Programme Officer – Electoral Justice

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or law from a recognized university.
  
• Those with degrees in law must be advocates of the High Court of Kenya, with a practicing certificate and in good standing.
  
• A minimum of 5 years of experience leading transformative electoral governance interventions, preferably in the NGO sector.
  
• A profound political understanding of elections and their connections with human rights and application in the promotion of democracy and the rule of law.
  
• A deep commitment to human rights and a solid grounding in the national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms.
  
• Ability to network with or develop a broad array of partnerships with both state and nonstate actors.
  
• Demonstrable experience working with or coordinating partners with community and national-level organizations and networks.
  
• Expertise in policy research and governance.
  
• Good understanding of programmes and project management.
  
• Willing to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision
  

Required Competencies

The job holder should possess the following skills and behavioural competencies:

• Passionate and committed to respect for human rights, diversity, integrity, and transparency.
  
• A proactive and spirited human rights defender.
  
• Planning, Organising and Delivery of Results
  
• Adapting and coping; demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
  
• Results-driven, flexible, analytical, and a practical problem solver.
  
• Ability to work with and in teams.
  
• Good communication skills, both written and spoken. Editorial capacity is critical.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player.
  
• Tangible experience in resource mobilization
  

Electoral transformation and justice - 80%

• Develop KHRC’s positions on a human rights-based and people/youth-centred electoral agenda/ manifesto on electoral and political governance in the society.
  
• Working with Civic Engagement and Rapid Response Officer, develop and implement a political education initiative on transformative leadership.
  
• Continuously ensure strategic linkages between electoral sovereignty and justice and other areas of KHRC’s work.
  
• Undertake legislative and policy advocacy on electoral and political reforms in the society.
  
• Lead the campaign for ethical and accountable leadership in partnership with the National Integrity Alliance, where KHRC is a member.
  
• Work with the research & documentation team to spearhead high-level research and conversations on electoral governance. This will also apply to election monitoring and observation.
  
• Work with the Urgent Action Team to institute public interest litigation of critical aspects of elections and the sovereignty of the people.
  
• Work with the Communications department to shape and drive accountability on electoral technology. Also, develop and manage a tech-based infrastructure.
  
• Lead in setting up and running strategic coalitions on electoral governance. Also represent KHRC in the national and transnational networks on elections.
  
• Spearhead human rights-based monitoring and observation of elections and key by-elections in the country and region.
  
• Monitor electoral governance trends and risks, deliver rapid analysis and responses to urgent situations, to guide KHRC’s strategic interventions.
  
• In consultation with relevant teams, follow up on electoral promises and the manifestos of political parties to mobilize communities to demand accountability.
  
• Represent KHRC in the key meetings and coalitions related to electoral justice.
  

Administration – 20%

• Engage in effective resource mobilization and utilization for your plans and interventions.
  
• Work closely with the relevant Programme leaders and members to mainstream electoral governance.
  
• Ensure timely reporting in line with KHRC and donors’ schedules and policies.
  
• Participate in the internal committees and overall activities/ affairs of the organization.
  
• Represent the KHRC in all the relevant networks and partnerships at all levels.
  
• Supervise researchers, interns, consultants, and other staff or human resources assigned to this project.
  
• Ensure compliance with KHRC policies, practices, and values.
  
• Undertake any other task as may be assigned by your supervisor from time to time.