Sr. Strategic Litigation Attorney

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people globally from violence by 2030, we are seeking to recruit for the role of Senior Strategic Litigation Attorney who will spearhead impactful litigation aimed at transforming the justice system, with a focus on police accountability and securing justice for victims. They will identify and support strategic litigation cases - whether originated by IJM, partner organizations, or public-spirited individuals - and lead IJM’s participation where appropriate. The SLA will also contribute to broader constitutional advocacy by engaging in litigation, policy development, and public discourse that advances the rule of law and defends fundamental rights in police accountability.

This position is based in IJM’s Nairobi office and reports to the Senior Manager, Justice System Interventions, Kenya

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and handle strategic litigation cases before all levels of courts and quasi-judicial bodies in matters aligned with IJM’s objectives.
• Pursue strategies to obtain reparations on behalf of IJM clients.
• Generate content for use in media and advocacy aligned with legal priorities.
• Provide guidance on collaborative litigation goals and strategy.
• Regularly brief stakeholders to build support for IJM’s strategic litigation work.
• Strengthen and expand networks that advance IJM’s strategic litigation objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with criminal justice system actors, universities, and student associations for research collaboration and case referrals.
• Support the development of strategic litigation alliances with civil society, bar associations, constitutional commissions, and state agencies in the police accountability space.
• Assess and recommend cases based on strategic relevance and impact.
• Draft high-quality legal pleadings and manage litigation processes.
• Provide legal and strategic support to the Senior Manager, Justice System Interventions (SM – JSI)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in law and a current practicing certificate.
• Master’s degree in law or a related field are an added advantage.
• Minimum of Eight (8) years of post-admission legal experience, preferably in a similar work environment, with a strong background in constitutional, criminal, and human rights law.
• In-depth understanding of Kenya’s Constitution and core constitutional principles.
• Experience in legal writing and public speaking on constitutional matters, police accountability, human rights, and the rule of law is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to constitutionalism and human rights principles.
• Proven ability to review and critically analyze legislation and public policy proposals.

Critical Qualities:

• Trial Advocacy skills.
• Planning, Organizing and Multi-tasking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office, presentation and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and situational analysis skills.
• Excellent oral and written advocacy skills
• Personable

Application Process:

Send your Resume, Cover Letter, and a statement of faith* in one document to kenyarecruiting@ijm.org quoting the Position Title in the subject heading before 13 June 2025. Applicants must have legal right to work in Kenya. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. *What is a statement of faith? A statement of faith should describe your faith and how you see it relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.

Organizational Information

• Competitive salary, and benefits package.
• This is a full-time position based in Nairobi.
• Robust staff care resources.
• Occasional travel locally & internationally may be required.

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance and reference check processes.