Programme Officer (Legal Empowerment And Aid Programme – Leap)

The Programme Officer will provide legal advice, representation, and litigation services to clients while supporting programmatic planning, implementation, community engagement, fundraising, and stakeholder partnerships under the Legal Empowerment and Aid Programme (LEAP) and across KITUO's programme areas. The role involves case management, project planning, donor reporting, and stakeholder engagement to advance social justice and equitable access to justice.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrates passion for defending human rights, promoting equality, and challenging injustice.