ABOUT THE COMPANY
The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) – Kenya is the premier women’s rights organization in Kenya and has in 30 years offered direct legal aid services to over 300,000 women and positively impacted in structural, institutional, and legal reforms within Kenya to ensure gender sensitivity and responsiveness.
Established in 1985 during the 3rd UN Conference on women held in Nairobi, FIDA Kenya which is a membership organization of over 1,000 women lawyers and law student is committed to the creation of a society that is free from all forms of discrimination against women in Kenya.
As a result of the commendable work in advocating for women’s rights at the community, national, regional and international level, the organization has attained recognition as a critical partner for community, government, civil society, development partners and UN agencies in ensuring structural, institutional and legislative reforms.
JOB SUMMARY
The Legal Counsel will provide high-quality legal representation, legal advice and legalaid services to women and girls, support strategic litigation and advocacy initiatives,strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and contribute to FIDA-Kenya's mission of promoting access to justice and gender equality.Person SpecificationsAcademic and Professional QualificationsBachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized university.Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practising certificate.Member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.Training in mediation or alternative dispute resolution will be an added advantage.ExperienceAt least three (2) years of relevant post-admission experience.Demonstrated experience in litigation and legal advisory services.Experience in gender justice, human rights, family law, succession, children's rightsor public interest litigation will be an added advantage.Experience working with civil society or development organizations is desirable.ResponsibilitiesLegal Representation and Legal AidProvide legal advice and legal aid services to clients in accordance with FIDAKenya's mandate.Represent clients before courts, tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies.Prepare pleadings, affidavits, submissions, witness statements and other legaldocuments.Conduct legal research and provide sound legal opinions.Support strategic litigation aimed at advancing women's rights and gender justice.Case ManagementManage an assigned litigation portfolio and ensure timely progression of cases.Maintain accurate client records and case management information.Monitor court schedules and the virtual justice system and ensure compliancewith procedural timelines.Prepare regular reports on case outcomes and emerging legal trends.Alternative Dispute ResolutionFacilitate mediation, Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and other appropriatedispute resolution processes.Promote amicable settlement of disputes where appropriate.Support community-based dispute resolution initiatives.Community Legal EmpowermentConduct legal awareness and civic education programmes.Support community outreach activities, legal clinics and mobile legal aid initiatives.Develop simplified legal information materials for public education.Advocacy and PolicyContribute to legal and policy research.Participate in advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting legal and policy reformsaffecting women and girls.Prepare briefing notes, legal analyses and policy submissions.Partnerships and Organizational SupportBuild collaborative relationships with the Judiciary, Office of the Director of PublicProsecutions, National Police Service, County Governments, civil societyorganizations and other justice sector actors.Represent FIDA Kenya in stakeholder forums as assigned.Contribute to programme design, resource mobilisation, proposal developmentand donor reporting where required.Undertake any other duties assigned in support of FIDA Kenya's mandate.How to ApplyInterested candidates who fully meet the above criteria should send an applicationletter and detailed CV to The Executive Director, FIDA Kenya, through the Email provided.The application MUST include contacts of three referees, one of whom must be a former supervisor,expected salary, daytime contact, job title, and job reference number.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Legal counseling, Judicial processes and litigation, Legal analysis, Human rights, Contract drafting and preparation, Social sciences, Dispute resolution and arbitration
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree