Economic and Social Rights Centre (Hakijamii) is a national human rights organization that works with marginalized groups to claim their economic, social and cultural rights and improve their livelihoods. It is registered as an NGO under the NGO Coordination Act. It is headed by an Executive Director who reports to a Board of Directors, with its secretariat in Nairobi. The organization has strategic community partners in over 15 towns, namely Nairobi, Kisumu, Kitale, Eldoret, Garissa, Kakamega, Kisii, Migori, Homa-Bay, Turkana, Lamu, Mombasa amongst others.
Aware of the national and global character of the issues that it deals with, Hakijamii has established strategic partnerships that include being a founding member of the Kenya Land Alliance, member of Shelter Forum, the Urban Housing Coalition, founding member of the International Network on Economic and Social Rights where it serves in the Adjudication Working Group, the Optional Protocol to ICESCR Working Group and the Economic and Social Rights Monitoring Working Group. It also serves as a member of International Expert Advisory Board to the England Economic and Social and Rights (ESR) Monitoring Consortium.
Hakijamii envisions a society that is free of discrimination, exploitation and injustice and its mission is to strengthen the capacity of people’s organizations to effectively and directly participate in advocating and realizing their economic, social and cultural rights in Kenya. Throughout its existence the organization has been guided by the goal of promoting social movements to engage in realizing and promoting human rights-centered practices and policies. Its strategic objectives are:
- The progressive realization of economic and social rights through enhanced participatory and accountable policy, legislative and making using of national and international instruments.
- Partner communities effectively advocating for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights in Kenya using enhanced capacities and knowledge.
- Vibrant and effective national and international networks and partnerships to strengthen advocacy for ESC rights, improve knowledge and develop a human rights-based approaches.
- To be a recognized reference centre for information on policy making and programming on economic, social and cultural rights issues in Kenya.
In the last Five years Hakijamii has been expanding its work to address the new opportunities and challenges presented by the new Constitution. Hakijamii now seeks to recruit Program Officer, Education and Litigation.
JOB PURPOSE
This position’s function will be to engage in policy issues and provide opinion in relation to realization of right to education and other ECOSOC rights. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing the current legislation, and policies by identifying the gaps and providing recommendation towards progressive realization of the right to education. The person shall, among other things help in developing simplified training materials on right to education to be used by community networks.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Engage in policy, advocacy and strategic litigation on ESC rights in Kenya.
· Provide overall legal representation on economic and social rights issues.
· Provide high quality advice and training for the promotion of economic and social rights in
Kenya.
· Undertake legal research and provide opinion on the relevant areas on economic and social rights that Hakijamii works on.
· Review new and existing litigated files to create, update, or amend litigation plans
· Provide high quality legal advice and support to Hakijamii community partners.
· Assist the Executive Director in carrying out her/his functions by providing legal advice on emerging issues on economic and social rights and making recommendations in relation to a range of possible actions.
· Form and maintain good working relationships with all key partners including partners.
· Identify, file and follow up on high impact cases on economic and social right as may from time to time be determined by the Organization.
· Conduct research on the Project’s priority areas and track developments relating to the right to education and public interest litigation on ESC rights nationally and internationally.
· Draft reports, policy briefs and advocacy tools for education practitioners, to promote human rights based approach on education & other ESC rights.
· Engage with project partners, management and network with stakeholders (e.g., human rights lawyers, academics, civil society organizations, community networks, national and county government etc.)
· Contribute to the Project’s fundraising proposals and strategic planning
· Prepare write ups /report on general information on the right to education and public interest litigation on ESC rights to be uploaded into the organizational website which serves as a resource tool.
· Coordinate publication of quarterly newsletters.
· Conduct training workshops on the right to education and public interest litigation cases.
· Organize roundtables networking events and other activities to achieve the goal of the organization.
· Works together with Hakijamii management team for program development.
· Develop training guidelines and toolkits.
· Develops work plans, budgets and progress reports as required by Hakijamii, donors and other partners
· Maintain relationships with current and potential partners and network with other stakeholders.
· Identify and pursue fundraising opportunities, under the guidance of Hakijamii’s overall fundraising programme.
· Represent the organization to NGO partners, government officials, funding sources, other partners, beneficiaries, and at conferences and other outreach opportunities
· Ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of activities, reviews and finalize program reports.
· To undertake all such other functions as may, from time to time, be directed by the
Executive Director.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
· Have solid experience in international human rights, advocacy, social justice or related areas, with a good knowledge of economic, social and cultural rights especially education rights.
· Have a strong research background
· Have an understanding of the challenges faced in implementing economic, social rights and cultural able to demonstrate knowledge of how the law can address those challenges, including use of court procedures and other remedies;
· Have the capacity to establish and develop a litigation policy that can meet the aims of the organization;
· Demonstrate the capacity of analyzing complex legal problems rigorously and from all angles, showing practical judgment as well as academic ability;
· Have the vision to clearly articulate legal cases on economic, social and cultural rights in order to seek and secure long term sustainable enforcement of these rights.
· Possess a broad understanding of contemporary issues and challenges in implementing economic, social and cultural right (ESC Rights).
· Demonstrate knowledge of how the law and policies can address economic and social
rights issues.
· Understanding of human rights based monitoring, campaigning and advocacy strategies.
· Ability to frame complex policies, human rights and legal strategies.
· Good interpersonal, public relation and networking skills.
· Have the necessary skills to liaise with funders on progress towards clearly defined outcomes;
· Excellent analytical and research skills with exemplary writing skills
· Be self-motivated and well-organized
· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to deliver under pressure and meet strict deadlines
· Flexible and easy-going, but hard working and deeply committed to human rights
· Willing to travel regularly.
· Excellent verbal and written communication (English and Kiswahili) and computer skills
(Microsoft Office Programs).
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
· At least a Bachelor degree in relevant law.
· Be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
· Diploma in project management or community development
· Knowledge of international human rights law
· Masters degree will be an added advantage.
EXPERIENCE
· An advocate of the High Court of Kenya with at least two year post qualification
experience
· Knowledge of court procedures on strategic litigation
· Knowledge of contemporary issues on education and ESC rights.
· Experience of advocating on human rights
· Experience in working in a human rights organization.
· Knowledge of relevant international and domestic law on economic, social and cultural rights
· Experience in fundraising and project management.
· Experience in project management
· Knowledge of relevant international and domestic law on economic, social and cultural rights.
· Experience in fundraising and project management.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must submit 1) a cover letter and (2) a current curriculum vitae addressed to The Executive Director, Economic & Social Rights Centre – Hakijamii, P.O Box 11356-00100 Nairobi-Kenya.All application should be sent via email to esrc@hakijamii.com
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 9th March 2016.
