Programme Officer (Legal Empowerment and AID Programme

The purpose of the position is to provide legal advice, representation and litigation services to clients, while providing programmatic support in planning, implementation, community engagement and mobilization, fundraising, and stakeholder partnerships primarily under LEAP and across KITUO’s programme areas. The position holder will be an integral member of KITUO’s public interest litigation team. Further, the holder will be assigned to a project or thematic area based on organizational need.

In addition, the position contributes to community empowerment through legal aid outreach, public education, and capacity-building of community paralegals. The Programme Officer supports case management, project planning, donor reporting, and stakeholder engagement that inform institutional learning and organizational growth.

Ultimately, the Programme Officer is responsible for ensuring that Kituo Cha Sheria’s legal and programme interventions are professional, client-centred, rights-based, and aligned with the organization’s mission of advancing social justice, human dignity, and equitable access to justice

A. Academic & Professional Qualifications

i. Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized institution.

ii. Postgraduate Diploma in Law from a recognized institution.

iii. Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

iv. Must have a current practicing certificate.

v. Additional professional training in human rights, public interest litigation, safeguarding or related areas, or relevant certificates, will be an added advantage.

B. Required Experience

i. Minimum of (3) years’ post-admission relevant professional experience, preferably within an NGO, human rights or legal aid environment.

ii. Demonstrable experience in litigation, legal aid and court representation.

iii. Experience in programme support, community legal outreach and stakeholder engagement.

iv. Experience in training and capacity building of community paralegals will be an added advantage.

v. Experience in safeguarding and/or working with vulnerable and marginalized communities will be an added advantage.

vi. Strong knowledge of human rights, access to justice and community empowerment.

C. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal research, analysis, and drafting skills, including pleadings, affidavits and legal opinions.

• Strong programme and project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and monitoring.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex legal issues for varied audiences, including community groups and vulnerable clients.

• Strong community engagement, facilitation, and training skills.

• Sound report writing and monitoring & evaluation skills.

• Effective stakeholder management, networking, and representation skills.

• Mentorship and capacity-building skills.

• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism, particularly when working with vulnerable or sensitive cases.

• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including documentation and record-keeping.

• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.