Senior Country Advocate

Vacancy name: Senior Country Advocate

Region: Kenya

Department : Administration

Hours: 40hrs a week

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Responsible for: Business Operations Mgr., M &E Mgr./Officer, Snr Legal

Officer, Senior Defender

Key working relationships: All staff and Key Stakeholders

Positions: 1

Application Deadline: 21st May, 2024

ABOUT JUSTICE DEFENDERS

Picture this: an overcrowded and under-resourced prison full of men, women, or even children who have not been found guilty. This is the case for three million people around the world currently affected by the excessive use of pre-trial detention.

In many countries, suspects are detained in prison almost automatically once they are arrested. Whatever the offence. Some, yes, are guilty. Many are poor and unjustly targeted. At Justice Defenders, we want to see justice served; it’s vital for all of us. What we don’t want to see is people filling our prisons simply because there was no one to equip them to fight for justice.

Justice Defenders is a registered UK charity and US nonprofit. Founded in 2007, we work across Africa, training incarcerated people and prison officers to become paralegals. Our 35 prison-based legal offices in Uganda, Kenya and The Gambia are run by more than 300 paralegals. By equipping justice defenders to facilitate a just legal process, we help ensure a fair hearing at the point of greatest need. As everyone deserves the right to tell their story.

JOB CONTEXT

The Senior Country Advocate contributes to the development and drives the execution of the Country’s business plans in alignment with Justice Defenders’ mission and values. They play a pivotal role in driving Justice Defenders' success by leading daily operations while navigating complex political, economic, and social landscapes. Holding and cultivating key stakeholder relationships, they drive strategic initiatives and advance the interests of Justice Defenders at the country level. The Senior Country Advocate is ultimately responsible and accountable for the delivery and quality of the Country’s Legal offerings –including the provision of services to clients, public interest litigation and evidence– and Business Operations. Embracing our belief system rooted in radical inclusion, they will engage effectively with a diverse community, including those in conflict with the law, embodying our commitment to equipping the defenseless to become defenders of just societies. Contributes to building a motivated, skilled, and engaged workforce that drives impactful legal practice and sustainable growth. Works in Collaboration with the Servant Leadership Team (SLT) and Servant Management Team (SMT).

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Business Development:

Lead the team and build culture in accordance to our values

Overseas daily operations across business and legal departments, managing and holding the Business Operations Manager, M&E Mgr./Officer, Senior Legal Officer, and Senior Defender accountable

Identify business opportunities and partnerships within the country that align with the organization’s goals.

Collaborate with the SLT to develop fundraising and growth strategies.

Conduct market research and analysis to understand local trends and client needs.

Stakeholder Relations:

Build positive relationships with SLT, Government officials, agencies, Donors and regulatory bodies.

Advocate for policies and regulations that support the organization’s objectives and address potential challenges.

Monitor legislative developments and provide strategic advice on potential impacts.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Engage with key stakeholders such as the Judiciary, the legal fraternity, Law Councils and other legal institutions NGOs, community groups, SLT and media outlets to advance Justice Defenders’ mission and posture, and promote mutual understanding and collaboration.

Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and forums to enhance visibility and influence.

Financial Management:

Accountable for Financial management of the country's operations which involves overseeing the allocation, utilization, and accountability of resources invested in the country. This includes budgeting, revenue generation, expenditure management, financial reporting, risk management, regulatory compliance, audit and policy formulation to promote integrity and transparency.

Risk Management:

Assess political, economic, social, and environmental risks that may impact the organization’s operations in the country.

Develop risk mitigation plans and strategies in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Compliance and Ethics:

Ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and agreed standards.

Ensure Compliance with Justice Defenders Policies and Procedures

Promote ethical business practices and integrity across all activities and interactions.

Crisis Management:

Develop and implement crisis management protocols to address emergencies, conflicts, or reputational risks in Coordination with the SLT.

Coordinate response efforts with internal teams and external partners as needed.

Reporting and Analysis:

Prepare regular reports and updates on country-specific activities, challenges, and opportunities.

Analyse data and performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of our Legal offering and identify areas for improvement.

Capacity Building:

Provide training and support to local teams on relevant policies, procedures, and best practices in collaboration with SLT.

Foster a culture of compliance, transparency, and accountability within the organization that aligns with Justice Defenders’ values.

Communication and Public Relations:

Develop communication strategies and messages to convey Justice Defenders’ priorities, achievements, and contributions.

Manage media relations and respond to inquiries or press coverage related to the organization’s activities in the country.

Strategic Planning:

Contribute to developing country-specific strategies and business work plans aligned with overall Justice Defenders’ objectives.

Participate in strategic planning sessions and provide insights and recommendations based on local market dynamics.

People management:

Oversee and optimize the human resources within a Country to support the organization’s goals and objectives.

Collaborate with COO and Business Operations Mgr. to identify staffing needs and develop recruitment strategies tailored to local market dynamics.

Coordinate with relevant departments to provide ongoing team member training and development opportunities, including leadership programs and skills enhancement workshops.

Implement performance management systems and processes to set clear expectations, monitor progress, and provide feedback to employees.

Manage Employee relationships

Promote radical integration and inclusion of people with lived experience of incarceration within the organization, ensuring fairness across all organizational activities.

Ensure people and operations fully manifest organizational ethos and values

Embodies and translate core values into behaviors, rituals, policies, and processes, while operationalizing the radical integration of individuals with lived experience of incarceration.

Any other duties assigned by the Chief Operations Officer

YOUR PROFILE

Qualifications and experience

Must be an Advocate

At least 8 years’ experience in Legal practice with 3 years in a managerial position in a complex organization, preferably an NGO

Experience managing donor-funded projects

Key competencies and abilities

Good Leadership Skills

Strong Verbal and Written Communication skills

Strategic Thinker and Decision-Making Skills

Good Strategic Planner

Strong in relationship management

Good Understanding of Political Landscape, Regulatory Frameworks and National/Local Policies relevant to JD operations.

Knowledge of business Principles

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