About Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW)

COVAW’s work is guided by its Vision “A society where women and girls enjoy equal rights, freedoms and thrive in safe spaces. COVAW exists to champion the rights of women and girls to be free from all forms of violations.”

Project Description

COVAW is implementing a project in partnership with Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF) titled Building a Safer Muselele: “Building a Safer Muselele: A Community-Driven Project to Mitigate and Respond to Gender-Based Violence” The project seeks to address the prevention, response, and mitigation of GBV in Muselele, Kitui County.

Key activities to be implemented include providing pro bono legal aid services to survivors of GBV, creating GBV awareness through community dialogues and engaging with key stakeholders in GBV prevention, response and mitigation among other activities.

To this end, COVAW wishes to expand its pro bono Advocates network to include 10 Advocates based in Kitui County who will be vital in facilitating access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence particularly those from Muselele area; from the start of the cases to their conclusion in court.

Requirements and Qualifications

The prospective candidates should: –

1. Be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate;
2. Be a Member of the Law Society of Kenya in their respective branch.
3. Interested in offering pro-bono legal services to victims of sexual and gender-based violence to ensure access to justice.
4. At least two (2) years of experience in litigation post-admission, preferably on human rights issues.
5. Physically based in Kitui County.
6. Duties and responsibilities;
7. Provide comprehensive legal advice and representation to COVAW GBV clients.
8. Ensure court attendance of the matters assigned.
9. Send monthly reports to COVAW on case progress.
10. Ensure communication with clients on the progress of their case and especially notify them of key hearing dates when their attendance is required.
11. Liaise with COVAW Access to justice Programme Officer for further assistance and support regarding the cases.
12. Ensure that matters are dealt with utmost confidentiality, respect and non-discrimination.
13. Liaise with key justice actors (judiciary, prosecutors, police) to ensure the matters are expedited and given priority.
14. Ready and willing to offer pro-bono services as and when called upon to do so by COVAW.
15. Adhere to COVAW values and ethical standards

Benefits to our Pro-bono Advocates

1. Opportunities for service and enhancement of access to justice for Survivors of SGBV especially women and girls in marginalized communities.
2. Capacity building opportunities.
3. Opportunities for personal growth and development on human rights and SGBV programming through exposure to various trainings;
4. Networking opportunities
5. A modest stipend for the pro bono legal services.

7. Reporting

The Pro-bono Advocates will report to the Programme Officer-Access to Justice.

How to apply

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications via email to recruit@covaw.or.ke with a cover letter and a copy of their curriculum vitae by 4th February 2025 with the subject; “Pro Bono Advocates Application”

This call is mainly focused on advocates affiliated with South Eastern Law Society of Kenya Branch. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only successful candidates will be notified.