Job Title: Program Manager – Defending Rights

Job Description:

Introduction: Natural Justice is actively seeking a full-time Program Manager to lead and advance the Defending Rights program within the East Africa Hub. The role encompasses strategic advocacy, environmental and climate litigation, partnership development, legal empowerment, and support for communities affected by large-scale projects. The successful candidate will be based in Nairobi, with frequent local, regional, and international travel.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Leadership:

• Provide effective leadership, mentorship, coaching, and team-building interventions.
• Oversee and support program activities and deliverables.

2. Strategic Planning and Project Development:

• Collaborate on the organization’s overall program strategy.
• Develop a litigation strategy, supporting and building environmental and climate cases.
• Implement and supervise the Defending Rights program in alignment with Natural Justice’s strategy.

3. Technical Advice:

• Provide technical and legal advice to partners, affected communities, and stakeholders.
• Lead drafting of legal documents for strategic litigation.
• Support community training on laws, policies, and processes impacting rights.

4. Policy and Legal Reform:

• Identify key policy issues and collaborators.
• Provide comments on relevant law and policy.
• Develop and implement a strategic advocacy policy for Defending Rights.

5. Legal Empowerment:

• Oversee paralegal projects and offer direct advice and assistance.
• Develop and deliver community training on laws and legal empowerment.
• Link litigation to advocacy campaigns.

6. Research and MERL:

• Collaborate on research tools and write research reports, concept documents, and organizational reports.
• Lead strategy planning and progress meetings, facilitating updates and learnings from across the region.

7. Partnerships, Networks, and Communication:

• Build and maintain networks and partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
• Support development of partnership documents.
• Write articles, comments, statements, blogs, and reports for public distribution.

8. Finance, Administration, Fundraising, and Reporting:

• Manage financial, administrative, and procurement processes.
• Manage individual budgets and provide financial guidance.
• Assist in identifying funding sources, preparing grant applications, and managing relationships with funders.

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Environmental Sciences, Human Rights, International Relations, or related field.
• Post-graduate degree in law or relevant social science discipline is desirable.
• 5 years of relevant work experience in environmental and/or climate change law.
• Understanding of Kenyan and regional legal systems and institutional arrangements.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in English and Kiswahili.

Competencies:

• High integrity aligned with Natural Justice’s core values.
• Proactive, motivated, able to work under minimal supervision.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with the team and develop relationships with grassroots groups and partners.
• Awareness and sensitivity to diverse cultures.
• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and personal initiative.
• Ability to mobilize communities and grasp new concepts quickly.
• Ability to work under pressure, balance priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently in Kenya and regionally.• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and personal initiative (“a self-starter”).

APPLICATIONS PROCESS: Applications should be submitted via e-mail to recruit@platinumadvisory.co.ke with ‘Application for the position of Program Manager – Defending Rights’ as the subject line. Applications must include:

• A cover letter.
• A detailed CV with three references.
• Do not attach testimonials or certificates.