LOCATION: DADAAB REFUGEE CAMP
REPORTING LINES:
Post holder reports to: Programme Officer-Legal and Psychosocial Programme, Nairobi
Staff reporting to this post: All staff at the field station – Dadaab refugee camp and Garissa sub office
RCK MISSION: To safeguard and protect the rights and dignity of forced migrants and host-communities through provision of legal aid, psychosocial support, advocacy, capacity building and promotion of inclusive governance.
JOB PURPOSE: To provide legal advice and procedural support to the organization on issues relating to and affecting displaced persons as well as administrative legal matters in an effective and efficient manner as the in charge of RCK Dadaab and Garissa field stations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage and coordinate the implementation of activities in RCK’s Dadaab and Garissa sub-offices.
Attend to clients and assess cases.
Lead a team of professional staff in attending to refugee clients.
Seek access to clients in detention, ascertaining the conditions under which such clients are being detained, and provide them with appropriate legal and other assistance in accordance with RCK policy.
As requested by the Programme Officer/ Executive Director, conduct investigations, participate in boards of inquiry and advising on appropriate action to be taken.
Prepare legal briefs and studies on a variety of legal issues and instruments.
Provide legal representation of refugees especially unaccompanied and separated minors, GBV survivors in court and in police stations.
Prepare responses to enquiries on legal issues of a refugee law /international law from RCK staff, governments, inter-governmental organizations, institutions, and the public.
Participate in capacity building of RCK’s stakeholders in relation to domestic and international law that relate to refugees and other forced migrants.
Prepare monthly reports and donor related reports within schedule.
Develop and maintain a database of and relations with internal /external referral partners.
Develop proposals and budgets for fundraising for program work.
Represent the organization in legal forums and disseminate information to other RCK programmes.
Monitor project implementation and keep RCK head office appraised of the project progress
Represent RCK with the regional/local governments, UN bodies and non-government organizations as well as stake holders’ forums in Dadaab camp as required.
Manage RCK assets in Dadaab refugee camp
Supervise RCK staff in Dadaab camp, oversee Garissa operations and coordinate administrative tasks.
Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required, commensurate with your grade.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelors degree in Law
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate
Atleast two years’ experience with an NGO dealing with protection work.
Knowledge of the Kenyan Legal system and of regional & international instruments on refugees.
Two years’ experience in a management position is an added advantage.
Experience in proposal writing, programme management, monitoring and evaluation.
Proven ability to build external relationships with diplomacy, tact and professionalism in a complex and demanding environment.
Demonstrated experience of people management and team-building.
Excellent written and presentation skills in English.
Must show ability to work in an isolated and challenging environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Job is complex, sensitive and stressful. Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel. Work may require frequent weekend and evening work as well as high degree of autonomy.
BEHAVIOUR COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: In-depth theoretical knowledge of and significant experience in relevant fields of refugee law, Strong analytical, problem solving and drafting skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues.
Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication (written, spoken and presentational) skills. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili. Knowledge of French is desired.
Technology Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software applications, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources, etc.
Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
Managing Performance: Ability to supervise, coach, mentor and develop junior staff as required
