Kenya FIELD PROGRAM LEGAL OFFICER

ABOUT IDLO
IDLO is an intergovernmental organization that promotes legal, regulatory, and institutional reform to advance economic and social development in transitional and developing countries.
Founded in 1983 and one of the leaders in rule of law assistance, IDLO's comprehensive approach achieves enduring results by mobilizing stakeholders at all levels of society to drive institutional change. Because IDLO wields no political agenda and has deep expertise in all legal systems and emerging global issues, people and interest groups of differing ideologies trust IDLO. It has direct access to government leaders, institutions, and multilateral organizations in developing countries, including lawyers, jurists, policymakers, regulators, advocates, academics, and civil society representatives.
Since its establishment, IDLO has worked with more than 20,000 legal professionals in 175 countries. Its network of forty-six independent national alumni associations, with membership drawn from legal, business, academic, and civil society communities, gives it a unique ability to create opportunity for those most in need.
IDLO has its Headquarters in Rome, Italy and Regional Centers in Cairo, Egypt (covering Arabic-speaking countries) and Sydney, Australia (covering the Asia Pacific region). IDLO currently operates a program office in Afghanistan and Kenya, and project offices in Kyrgyzstan, and Southern Sudan.
For more information, please visit IDLO’s website at www.idlo.int.
IDLO EXPERIENCE IN KENYA:
IDLO has been providing training and technical assistance to the Kenyan legal and judicial sector for over20 years, including: training for over 230 Kenyan legal professionals and government officials; technical assistance in forming a Kenyan NGO whose mandate is to continue providing legal training for others; technical assistance in the establishment of the Kenyan Judicial Training Institute and ongoing training technical assistance to the Kenya Investment Authority.
Most recently, IDLO provided assistance to the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review in the design and drafting of the draft Constitution. Subsequently, and in partnership with a range of civil society organizations, IDLO undertook civic education initiatives to prepare for the Constitutional referendum.
THE CONSULTANCY:
The IDLO Program titled “Supporting the Kenyan Constitutional Implementation Process” aims to support Kenya in the effective, efficient, and sustainable implementation process of the 2010 Constitution, by assisting with drafting new legislation in accordance with the Constitution and international best practices, building long-term legislative capacity, and improving application of the new legislation. The focus throughout the Program will be on capacity building for Kenyan institutions and individuals.
Reporting to and under the direct supervision of the Field Program Manager, the Field Program Legal Officer (FPLO) will support the project implementation to ensure timely and effective achievement of the project objectives; support project monitoring and documentation and provide regular reports to the Field Program Manager on Program Implementation and technical inputs as required for IDLO Nairobi project concept papers and proposals; work in close cooperation with IDLO Nairobi partners including the Kenya Law Reform Commission, the State Law Office, the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution, the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs, the Law Society of Kenya as well as development partners (including donors), civil society and other stakeholders, to achieve the aims of the Program.
The FPLO will also be expected to work in close collaboration with the Field Operations Unit in IDLO Rome Headquarters.
Specific tasks will include:
- Legal research and analysis;
- Administrative and technical support to the Field Program manager and visiting experts;
- Drafting reports of events and meetings;
- Representing IDLO at meetings on request of Field Program Manager;
- Gathering and organizing data relating to the Project Monitoring Plan;
- Providing regular input into the design of project activities.
- Any other tasks as reasonably requested by the Field Program Manager
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
IDLO Nairobi seeks a Field Program Legal Officer (FPLO) with a genuine interest and passion for the organization’s mission as well as for the importance of its operations in Kenya. IDLO will give strong consideration to candidates who have specific experience in constitutional implementation/legislative reform work or projects in Kenya.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
The successful candidate will have a law degree, with 3-5 years experience in legal and development sector.
The candidate will be familiar with results-based management approaches to program management. Recent experience and knowledge of the Kenyan legal and political system, and the relevant institutions, is a significant advantage.
Candidates must bring excellent oral and written communication skills as he/she will be required to interact closely with government departments, ministries, and other high-level officials.
The selected candidate will bring a high level of motivation, excellent judgment, a responsible attitude, and team spirit to this role. He/she will have the knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues and project stakeholders.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency or a working knowledge of Kiswahili is advantageous.
PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT
The initial contract will be for twelve months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funds. The successful candidate should be prepared to commence in November, 2011.
HOW TO APPLY:
IDLO is Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.
Please send your application consisting of a cover letter and CV with contacts of 3 referees via e mail to:
The Field Program Manager,
IDLO Field Program Office Nairobi;
E mail address: emuthoni@idlo.int;
So as to reach us on or before the 10 October, 2011. We regret we will only be able to get back to shortlisted candidates