Job Vacancy: Legal Fellow Africa, LAW

Background

LAW is an independent, non-profit organization comprised of human rights lawyers and jurists working in fragile and conflict affected areas in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. We focus on gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence, rule of law and accountability, transformative justice, and natural resource exploitation, working to bring justice to those who need it most.

LAW’s ground-breaking work has received international media coverage, including in Reuters, the New York Times, the Times of London, the Guardian, Al-Jazeera, France24, Voice of America, Huffington Post and Foreign Policy.

LAW is seeking a dedicated person to join our Africa team as a Legal Fellow. The ideal candidate will be passionate about advancing rights, protection, and justice for vulnerable communities.

Reports to:                                                                   Duration:

South Sudan Programme Manager                              Up to 6 months

Somalia Legal Advisor

Location:                                                                     Hours:

Nairobi Office, with possible regional travel                 Full time 40 hours a week

This position is only open to Kenyan nationals

The Legal Fellow will perform duties and responsibilities in accordance with the objectives and activities set out below:

         Programme

• In-depth research and analysis of the contexts of Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and other African countries as needed.
• In-depth research and analysis of international law, international human rights law, international criminal law, international humanitarian law and preparation of research briefs, legal documentation and factsheets on thematic legal topics and support to the drafting of legal submissions.
• Monitor and analyze developments of new legal trends and keep abreast of legal, political and governance related developments in areas that touch upon LAW’s mandate
• Draft updates for LAW’s Africa and global teams, related to research above.
• Prepare the weekly news, social media messages and updates for LAW’s website and social media platform relating to the Somalia and South Sudan Programme.
• Contribute to preparing training materials, organizing, and delivering training on various topic to justice actors and civil society organization members.
• Contribute to drafting project proposals, collating project data, and drafting donor reports.
• Identify new funding and partnership opportunities.
• Prepare social media and advocacy messaging for the Africa Programme and maintain LAW’s website relating to the Programme.
• Any other duties as directed by the Programme Manager or Legal Advisor.

• You must be Kenyan National
• Degree in law with a focus on international humanitarian law, human rights, international criminal law; Master’s degree is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience of working in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
• Excellent research and drafting experience and skills.
• Experience practicing law and collaborating with legal actors, civil society organizations or international NGOs is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong technical literacy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work on own and take initiative; demonstrated experience working remotely.
• Excellent English and written skills to edit and proofread.

If you have sound legal knowledge and be able to work both individually, and coordinate and work closely within a team to improve the overall quality of reporting we would like to hear from you.

How to apply

Please send an email with a CV and covering letter in English outlining how your skills and experience match the role (neither exceeding 2 pages of A4) to recruitment@legalactionworldwide.org. The subject of the application should read ‘Legal Fellow Africa’

 LAW will provide a modest stipend for the fellowship and encourages potential fellows to secure funding from other sources (e.g., a law school, outside fellowship etc.) that should include health care coverage and any other costs. Please note that LAW will also not be able to provide housing or a relocation package, although we may be able to make suggestions for accommodation options.

Deadline for applications:   This position is on rolling basis – LAW will be scheduling interviews as the applications come in; therefore, to avoid any disappointment please apply early.

Start date:                          Immediate start

Only shortlisted candidates who meet the criteria will be invited for interviews. LAW is an equal opportunity employer; Women with experience representing at-risk clients are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about LAW please visit our website: www.legalactionworldwide.org.