The Legal Fellow, Africa will work under the supervision of the Regional Manager for Africa and will work closely with other Africa program staff to support and build the work of the regional program in all areas of work.
This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Responsibilities:
The Legal Fellow’s primary job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Conduct legal and policy research and analysis on international law, human rights law, and foreign and comparative law, especially laws in Africa that impact women’s reproductive rights in the region;
Support the Africa Program’s litigation strategy by developing factual records and drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, and amicus briefs, including conducting fact-checking and citation work, on comparative and international human rights law and claims for use in national, regional, and/or international fora;
Support the Africa Program’s strategy on the implementation of decisions and friendly settlements;
Support the research and drafting of publications and other materials to advance the Africa Program’s work and help coordinate the production of publications;
Support the Africa team in providing technical assistance to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders;
Participate in and draft submissions to UN and regional human rights bodies, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and UN treaty monitoring bodies;
Prepare and/or translate materials for advocacy in Africa regional and international fora;
Support the Africa team in preparing presentations for conferences and meetings;
Assist the Legal Adviser for Africa with the coordination of the internship program and with the supervision of interns, volunteers, and pro bono lawyers;
Represent the Center externally on matters related to reproductive rights through public speaking, as required;
Support operational activities of the Africa Program, as needed, including maintaining filing systems, maintaining relationships with NGO partners in the region, liaising with the New York office, assisting with organizing program-related events and meetings, and assisting with the development of internal procedures for print and electronic media;
Institutional responsibilities such as monthly programmatic update, monitoring and evaluation, tracking lobbying and press mentions; and
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Strong commitment to the Center’s mission, purpose, and values;
Degree in law required;
1-2 years of experience strongly preferred;
Fluency in English is required;
Knowledge of international human rights and women’s rights;
Knowledge of reproductive rights or women’s health rights issues is a strong plus;
Capable of complex legal analytical work;
Excellent writing, editing, research, and oral advocacy skills;
Self-motivated;
Ability to work collaboratively, to multi-task, and to work under pressure; and
Ability to travel regionally.
Compensation: The Center offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits program.