Programme Officer – Constitutionalism and Institutional Reforms
The Kenya Human Rights Commission(KHRC) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which was founded in 1992 and registered in Kenya in 1994 with a mandate to entrench human rights and democratic values in the society.
In 2012, the Commission evaluated its 2008-2012 strategic plans and developed an interim strategic plan for 2013-2018 in which it envisions: A human rights state and society and outlines its mission as to foster human rights, democratic values, human dignity and social justice.
This vision and mission will be driven by the goal and new mandate of enhancing human rights centred governance at all levels.
To this end, KHRC seeks to recruit dynamic, organized, motivated and results-oriented individuals.
The positions will be based in Nairobi, with extensive field work mostly within Kenya.
Overall purpose of the job
To contribute to the fulfilment of the organization’s Mission and strategic objectives by providing expertise in various aspects of constitutionalism and institutional reforms in line with KHRC’s policies and procedures and in support of our innovative and ground-breaking work in human rights.
To contribute to the fulfilment of the organization’s Mission and strategic objectives by providing expertise in various aspects of constitutionalism and institutional reforms in line with KHRC’s policies and procedures and in support of our innovative and ground-breaking work in human rights.
Contractual Period:
One year renewable contract based on performance and funding
One year renewable contract based on performance and funding
Target Group:
National, regional and international level grants makers and development partners.
National, regional and international level grants makers and development partners.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Programme Officer, Civil and Political Rights, the Programme Officer will:
Lead in monitoring the compliance of the culture of constitutionalism by both state and non-state actors at the national, regional and international levels in line with the relevant legal instruments and mechanisms;
Work with the various constitutional commissions to identify capacity gaps on their effectiveness with regard to their powers, functions & responsibilities and where possible, develop mutual strategies of redressing the identified capacity gaps;
Research on the options for fostering of human rights based alternative dispute resolution mechanisms;
Train county assembly members from select counties on policy formulation and legislation;
Work both independently and in partnership with other actors to review the state of reforms within the justice sector in Kenya;
Lead in conducting periodic litigation surgeries on constitutional references and advisory opinions (where possible in consultation with the Programme Officer – Legal Affairs);
Develop a framework on minimum human rights standards on constitution making in select countries;
Foster strategic partnerships with both state and non-state actors at both the national, regional and international levels;
Supervise researchers, interns and other staff or human resources assigned to this project.
Ensuring timely reporting and accountability in line with KHRC’s schedules and policies.
Undertaking other tasks and interventions as may be assigned from time to time by your immediate supervisor.
Reporting to the Senior Programme Officer, Civil and Political Rights, the Programme Officer will:
Lead in monitoring the compliance of the culture of constitutionalism by both state and non-state actors at the national, regional and international levels in line with the relevant legal instruments and mechanisms;
Work with the various constitutional commissions to identify capacity gaps on their effectiveness with regard to their powers, functions & responsibilities and where possible, develop mutual strategies of redressing the identified capacity gaps;
Research on the options for fostering of human rights based alternative dispute resolution mechanisms;
Train county assembly members from select counties on policy formulation and legislation;
Work both independently and in partnership with other actors to review the state of reforms within the justice sector in Kenya;
Lead in conducting periodic litigation surgeries on constitutional references and advisory opinions (where possible in consultation with the Programme Officer – Legal Affairs);
Develop a framework on minimum human rights standards on constitution making in select countries;
Foster strategic partnerships with both state and non-state actors at both the national, regional and international levels;
Supervise researchers, interns and other staff or human resources assigned to this project.
Ensuring timely reporting and accountability in line with KHRC’s schedules and policies.
Undertaking other tasks and interventions as may be assigned from time to time by your immediate supervisor.
Qualifications and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science or other related disciplines.
A minimum 3-4 years of related experience preferably in the NGO sector. Previous exposure to work at the regional or international levels will be an added advantage.
Ability to network with or develop a broad array of partnerships with both state and non-state actors.
A solid understanding of the human rights discourse and its application in the promotion of democracy and electoral governance.
Proven track record in undertaking research, policy/legislative work and advocacy on governance and human rights issues.
Demonstrable experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods including experience of developing human rights-based indicators.
Demonstrable experience working with or coordinating partners with community and national levels organizations and networks.
Good understanding of programmes and project management.
A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science or other related disciplines.
A minimum 3-4 years of related experience preferably in the NGO sector. Previous exposure to work at the regional or international levels will be an added advantage.
Ability to network with or develop a broad array of partnerships with both state and non-state actors.
A solid understanding of the human rights discourse and its application in the promotion of democracy and electoral governance.
Proven track record in undertaking research, policy/legislative work and advocacy on governance and human rights issues.
Demonstrable experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods including experience of developing human rights-based indicators.
Demonstrable experience working with or coordinating partners with community and national levels organizations and networks.
Good understanding of programmes and project management.
Personal Attributes and Skills
Passionate and committed to human rights including respect for diversity, integrity and transparency.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player.
Results-driven, flexible, analytical and a practical problem solver.
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Ability to fundraise and mobilize resources.
Passionate and committed to human rights including respect for diversity, integrity and transparency.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player.
Results-driven, flexible, analytical and a practical problem solver.
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Ability to fundraise and mobilize resources.
How to apply
If you believe you fit the profile, submit your application and CV detailing your suitability for the post and including daytime telephone contact and three referees, preferably your current or previous line managers tovacancies@khrc.or.ke quoting the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line.
If you believe you fit the profile, submit your application and CV detailing your suitability for the post and including daytime telephone contact and three referees, preferably your current or previous line managers tovacancies@khrc.or.ke quoting the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line.
The closing date for this position is on July 26, 2013.
