Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH-NL) is looking for a lawyer on pro bono basis, who will work closely with the TdH-NL and SAPCONE teams to provide legal aid services/ counsel for beneficiaries in the Ending Commercial Sexual Exploitation project in Turkana County, Kenya.
Start date: Immediate
Expected duration: June 2019- November 2020
Location: TdH-NL Office in Lodwar town, Turkana County
Time: During Office working hours (8-5pm) on need basis
Due to urgent need of the consultancy, proposals will be shortlisted on a rolling basis and we may offer the consultancy before the closing date. Only short-listed consultants will be contacted.
Objective of Assignment
The objective of the consultancy within the project is to:
Provide legal counsel and representation of at least 5 CSEC-related cases in Turkana County
Provide legal advice (including self representation sessions) for survivors/ vulnerable beneficiaries and their families, including the project partner
When called upon, provide support to the development of an access to justice concept note for TdH-NL’s Kenya Programme.
Scope of Work & Responsibilities
In consultation with the TdH-NL Kenya Country Programme the pro-bono lawyer shall:
Provide professional legal services to the requisite standards that include legal advice, counsel and representation to the project and its beneficiaries.
Provide legal advice and court representation for 5 survivors of CSEC.
Conduct or oversee legal intakes and the provision of information to clients.
One on one legal counseling and preparation of clients for court and interpretation of court documents (including self representation). This involves liaising with court to have efficient and expeditious prosecution of children cases that come through our organisation.
Perform case work including gathering facts and evidence, searching records and documents, conducting research, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information.
Maintain accurate and complete records and notes in a case management file concerning cases and beneficiaries supported.
Prepare and submit regular reports on the specific cases under the judicial system and their status.
Participate in case management meetings to give advice on various cases.
Support in the delivery of activities that are geared towards seeking justice against perpetrators and call upon the responsibility of authorities to strengthen legal frameworks to end CSEC such as the provision of legal information in forums, meetings and trainings.
(as need arises) Work closely with the SAPCONE psychosocial counselor to offer legal advice to survivors of CSEC on need basis.
Support research and learning on the cases including developing a publication for advocacy.
Support the Kenya Country Office in developing a concept note for access to justice for projects in Kenya.
Expected Deliverables
The lawyer will report to and liaise with the Lodwar-based Project Officer and SAPCONE Program Coordinator for support on a regular basis. The selected consultant should deliver the following:
5 cases related to CSEC identified and filed in court.
Legal representation and advice provided to 5 survivors of CSEC and their families.
Case filing system developed and maintained with up to date case reports.
Quarterly progress reports on the legal cases submitted to TdH-NL.
1 publication developed for advocacy.
1 handover report at the end of the contract period.
Proposed Timeline
It is expected that the work will start shortly after the signing of the contract in June 2019. The initial assignment is planned for one and a half years which is renewable based on the delivery of legal services and on the progress of the legal proceedings. The assignment is expected to be finished completely (final report submitted) not later than 30th November 2020.
Reporting
The lawyer will work under the direct and overall supervision of the Project Officer based in Lodwar. TdH-NL will be responsible for the provision of all the resources and support necessary for carrying out the assignment.
Requirements and Qualification
Undergraduate Degree in Law
Masters Degree in Law will be an added advantage
Have five (5) years experience as legal officer including experience in child rights
Must be able to work effectively and independently with minimum supervision
Possession of a valid Certificate of Good Conduct
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Proven research, writing and communication capability
Demonstrable commitment to social justice
Fluency in spoken and written English and Swahili
Terms and Conditions
The lawyer must be available to commence work immediately. The lawyer should adhere to general principles of professionalism and maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information.
Proprietary rights
Outputs delivered under this contract will remain the property of TdH- NL as per TdH-NL’s General Conditions of Contract for Consultants and Individual Contractors.
Ethics and child safeguarding
The lawyer and associates must sign and demonstrate commitment and strictly adhere to TdH-NL’s Child Safeguarding Policy. It is also the responsibility of the lawyer to ensure that all persons hired by her/him sign the policy and agree to abide by it during the execution of this work.
