JOB SUMMARY

Our client is seeking to onboard a Head of Litigation(HOL). The Head of Litigation will be a visionary and results-driven Head of Litigation to lead and grow our Strategic Litigation Unit into a regional center of legal excellence.

The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years’ post-admission experience and a proven track record in strategic litigation at all levels of Kenya’s judiciary—including the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

The candidate will also contribute to the unit’s fundraising efforts, strengthen its operational capacity, and embed strategic litigation as a core lever for systemic change in health-related human rights.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping precedent-setting jurisprudence and influencing health and human rights policy at national and regional levels.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and grow the Strategic Litigation Unit by mentoring team members, strengthening internal legal capacity, and fostering a culture of strategic thinking and excellence

Manage and coordinate outside counsel to meet the organization’s day-to-day legal needs.

Use law creatively and strategically as a tool to advance health-related human rights.

Oversee the docket of strategic litigation cases, providing guidance and quality control while personally litigating select high-impact matters aligned with the organization’s thematic areas of operations

Research and advice on international and comparative human rights law

Draft legal memoranda, briefs, opinions, and amicus curiae submissions

Represent the organization in domestic, regional, and international human rights cases

Build and maintain strong alliances with relevant social networks and advocacy groups

Identify and mitigate legal risks related to organization programs and operations

Provide guidance on legal risks, both locally and internationally, as they relate to the organization’s work

Take part in fundraising for the department and contribute to broader institutional fundraising

Contribute to the recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of legal staff, volunteers, and pro bono lawyers

Participate in internal planning meetings and ensure adherence to institutional policies.

EDUCATION COMPETENCIES & SKILLS REQUIRED

At least ten (10) years of proven experience in leading legal strategies and teams within the NGO environment, and preferably in a human rights-based institution

Advanced degree in Law (LLB, LLM, or equivalent)

A Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law (KSL)

A registered and practicing Advocate of the High Court of Kenya

Member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)

A Postgraduate Diploma in Law or Organizational Leadership, particularly with relevance to NGO management, will be an added advantage

In-depth understanding of Human Rights-Based Approach to Development and programming issues and policy work at national, county, and international levels

Strong research, writing, and analytical skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Experience with international human rights law and policy is a plus

Demonstrated experience using litigation to advance social justice and protect rights

Experience in strategic litigation at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court

Experience in developing and submitting amicus curiae briefs

Familiarity with regional mechanisms such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Court, and EACJ

Proven experience in legal team leadership, budgeting, and resource mobilization within the NGO or public interest legal sector

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively

High ethical standards and commitment to human rights values

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and sound judgment in politically sensitive contexts

Ability to lead with empathy and integrity, especially in high-pressure litigation settings.