Legal Officer - 2 Positions

JOB CONTEXT

The Justice Defenders Kenya office is  looking for a Legal officer, under the guidance and supervision of the Area Manager, they will assist in systematizing the legal aid support provided by the paralegals in handling cases within the Legal offices in the prisons. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Offer legal services to Justice Defenders clients in prisons.
• Support and supervise prison-based paralegals in offering legal services
•  Support in continuous training of paralegals
• Manage the legal office and ensure that the operations are effective and efficient,  and that activities are  well managed.
• Engage as assigned in appropriate committees, working groups and other activities to maintain strong and productive external networks.  
• Responsible for ensuring that standards and quality of legal services delivery are maintained and developed. 
• Support the Area Manager in creating training materials and manuals  in order to conduct necessary training and workshops required for the efficient and effective implementation of activities in the Legal Offices.  
• Lead on the filing, follow up and recording of cases, to ensure timely outcomes.
• Support the research on relevant cases and other supporting authorities/material required within the Legal office. 
• Support in the carrying out of research to understand the current situation including; the prevailing challenges in accessing justice in the project sites; recommend changes and improvements, work with key influencers in the prison service and in the community to inform the design of relevant interventions to address identified gaps. 

Qualifications and experience  

• An honors Degree in law from a recognized University.
• At least three years’ experience in criminal law practice.
• Experience in managing a team
• Proven research skills
• Proficiency in working with the Microsoft office suite
• Proven ability to take initiatives in developing relationships, initiatives and options for action that might benefit the charity’s drop-in clinics aims ​

Key competencies and abilities

• Excellent communication skills oral and report writing
• Excellent interpersonal & networking  skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and to make informed and accurate decisions
• Focused and goal oriented
• Flexibility, openness and broad – mindedness
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify JDs’ values on Bravery, Humility & Solidarity.