Position Description
Heshima Kenya is an NGO based in Nairobi, Kenya dedicated to identifying, protecting and empowering unaccompanied and separated children and youth, especially girls and young women. Under the supervision of the Country Director and the Senior Program Manager, this position will directly assist with implementing Heshima Kenya’s advocacy strategy. The Advocacy and Legal Officer will be responsible for liaising with government officials, UNHCR, and other partner organizations to ensure the protection of the population served. He/she will lead projects in conjunction with the U.S. based Advocacy Officer to develop a best practices framework, research projects, and issue papers that will further illuminate the needs and challenges experienced by urban unaccompanied refugee minors and young refugee women. The position will be also responsible for supporting refugee claims and proving legal guidance to beneficiaries supported by Heshima Kenya. Support to program staff will include reviewing monthly program reports to ensure annual objectives and targets are met. Only those with Kenyan citizenship will be considered; compensation includes a competitive salary and individual health benefits.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Actively represent Heshima Kenya’s mission with partners and participate in working groups led by the Urban Refugee Protection Network (URPN), with specific focus on co-chairing the Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Working Group with UNHCR.
• Lead events on behalf of Heshima Kenya, including World Refugee Day, 16 Days of Activism, etc.
• Work in collaboration with the US Advocacy Officer to manage research initiatives, develop a best practices framework and write policy briefs, recommendations, and background information related to Heshima Kenya’s beneficiary population within the urban and camp contexts.
• Provide frequent updates to and oversee the maintenance of Heshima Kenya’s statistical database.
• Oversee beneficiary cases that require court intervention or engagement with the Kenyan Children’s Department and UNHCR.
• Support with writing and monitoring resettlement referrals and DRA and UNHCR appeals.
• Ensure Heshima Kenya is in compliance with Kenya’s laws and regulations.
• Review monthly program reports and contribute to writing grant proposals.
Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in Law, preferably holding a practicing certificate. Masters degree or equivalent in human rights law and/or policy also a plus.
• 3-5 years of professional experience, preferably in policy development or providing legal support to urban refugee populations and /or with refugee children and at-risk women.
• 1-2 years working at the program management level, including leading or assisting with designing and implementing projects.
• Working knowledge of Kenya’s refugee crisis and issues related to women and girl rights.
• Experience carrying out research projects highly desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent reporting and organizational skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Kenyan citizenship required.
How to apply:
Send your CV, Cover Letter, and a Writing Sample to advocacy@heshimakenya.org by 9th July. Write “Advocacy and Legal Officer Application” in the subject line.
