Legal Adviser, Africa

The Role:

Reporting to the Senior Legal Adviser, the Legal Adviser will work closely with other African program staff to support and build the work of the regional program in all areas of work.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Support program strategy on litigation, including helping identify potential strategic cases at the national and regional levels in collaboration with partner organizations. Research and write legal memoranda on comparative and international human rights law and claims for use in national, regional, and international fora. Support strategic litigation in Kenya by representing the Center in court as needed. Draft pleadings and submissions for human rights and criminal cases in Kenya. Support legal and policy research and analysis of national laws and policies and international and regional human rights standards. Support the design and implementation of advocacy and capacity-building strategies by liaising with and providing technical support to partners. Contribute to developing advocacy materials and publications to advance program work. Support the development and implementation of communication strategies focusing on African programs. Conduct human rights trainings and awareness sessions with partners as needed. Represent the Center externally on matters related to reproductive rights, including through public speaking and engaging with the media as required. Help identify, build, and maintain partnerships with NGOs and key stakeholders as needed. Monitor compliance with international obligations relating to reproductive rights and jurisprudential developments. Contribute to the annual and strategic planning process as needed. Support other program management and operational activities as necessary.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in law is required. At least five years of progressively responsible professional legal experience with a local law firm, International Organization, Non-Governmental Organization, Donor Agency, or Embassy. Member of the Law Society of Kenya and holds a valid practicing certificate. Commitment and knowledge of human rights and human rights systems, women’s and reproductive rights. Possessing the necessary legal training and skills, including the capability of complex legal research and analysis, is required. Experience in national and regional litigation and advocacy. Excellent writing, editing, oral communications, and interpersonal skills are critical for successful performance. Fluency in written and spoken English.

The Legal Adviser, Africa, will be based in Nairobi and require frequent travel within Kenya and Africa. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? At the Center, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Behavioral Competencies:

Develop & Manage Self & Others: Takes ownership of individual growth in order to achieve full potential; recognizes the value of direct reports and helps them develop their full potential while also achieving set objectives.  Collaboration (People First): Works intra- and/or cross-departmentally to support the goals and overarching strategies of the Center and its strategic plan. Feedback (Improve & Innovate): Actively engaged in feedback cycles: Gives and requests feedback to and from peers, supervisors and direct reports about work products, behaviors, values, style, and approaches with a view on how this impacts self, other individuals, and teams. Accountability: Follow-through on each commitment made to individual contributors, teams and partners and proactively informs others of any delays that occur along the way.

Work Competencies:

Project Management: Works effectively on project teams in order to achieve long-term project goal and objectives. Problem Solve & Make Decisions: Identifies, analyzes and resolves existing and anticipated problems, using common sense to make timely decisions in order to reach the best solutions for the organization. Internal/External Focus: Anticipates internal and external partner’s needs; assesses requirements and identifies new solutions that align with overall goals and objectives of the organization. Communication & Influence: Communicates with and influences others to gain agreement and commitment to the strategic goals of the organization.

Compensation: The salary for this position is KES 5,400,000. This salary is reflective of a position based in Nairobi, Kenya. This salary will be subject to a locality adjustment, if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting. Note that most of the salaries listed on our job postings reflect New York, NY salaries, where our National offices are headquartered.

Benefits:

Health: The Center pays up to 95%* of the premium for a comprehensive health insurance plan with no in-network deductible and best-in-class reproductive healthcare coverage, including infertility. The Center also offers Dental and Vision coverage. (* % may differ in various countries) Flexibility: The Center currently operates in a hybrid model, allowing staff to work 3 days in the office and work 2 days from home Well-being: The Center offers resources to help prevent and recover from burnout through different programs that enable mental, physical and community well-being. The Center offers generous leave including paid parental leave, personal days, vacation, and sick leave. We are also closed the last week of December to allow staff to spend time with their loved ones. Growth: You will be working with and learning from some of the top legal and operational minds, all passionate about the mission of advancing reproductive rights around the world. You will also be eligible for a stipend to use towards professional growth. Global: You will get a front-row seat to update on the fight for reproductive rights in the global space. You will also have access to Employee Resource Groups to connect to colleagues that share similar interests/backgrounds/views. Investment: After the first year of employment, the Center will contribute 7.5%* of your annual salary to a 401(k) (* only applicable in US and Kenya) 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Center is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage people from all communities to apply. If you are excited about this role and unsure about whether your past experience aligns with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Our hiring processes and our work culture offer support and flexibility for staff with a variety of needs. Should you face an accessibility barrier in the application and interview process please let us know by contacting talent@reprorights.org. We will work with you to provide the accommodation that works best for you. 

To learn more about the Center’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), please visit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Center for Reproductive Rights

Learn more about the Center for Reproductive Rights, go to www.reproductiverights.org