Programme Officer (Legal Empowerment And Aid Programme – Leap) at Kituo Cha Sheria (KITUO)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION


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.


KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties of the Programme Officer- LEAP are:

Legal Aid and Client Support


Provide legal advice, information and guidance to clients seeking assistance from Kituo.
Conduct client screening and assessment of legal needs.
Provide legal aid services to vulnerable and marginalized clients in accordance with Kituo's policies and procedures.
Identify cases suitable for legal intervention, litigation, referral or other appropriate mechanisms.
Maintain confidentiality and ensure that client matters are handled professionally and ethically.
Follow up on client cases and provide appropriate updates on progress and next steps.


Litigation and Court Representation


Manage and follow up on assigned litigation matters to ensure that cases progress effectively and within applicable timelines.
Draft pleadings, affidavits, submissions, applications and other legal documents.
Attend court regularly and represent clients in assigned matters.
Monitor court proceedings and provide timely updates to the Programme on case developments.
Prepare case reports and maintain accurate records of litigation matters.
Identify new cases and matters requiring public interest litigation or other legal intervention.


Programme Support


Support the planning, coordination and implementation of programme activities, including legal aid clinics, awareness forums, workshops and trainings.
Support case management, including maintenance of client records, referrals and liaison with relevant stakeholders.
Provide legal information and guidance to clients under appropriate professional and organizational procedures.
Contribute to the development of programme workplans, activity schedules and implementation strategies.
Contribute to the preparation of programme reports, proposals and concept notes.
Participate in relevant programme working groups and meetings.


Legal Research and Programme Documentation


Conduct legal research on issues relevant to Kituo's programmes and areas of intervention.
Support the preparation of legal and programme documents.
Document case studies, success stories, lessons learned and emerging legal issues.
Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and learning activities through collection and analysis of relevant programme information.
Support the preparation of periodic programme reports highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations.


Community Legal Aid and Capacity Building


Participate in legal aid outreaches and community-based legal assistance activities.
Conduct legal awareness and community empowerment activities.
Support the training and capacity building of community paralegals.
Participate in fact-finding activities where required to support legal aid, litigation or programme interventions.


Stakeholder Engagement


Support coordination and communication with community partners, local leaders, civil society organizations and government agencies.
Represent Kituo and the Programme in relevant stakeholder meetings and working groups as delegated.
Maintain effective working relationships with programme partners and other justice sector stakeholders.
Support the development and dissemination of legal information and programme materials.


Other Duties


Perform any other duties assigned by Management from time to time.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Academic & Professional Qualifications


Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized institution.
Postgraduate Diploma in Law from a recognized institution.
Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Must have a current practicing certificate.
Additional professional training in human rights, public interest litigation, safeguarding or related areas, or relevant certificates, will be an added advantage.


Required Experience


Minimum of (3) years' post-admission relevant professional experience, preferably within an NGO, human rights or legal aid environment.
Demonstrable experience in litigation, legal aid and court representation.
Experience in programme support, community legal outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Experience in training and capacity building of community paralegals will be an added advantage.
Experience in safeguarding and/or working with vulnerable and marginalized communities will be an added advantage.
Strong knowledge of human rights, access to justice and community empowerment.


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.


BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES


Demonstrates passion for defending human rights, promoting equality, and challenging injustice.
Upholds strict ethical responsibility, confidentiality, and impartiality in handling sensitive matters.
Sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and identity-related differences among clients and communities.
Ability to work cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams—including programme staff, finance, and community partners.
Ability to assess risks, propose creative solutions, and respond effectively to emerging issues.
Demonstrates ability to take initiative, manage assignments independently, and represent the organization with confidence and professionalism.


REPORTING & SUPERVISION


The Programme Officer will report directly to the Programme Manager, depending on the assigned project.


The Officer will work closely with:


Programme teams
Other Programme Officers
Legal Assistants; Assistant Programme Officers
Community volunteers and partners
Administrative and finance teams
Regular performance reviews will be conducted to align responsibilities with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
The position may require travel to project sites, community areas, courts, and partner meetings as part of routine duties.


EXPECTED OUTPUTS

Legal Aid & Client Support Outputs


High-quality legal advice and support provided to clients in a timely manner.
Accurate and up-to-date client files and case records.


Litigation & Court Outputs


Well-drafted pleadings, affidavits and submissions prepared on schedule.
Regular court attendance with accurate case progress reports.


Programme Support Outputs


Legal aid clinics, forums, workshops and trainings conducted as planned.
Updated case management records, referrals and stakeholder liaison notes.


Legal Research & Documentation Outputs


Legal research findings, case studies and lessons learned documented.
Programme reports capturing achievements, challenges and recommendations.


Community Legal Aid & Capacity Building Outputs


Legal aid outreach and awareness activities conducted as scheduled.
Community paralegals trained with improved capacity.


Stakeholder Engagement Outputs


Active engagement with community partners, CSOs and government agencies documented.
Meeting records and partnership updates maintained.


Reporting & Project Outputs


Monthly, quarterly, and donor reports submitted on time.
Updated activity logs, monitoring records, and case/impact data.
Compliance with project indicators and targets.


DURATION & REMUNERATION


This is a fixed-term contract position, renewable subject to performance, funding availability, and organizational needs.
Remuneration and benefits shall be determined in accordance with Kituo Cha Sheria's salary structure for Programme Officers.


The role may include:


Health insurance (as per organizational policy)
Field travel allowances
Professional development opportunities
Access to training, workshops, and continuous learning activities