Assistant Legal Redress and Training Officer, Nairobi

The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) is a non-governmental organization that seeks a Just World free from Torture by promoting the rights of torture victims, survivors and protects all Kenyans from all forms of state perpetrated torture by advocating for policy reforms, monitoring government adherence to human rights, rehabilitating victims of torture and capacity building of key stakeholders.

Job Title: Assistant Legal Redress and Training Officer 

Location: Nairobi with some travel

Position reports to: Program Officer – Legal Redress and Training

Duration: 1 year renewable based on performance

Required: Immediate

Purpose of the Job / Job Profile

Reporting to the Legal Redress and Training Officer, the incumbent is responsible for assisting the Legal Redress and Training Officer in provision of legal services to clients, management of trainings, policy and legislative development and community outreach initiatives.

Primary Tasks

The incumbent will be expected to:

• Provide legal advice and assistance to clients
• Manage the client in-take process including conducting the screening of cases, taking witness statements and written consents
• Accompany torture victims to police stations to lodge formal complaints, record statements and follow up of their cases.
• Provide legal guidance in fact-finding missions and field investigations
• Maintain and update legal information in client files and client case database by use of an effective and efficient bring-up system
• Post and retrieve of cash bail on behalf of clients.
• Procure legal precedents, legal proceedings, rulings and judgments
• Follow-up of litigation cases with the clients and the contracted network lawyers
• Assist in conducting legal research and drafting of legal opinions
• Provide legal support in community outreach and advocacy initiatives
• Supervise legal interns and law students attached to the organization
• Assist in the development of programme work plans and budgets
• Assist in fundraising for the programme
• Prepare reports on client cases and the programme activities for internal processes and donor requirements.
• Regular reporting on relevant programme activities
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the Program Officer and/or the Executive Director

Competencies Required

• An LL.B degree with at least one year experience in the Human Rights field or A Diploma in Law with at least five years of working experience in Human Rights.
• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to human rights, social justice and change
• Ability to conduct effective legal investigations and documentation of Human Rights violations
• Ability to work effectively with communities in the prevention and response to Human Rights violations.
• Good command of English and Kiswahili languages

Attributes Required for the Position

• Self-motivated, committed to human rights, organized and able to function well under pressure.
• Must be willing to take the initiative and work independently with minimal supervision;
• Ability to appreciate, respect and promote gender and women’s rights both at the work place and in programme/project work;
• Experience in writing project proposals, reports and policy briefs;
• Ability to work in a diverse team and offer leadership;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as IT competency.

If you believe you have the talent we are looking for, have passion and commitment to human rights and your experience and qualification matches the above, you are invited to send your application letter and CV, including your current salary, expected remuneration, three professional referees and day time telephone contacts to jobs@imlu.org with the subject matter ASSISTANT LEGAL REDRESS AND TRAINING OFFICER by 4 pm, Monday 23rd January 2012.

Note: We will only receive email copies, only successful candidates will be contacted and canvassing will lead to disqualification.

IMLU is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to ethnicity, race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other ground for discrimination.