conciliation
* Facilitation and coordination of open days and legal aid clinics for purposes of offering legal advice
* Representing the organizations in seminars, training’s and conferences relating to CREAW’s interests as women’s human rights organizations.
* Participating in any analysis and critiquing of bills and legislation affecting women’s human rights
* Proposal writing and report writing under the Direct Services Department
* Ensuring that the client database is regularly updated.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

* Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with at least 3 years post admission experience in Litigation in both the Higher and Lower Courts.
* Thorough knowledge of Court procedures in both the Higher and Lower courts, which the candidate shall be required to demonstrate
* Thorough knowledge of the Law particularly Family, Succession, the sexual offences Act, Criminal and Civil Law with knowledge and understanding of International Human Rights Instruments and Protocols.
* Proven success in conducting Family, Succession, Criminal and Civil cases
* Ability to analyse issues technically and come up with sound recommendations
* Proactively and ability to anticipate and respond to issues in a timely manner
* Gender sensitive with an ability to articulate and respond to issues relating to gender based violence with a view to taking up Public Interest litigation on the same.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
* Proven ability to lead and work effectively under pressure and without supervision to produce quality and timeous results.
* Highly effective and proven skills in organizing, prioritising, scheduling, planning and coordinating legal work internally and externally
* Exceptional degree of integrity and judgement in handling of all matters falling under the candidate’s docket.
* Proficiency in computer software packages such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint with and ability to organize data and information retrieval systems.

Languages

Excellent writing skills in English, with fluency in speaking Kiswahili.

APPLY NO LATER THAN 31st OCTOBER, 2008

If you know you have the right qualifications and experience, please send your application together with C.V. and relevant testimonial noting to provide details of three work related references.

Apply to:

SELECTION COMMITTEE

CENTRE FOR RIGHTS EDUCATION

AND AWARENESS – CREAW

Convent Drive, Lavington Off Isaac Gathanju Road,

(200metres from Lavington Green)

P.O. BOX 11964 –00100 GPO

NAIROBI – KENYA

email: [email protected]

CREAW is an equal opportunity employer.