Programme Officer – Transitional Justice
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 transitional justice work and 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 transitional justice work and 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.
Target Group:
National, regional and international level grants makers and development partners.
One year renewable contract based on performance and funding.
Target Group:
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 position will:
1. IDP Protection
Participate in meetings on the constitution and agenda setting for the National Consultative Coordination Committee (NCCC) established under the IDP Act;
Carry out outreach and sensitization of IDPs on the provisions of the IDP Act (including purchase of copies of the Act and developing an abridged version);
Participate in the Protection Working Group on Internal Displacement (PWGID) meetings and its Advocacy Sub-group;
Coordinate in the research and preparation of reports and policy briefs on the implementation of the IDP Act and the protection and assistance of IDPs;
Conceptualize and organize stakeholder forums including the IDP-Network reflections;
Develop an abridged version of the IDP Act and conduct sensitization forums with the IDP Network;
Carry out periodic assessment and reporting on the situation of IDPs in select camps across Kenya;
Develop an Incident, Impact and Redress Assessment (IIRA) tool;
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships and engagements at the national and international levels on the durable solutions for IDPS.
2. Land Rights Advocacy
Appraise the NLC of the historical and contemporary lands issues and submit various policy proposals for consideration;
Facilitate dialogue between the NLC, landless communities/HURINETs and various land experts;
Contribute to the development of an Action Plan by the NLC in relation to its mandate. Participate in the consultative meetings and prepare reports;
Coordinate research and other interventions to ensure accountability and equity in the governance of land based resources;
Develop a framework for equitable access, use and sharing of accrued benefit sharing natural resources which incorporates national, county and community considerations;
Engage in the development and implementation of laws and policies on natural resources management and governance-land, energy, oil, environment, minerals, wild life, evictions etc.
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships and engagements at the national and international levels on land reforms and governance.
3. Mau Mau Case Advocacy
Oversee implementation of the Mau Mau reparations process;
Oversee the development of a monument for Mau Mau Veterans;
Oversee the setting up of the Mau Mau Resource Centre;
Collaborate with curriculum developers for a holistic Mau Mau narrative;
Organize periodical meetings with the Mau Mau War Veterans.
4. Leadership on other TJ issues at National Level
Develop strategies around the implementation of the transitional justice agenda in Kenya;
Lead in the memories and commemorative events for victims and liberation organizations-e.g Mekatilili Festival, International Day Against Torture, Fr. Kaiser Anniversary etc);
Provide support to and organize periodical meetings for the victims of historical injustices and other state and non-state actors-including the Kenya Transitional Justice Network;
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships and engagements at the national and international levels on justice for victims of past human rights violations.
5. Supervise researchers, interns and other staff or human resources assigned to this project.
6. Ensuring timely reporting and accountability in line with KHRC’s schedules and policies.
7. 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 position will:
1. IDP Protection
Participate in meetings on the constitution and agenda setting for the National Consultative Coordination Committee (NCCC) established under the IDP Act;
Carry out outreach and sensitization of IDPs on the provisions of the IDP Act (including purchase of copies of the Act and developing an abridged version);
Participate in the Protection Working Group on Internal Displacement (PWGID) meetings and its Advocacy Sub-group;
Coordinate in the research and preparation of reports and policy briefs on the implementation of the IDP Act and the protection and assistance of IDPs;
Conceptualize and organize stakeholder forums including the IDP-Network reflections;
Develop an abridged version of the IDP Act and conduct sensitization forums with the IDP Network;
Carry out periodic assessment and reporting on the situation of IDPs in select camps across Kenya;
Develop an Incident, Impact and Redress Assessment (IIRA) tool;
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships and engagements at the national and international levels on the durable solutions for IDPS.
2. Land Rights Advocacy
Appraise the NLC of the historical and contemporary lands issues and submit various policy proposals for consideration;
Facilitate dialogue between the NLC, landless communities/HURINETs and various land experts;
Contribute to the development of an Action Plan by the NLC in relation to its mandate. Participate in the consultative meetings and prepare reports;
Coordinate research and other interventions to ensure accountability and equity in the governance of land based resources;
Develop a framework for equitable access, use and sharing of accrued benefit sharing natural resources which incorporates national, county and community considerations;
Engage in the development and implementation of laws and policies on natural resources management and governance-land, energy, oil, environment, minerals, wild life, evictions etc.
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships and engagements at the national and international levels on land reforms and governance.
3. Mau Mau Case Advocacy
Oversee implementation of the Mau Mau reparations process;
Oversee the development of a monument for Mau Mau Veterans;
Oversee the setting up of the Mau Mau Resource Centre;
Collaborate with curriculum developers for a holistic Mau Mau narrative;
Organize periodical meetings with the Mau Mau War Veterans.
4. Leadership on other TJ issues at National Level
Develop strategies around the implementation of the transitional justice agenda in Kenya;
Lead in the memories and commemorative events for victims and liberation organizations-e.g Mekatilili Festival, International Day Against Torture, Fr. Kaiser Anniversary etc);
Provide support to and organize periodical meetings for the victims of historical injustices and other state and non-state actors-including the Kenya Transitional Justice Network;
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships and engagements at the national and international levels on justice for victims of past human rights violations.
5. Supervise researchers, interns and other staff or human resources assigned to this project.
6. Ensuring timely reporting and accountability in line with KHRC’s schedules and policies.
7. 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 transitional justice, land reforms, internal displacements and the related 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.
Willing to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
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 transitional justice, land reforms, internal displacements and the related 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.
Willing to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
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.
