Legal Intern – Regional, International Mechanisms & SDGs Programme – Nairobi, Kenya

Legal Intern – Regional, International Mechanisms & SDGs Programme – Nairobi, Kenya | Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI)

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• Position: Legal Intern
• Company: Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Type of Job: Internship
• Reporting to: Programme Officer, Regional, International Mechanisms & SDGs Programme
• Application Deadline: 15 November 2024

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Introduction

The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) is seeking dedicated and passionate Legal Interns to support its Regional, International Mechanisms & SDGs Programme. This is a unique opportunity for final-year law students or recent law graduates to gain substantial experience in international human rights law. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, NANHRI serves as a regional umbrella for 47 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across Africa, facilitating collaboration and capacity building. The interns will be actively involved in litigation before international human rights mechanisms, focusing on bolstering the legal capacity of NHRIs. By joining NANHRI, interns will gain exposure to strategic human rights litigation and benefit from hands-on experience under the mentorship of seasoned human rights practitioners.

Note: This internship is on-site in Nairobi, providing invaluable exposure to a multicultural work environment and access to meaningful career growth and professional development.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Intern within NANHRI’s Regional, International Mechanisms & SDGs Programme, you will be responsible for:

1. Assisting in Document Preparation
   • Prepare background documents for legal briefs and submissions to international human rights bodies.
2. Conducting In-Depth Legal Research
   • Undertake extensive legal research on topics relevant to the Regional, International Mechanisms & SDGs Programme.
3. Providing Administrative and Logistics Support
   • Assist with logistics and coordination for the programme’s activities, ensuring seamless execution of events and operations.
4. Engaging with Academic Institutions
   • Collaborate with academic institutions and researchers to advance the programme’s objectives, supporting knowledge-sharing and strategic initiatives.

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Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

Required Education:

1. Must be a fresh law graduate or a final-year undergraduate law student from a reputable Faculty of Law at a University in Nairobi.

Core Competencies and Skills:

1. In-Depth Knowledge of Human Rights Law
   • Strong understanding of international and comparative human rights mechanisms.
2. Exceptional Legal Research and Writing Skills
   • Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and articulate findings clearly.
3. Language Proficiency
   • Excellent written and spoken English skills (French proficiency is an added advantage).
4. Knowledge of NHRIs
   • Familiarity with the role and operational aspects of National Human Rights Institutions.
5. Technical Proficiency
   • Competent in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; proficient in internet research.
6. Collaborative and Cross-Cultural Skills
   • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment, maintaining professionalism and adaptability.
7. Organizational and Interpersonal Skills
   • Strong coordination abilities, paired with effective interpersonal and communication skills.

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Company Culture and Values

NANHRI is committed to advancing human rights across Africa by fostering collaboration and building capacity within its network of National Human Rights Institutions. Our culture is grounded in inclusivity, integrity, and respect for diversity. At NANHRI, we believe in the power of collective action to protect, promote, and monitor human rights. Interns are welcomed into a supportive, growth-oriented environment where they are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of human rights on the continent.

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Apply Now for the Legal Intern Position

To apply for this Legal Intern position with NANHRI, please submit your application by 15 November 2024 via email to esiekisa@nanhri.org with a copy to fadegalu@nanhri.org. Your application must include:

1. Cover Letter
2. Detailed CV
3. One Writing Sample

Please ensure that the subject line of your email clearly indicates the position title.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER – Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI)

Expert Tips to Succeed as a Legal Intern at NANHRI

As an aspiring legal intern with NANHRI, you have the chance to work in the realm of human rights and make an impactful contribution. Success in this role requires more than a foundational understanding of law; it calls for adaptability, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. Here are ten expert tips to excel in this position, complete with actionable examples and guidance to help you stand out.

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1. Master the Basics of International Human Rights Law

Understanding key human rights conventions, treaties, and protocols is essential to success at NANHRI. Familiarize yourself with landmark cases, the Paris Principles, and regional agreements like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Example: When researching for a brief, know the relevant articles within the African Charter or the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Being able to cite Article 7 from the African Charter on fair trial rights shows your in-depth knowledge and adds credibility to your contributions.

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2. Develop Exceptional Legal Research Skills

Legal research is a cornerstone of this internship. To add value to NANHRI’s strategic litigation efforts, practice comprehensive research techniques that allow you to find, analyze, and cite the most relevant precedents, laws, and human rights cases.

Example: Suppose you’re assigned to research protections against torture for a brief. Instead of only relying on well-known sources, dig deeper into regional case law and look at rulings from similar jurisdictions, such as the European Court of Human Rights or Inter-American Court of Human Rights, to add depth to your report.

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3. Polish Your Legal Writing with Precision and Clarity

As a legal intern, you’ll be required to draft briefs, reports, and research summaries. Writing for a human rights organization demands clarity, conciseness, and accuracy. Avoid jargon and overly complex language that could dilute the impact of your message.

Example: When drafting a brief, structure your points in a logical sequence. Start with an overview of the issue, present evidence or legal precedents, and conclude with a concise argument. Make use of simple, declarative sentences and remember that your work might be reviewed by a non-legal audience.

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4. Strengthen Your Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

NANHRI collaborates with multiple African nations and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Effective cross-cultural communication is essential to build rapport and foster understanding in this environment.

Example: If you’re coordinating an event with participants from francophone African countries, consider sending bilingual communication if you’re fluent in French, or working with translation tools. Understanding cultural nuances and formalities, such as addressing elders respectfully, is vital.

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5. Show Initiative and Proactivity

Taking initiative is highly valued at NANHRI. Rather than waiting for assignments, volunteer to assist on additional projects or suggest ideas for process improvement where appropriate.

Example: If you see an area where the research database could be organized for better accessibility, suggest a new system or structure to your supervisor. This proactive approach shows your commitment to enhancing efficiency and taking ownership of your role.

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6. Build a Strong Network with Peers and Senior Staff

Networking within NANHRI will give you insights into different aspects of the organization, from litigation to advocacy. Establishing these connections can help you learn from experienced professionals and explore future career pathways.

Example: Schedule informal meetings with senior attorneys to understand their career paths. Ask thoughtful questions about their work on international mechanisms and attend team meetings to observe how discussions are framed around strategic litigation.

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7. Hone Your Organizational Skills for Multitasking

As a legal intern, you may juggle multiple projects with strict deadlines. Prioritizing tasks, maintaining organized notes, and setting clear timelines can ensure you meet your commitments effectively.

Example: If you’re tasked with both a research assignment and logistical support for an event, divide your day into blocks. Allocate specific times for research and coordination, and use project management tools (such as Trello or Google Calendar) to track deadlines and progress.

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8. Familiarize Yourself with Relevant Regional and International Bodies

Knowing the roles and mandates of various human rights bodies can give you a strategic edge when working with NANHRI’s Regional, International Mechanisms & SDGs Programme.

Example: For a project involving the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, read up on the Commission’s mandates, procedures, and relevant resolutions. Understanding which cases have been ruled in favor of human rights can provide valuable context for your assignments.

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9. Be Receptive to Feedback and Commit to Continuous Learning

Feedback is a valuable part of professional growth, especially in an internship setting. Welcome constructive criticism from supervisors and actively seek out learning opportunities to sharpen your skills.

Example: If your supervisor suggests rephrasing certain sections of a draft, review and ask for clarification if needed. After making revisions, take time to understand the rationale behind the feedback, ensuring you don’t repeat the same errors in future assignments.

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10. Understand the Role of Data and Technology in Human Rights

Many human rights organizations are now leveraging data analysis and digital tools to monitor human rights abuses and track legal developments. Familiarize yourself with tools like Excel, legal research databases, and any analytics tools the organization might use.

Example: If NANHRI tracks cases of human rights abuses in a specific region, consider creating a simple Excel tracker or dashboard that can organize and visualize case data. This can streamline reporting and make complex data more accessible for program officers.

• TELEGRAM CHANNEL

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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