Victim Advocates International Project Officer Jobs in Kenya

Victim Advocates International Project Officer Jobs in Kenya

Background to Organisation

Victim Advocates International (VAI) is a membership organisation for victims of serious international crimes. For too long, victims of serious international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, have been passive observers of foreign courts and justice mechanisms.

VAI was established to disrupt the way in which victims are viewed in international justice processes. It does this by increasing their influence through collective action, and by providing resources to support victim groups to pursue their vision of obtaining a form of justice that is meaningful for them.

Members of VAI have access to the VAI Secretariat- a resource hub where victim groups can request support to understand how they can interact with judicial mechanisms; access resources on how to develop their own movement; and connect with other victim groups around the globe to build solidarity.

VAI works with both established victim groups but also works with marginalised members of victim communities to create their own groups and develop their own vision for justice.

Description of the position

VAI is looking for a Nairobi-based Project Officer. The Project Officer would have a primary focus on our growing Africa portfolio – which includes victim groups in Somalia an Ethiopia – but would also have the opportunity to contribute to our work in other areas of the world.

This position would provide support to the VAI Secretariat – the central resource hub that is available for the victim associations in our membership to access to build their legal and advocacy strategies.

The Project Officer will provide support to members of the Secretariat in the areas of legal research, the provision of legal advice to the groups, advocacy, helping our members with their organisational development.

The overall impact of the position will be to assist the Secretariat in providing innovative, high-quality, relevant support in response to requests from victim associations and to ensure these groups have access to the resources available. The Project Officer would also need to take on administrative and logistical tasks, as necessary.

Work Arrangements

The position is a full-time role, primarily based in Nairobi, but some travel may be required. Preference will be given to experienced candidates that are eligible to work in Kenya.

Key responsibilities and results expected
Research

Conduct legal research and write legal briefs, including:

Into accountability avenues for groups in the region – including domestic courts, regional mechanisms and international or transnational options for pursuing justice.

Into case law from different national and international courts and justice mechanisms, to assist VAI lawyers in developing specific legal strategies,

Into the historical background to particular crimes and communities, fact patterns, and other desk-based research aimed at supporting legal interventions.

Conduct research into particular topics relating to supporting the victim groups, as dictated by the needs of these groups.

Undertaking analysis of VAI’s member groups and their activities view a view to establishing baselines, progress and impact of their activities.

Legal assistance to groups in VAI membership

Write interview transcripts into statements to be used in case documents and legal reports.

May need to conduct own interviews with victims and witnesses.

Submitting information to, and keeping information organised in, VAI’s secure legal database.

Advocacy and organisational development assistance to groups

Helping to develop training plans, modules and materials, and assisting in carrying our trainings – online and in person – with groups on advocacy and organisational development.

Providing advice and mentoring to the groups on their advocacy strategies and plans.

Assist in redrafting letters and statements produced by groups to effectively convey the message in English.

Advocacy and communications for VAI

Writing reports and updates for the VAI website based on activities undertaken.

Contribute material for VAI social media.

Circulate letters and statements written by VAI member groups to VAI’s network.

Administrative

Identify fundraising opportunities.

Other administrative tasks as required by the VAI Secretariat/ Admin and Finance Manager.

Skills and qualifications required

A minimum of two years of experience in a relevant field

A undergraduate degree in law is necessary, a post-graduate degree in law is preferred.

Experience in the area of international human rights law – either academically or in practice.

Strong researcher and excellent writer, with demonstrated skills in this area (candidates will be asked to share unedited writing samples).

Experience working directly with marginalised communities (including victims of crimes, refugees or other social minorities) is strongly preferred.

Ability to work proactively, take leadership, and volunteer ideas and strategic thinking is a must.

Sound computer skills.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

An affinity with VAI’s mission and values is a must.

Duration of Position

One year, including a three-month review period. The extension of contract will be conditional on the terms of this TOR being satisfactorily met during this period. The position has a possibility of extension, contingent on funding.

How to Apply

Send a CV and an expression of interest to c.brown@victimadvocatesinternational.org. Please specify in the email whether you have legal permission to work in Kenya.

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