The Role: In consultation with the Snr. Regional Director, the Technical Lead for Africa will support progress towards the Center’s strategic goals by translating and ensuring proper application of the organization’s mission, vision, strategic plan, and program strategies; providing high level oversight and technical direction to our legal and subject matter experts to support program implementation; and ensuring all program work is technically sound and compliant. The Technical Lead will be a legal expert experienced in supporting strategies such as public interest litigation, advocacy and capacity-building. The Technical Lead reports directly to the Snr. Regional Director for Africa and will supervise the Snr Counsel and Snr. Legal Advisers, working closely with other staff in the Africa team and across the Global Legal Program. The position will be based at the Center’s Nairobi, Kenya office.
This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Technical Oversight And Supervision
Primary Responsibilities:
Partner with the Snr. Regional Director and Deputy Director in advancing the Center’s strategic plan, including annual planning and implementation;
In consultation with the Snr. Regional Director, provide technical direction and ensure delivery of the Center’s program in the region and ensure compliance to defined quality of program delivery;
In consultation with the Snr. Program Manager and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning team, ensure timely support for M&E and ground monitoring and tracking of programs technical outputs;
Support the Snr. Regional Director with recruitment, onboarding and professional development of program staff; and
Supervise the Snr. Counsel and Snr. Legal Advisers.
Litigation And Advocacy
In consultation with the Snr. Regional Director, work with the Regional Snr. Legal Advisers in identifying opportunities for litigation in collaboration with partner organizations;
Develop and oversee implementation of legal strategies and new legal theories for defensive and proactive litigation;
Oversee the design and implementation of advocacy strategies to support litigation;
Monitor reproductive rights litigation (i.e., non-Center litigation involving reproductive rights issues);
Monitor significant human rights cases in the region which are relevant to reproductive rights issues; and
In consultation with Deputy Director, ensure alignment of region’s litigation, advocacy and research outputs to the Center’s global strategies and standards.
Research And Advocacy
Lead the design and execution of general legal research on reproductive rights in the region and identify and analyze key trends on sexual reproductive health and rights;
Contribute to the development of advocacy strategies, materials and Center publications; and
Identify opportunities for contributing to legal and policy reform initiatives that relate to key strategic priorities.
External Relations And Fundraising
In consultation with the Snr. Regional Director, represent the Center externally on matters related to reproductive rights through public speaking and through engagement with the media, as required;
Serve as the point person for the Africa program’s pro bono coordination; cultivate pro bono partnerships and develop projects with law firms, law associations, and law schools in the region to strengthen our work;
Support the Snr. Regional Director in building and maintaining strong partner relationships and developing networks with key technical staff within strategic institutions to advance the program’s work; and
Support the Snr. Regional Director in fundraising efforts.
Qualifications
Strong commitment to the Center’s mission, purpose, and values;
6 years of demonstrated experience litigating human rights cases and/or working for an international or regional human rights body or a national court adjudicating cases through a human rights framework
Demonstrated international experience and expertise, including experience living and working at the field level in Africa/ Global South;
Strong people management skills with the ability to develop others and to impart knowledge and experience in an accessible and clear manner;
Good judgment, outstanding coordination and analytical skills;
Sophisticated understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights;
Effective and persuasive communications and presentation skills, both written and verbal;
Familiarity with international and regional human rights law and knowledge of human rights systems and mechanisms;
Strong training and facilitation skills in international, multicultural settings;
Excellent presentation, research, writing, analytical and creative thinking skills;
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal as well as external partners and other organizations;
Experience in developing and managing monitoring and learning systems;
Experience in program budgeting and contracts;
Excellent interpersonal and networking skills coupled with the ability to build strong and lasting relationships;
Strong network of contacts in key spaces and organizations in the field of SRHR and law reform in the region;
Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in law; and,
Minimum 9+ years of related experience in developing and implementing programs, particularly in Africa/Global South.
Critical Competencies
Collaborative: Brings a track record of working effectively with various and diverse individuals and groups. A willingness to actively listen and invite different views and opinions across all levels of the institution to build alignment in support of a common goal.
Innovative: Demonstrated ability to be innovative and highly productive, with a focus on excellence in a high energy, fast moving, deadline-oriented environment
Initiative: Effectively responds to pressure or crisis situations and acts professionally. Uses resources well. Follows through on ideas, assignments and open issues. Must possess a “can-do” and “will-do” attitude.
Commitment to learning: Applies a growth mentality to their own development and pushes self and others to work out of comfort zone. Promotes a culture of learning by modeling inquisitiveness and an openness to viewing mistakes as an opportunity to learn and improve
Integrity: Possesses impeccable integrity and personal and professional values that are consistent with the Center’s high standards and mission.
Transparency: Consistently applies openness and honesty in communicating decisions and plans to team members.
Adaptive/flexible: Has a can do/will do attitude and demonstrates comfort with ambiguity and calculated risk-taking.
Empathy: An empathetic, approachable team player who engenders trust and confidence, with an inherent ability to interact positively with all members of the Center staff.
Independent Worker/Thinker: Must have the ability to work independently and in a team setting.
Confident: Must possess and exhibit a level of confidence in themselves and his/her work but be able to take direction and criticism professionally.
Results Oriented: Ability to achieve results and complete assignments in a timely manner.
Compensation: The Center offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits program.
How to Apply: Please complete the application below to apply. A cover letter and resume must be included in your application. Please include these application materials as attachments.
Deadline for applications: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The Center for Reproductive Rights is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage people from all groups and communities to apply.
Please note that all genuine Center openings must be applied through the Center website. The Center does not charge a fee at any stage in the recruitment process (application, interviews, or selection). Nor does it request any medical examinations or bank account inform as part of this process. If someone contacts you on behalf of the Center requesting payment for your application please notify careers@reprorights.org before taking any further action.
