Legal Researchers at The Judiciary

On Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

Republic of Kenya

The Judiciary
Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP)
Credit No. 5181-KE
The Government of Kenya has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP), (being implemented by the Judiciary of the Republic of Kenya) and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for Legal Researchers and Program Officers.

The Judiciary now invites application for the following positions:
 
Position: Legal Researchers (2)
Duty Station: Office of the Chief Justice (Nairobi)
Duration: Two Years Contract Renewable Annually
Reference: JPIP/CJ/LR
Job Summary: To provide high level research, administrative support and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Office of the Chief Justice by providing legal assessments and opinions on relevant issues arising by virtue of the Chief Justice’s role as Head of the Judiciary. 
 
The position is subject to the non-disclosure agreement/oath relating to confidential information.
 
Job Description:
The scope of services of the assignment will include but not limited to the following:
  • Conduct comparative legal analyses on a range of issues, identify legal and policy issues, research relevant precedents, and propose appropriate solutions;
  • Prepare briefs and memoranda on diverse topics, as required;
  • Engage in special projects such as drafting of a revised Bench book;
  • Engage in preparatory research on rules, regulations, practice notes and practice directions;
  • Collaborate with other relevant offices within the Judiciary on the development of research tools and methods, share research insights and ideas, and cross-promote activities;
  • Assist in drafting proposed legislation, preparing and reviewing reports to be as directed by the Chief Justice;
  • Perform any other assignments as requested by the Chief Justice.
Qualification and Experience:
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with at least 5 years post-admission expertise and experience in a relevant field of law.
  • Must demonstrate commitment to the Judiciary’s vision, mission, and values;
  • Must be result-oriented, team players, exhibiting high levels of enthusiasm, tact, diplomacy and integrity; demonstrate excellent interpersonal and professional skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and other staff.
  • Must have proven skills in legal research, analysis and writing. Prior experience of working in legal reforms, legislative drafting, legal research and analysis will be an added advantage.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments with minimum supervision;
  • Clear written and oral communication skills as well as mature interpersonal, professional relationships;
  • Knowledge of judicial, legal and policy research methodologies, protocols, theories and practices and the principles and techniques of legal analysis, with the ability to integrate multi-disciplinary methodologies;
  • Strong computer skills, specifically hands-on experience in usage of MS Office as a minimum.
  • Experience with web based legal databases is desirable.
Position: Legal Researchers (2)
Duty Station: Office of the Registrar Court of Appeal (Nairobi)
Duration: Two Years Contract Renewable Annually
Reference: JPIP/RCA/LR

Job Summary: To
enhance legal research and analysis on a range of judicial, legal,
policy issues and administrative and project support within the Court of Appeal.

Job Description:
Under the direction of the Registrar of the Court, the Legal Researchers will be responsible for:
  • Reviewing appeals and applications, analyzing the legal issues, preparing a summary/ memorandum of law
    concerning each issue raised; developing and implementing a matrix for classifying cases by weight, type, issue, or difficulty so as to assist the President and Registrar in fair assignment of appeals and applications.
  • Conducting a related case search to identify similar cases dealing with the same or related parties, issues or evidence in the Court of Appeal and alerting the system that the same is under consideration simultaneously by multiple benches.
  • Reviewing, analyzing, and recommending disposal of substantive and procedural applications, including certificates of urgency and other forms of complex litigation.
  • Screening cases to identify jurisdictional issues or problems and recommending appropriate ways of disposition including expedited or summary dismissal, orders on case management, alternative dispute resolution techniques or rehearing.
  • Providing support in case management by attending and assisting the Court in hearings and evaluation of evidence, conduct of judicial conferences, and any other assigned function.
  • Identifying case management needs and priorities and assisting the President in the formulation of practice directions, review of rules and procedures, and other case management protocols.
  • Identifying and tracking cases of precedential value or a list of “significant issues” that may soon be decided and alerting the Presidency and the Registry to enable the Court’s members to collegially contribute to jurisprudential development.
  • Preparing speeches and arranging and attending meetings, collating and distributing information, preparing agenda and taking and drafting minutes.
  • Assisting the President, Judge or Registrar of the Court with any additional chambers or administrative work including locating legal documents from libraries and on-line legal resources.
  • Preparing briefs on diverse topics, as required.
  • Participate in task/project teams.
  • Perform ad hoc assignments as requested by the Registrar of the Court.
Qualification and Experience:
  • A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
  • At least 3 years post admission experience, with a litigation or adjudication background and experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities outlined above;
  • Must demonstrate commitment to the Judiciary’s vision, mission, and values;
  • Have strong organizational and reporting skills; must be results oriented, a strong team player with outstanding interpersonal and coordination skills; and possess familiarity with a legal/ judicial environment;
  • Should have the following functional competencies -knowledge management and learning, sharing knowledge and experience and actively working towards continuing personal learning and applying newly acquired skills; development and operational effectiveness
  • Demonstrated skills in examining legal and policy analysis;
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments with minimum supervision;
  • Clear written and oral communication skills as well as mature interpersonal, professional relationships;
  • Knowledge of judicial, legal and policy research methodologies, protocols, theories and practices and the principles and techniques of legal analysis, with the ability to integrate multi-disciplinary methodologies;
  • Ability to use of information technologies legal and policy research;
  • Strong record of professionalism and preparation of policy memorandums and briefs;
  • Strong computer skills, specifically hands-on experience in usage of MS-Office.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may obtain further information from the address below during office hours, 0800 hours to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday, exclusive of holidays.


Applications (clearly marked with reference number and the Position applied for) must be delivered to the address below on or before 2 December 2014 at 16.30HRs.

Address for delivery and/or obtaining further information.

Integrated Fiduciary Agent (IFA),
Judiciary Performance Improvement Project,
5th floor, Rahimtulla Tower, Upper Hill Road,
Nairobi, Kenya
Or if delivery by post 
 
Addressed and posted to:

Chief Registrar
ATT: Integrated Fiduciary Agent (IFA),
Judiciary Performance Improvement Project,
5th floor, Rahimtulla Tower, Upper Hill Road,
P.O. Box 30041-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.

Chief Registrar
P. O. Box 30041-00100,
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 2 2221221
Fax: 318172, Kenya, Nairobi

E-mail: chiefregistrar@judiciary.go.ke
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