Litigation & investigations officer

Job Rank/Seniority: Officer

Department: Legal

Location / Work station: Nairobi

Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Reports to: Legal Counsel (General Counsel)

Direct reports: None

SHOFCO is a leading community-based organization mobilizing the largest network of social groups in Kenya to provide holistic, needs-driven services and redefine the potential of citizen-led change.

We partner across a range of sectors to provide programs ranging from health and education to economic and social empowerment. These services are informed by our community advocacy platforms. Originally founded in Kibera, SHOFCO now reaches communities across Kenya, with more than 800 staff members across 20 offices.

The Litigation & Investigations Officer plays a lead role in managing SHOFCO’s litigation portfolio and supporting investigations, both internal and also in support of the clients we serve in the gender department. This role provides substantive legal and procedural support in disputes, safeguarding matters, regulatory inquiries, and complex investigations. The Officer works closely with the Legal Counsel to mitigate legal risk and ensure the timely, professional handling of sensitive matters. This position will also closely work with the Gender team, providing support in the courts of Kenya to survivors of gender-based violence.

1. Litigation Management and Legal Representation Support

• Lead and manage litigation matters involving SHOFCO and its clients, particularly cases arising from the Gender Department’s community justice work.
• Manage SHOFCO’s litigation tracking system and maintain oversight of all active and potential cases.
• Represent SHOFCO clients in court proceedings where appropriate and coordinate with external counsel when required.
• Coordinate directly with internal and external legal counsel on case strategy, documentation, and court deadlines.
• Prepare pleadings, affidavits, and legal submissions before escalation to Legal Counsel.
• Monitor legal costs and support budget tracking for litigation matters.
• Monitor case progress and ensure timely filings, documentation, and follow-up with the courts and relevant authorities in Kenya.

2. Gender Justice and Client Legal Support

• Provide legal support for cases related to gender-based violence, child protection, and other rights violations handled through SHOFCO’s Gender Department.
• Work closely with social workers, case managers, and community staff to ensure survivors receive appropriate legal support.
• Assist clients in navigating legal processes, including police reporting, court procedures, and protection mechanisms.
• Support legal empowerment initiatives and community awareness efforts related to rights and legal protection.

3. Employment and HR Legal Matters

• Support the People & Culture team in addressing employment-related legal issues, including disciplinary actions, disputes, and litigation regarding employment law.
• Draft or review documentation related to employee grievances, disciplinary proceedings, and terminations to ensure legal compliance.
• Provide guidance on workplace investigations involving misconduct or policy violations, and represent the organization in hearings (both internal and external) for any misconduct allegations.

4. Safeguarding and Misconduct Investigations

• Conduct or support investigations into safeguarding concerns, misconduct, fraud, or other violations of SHOFCO policies.
• Gather and review evidence, conduct interviews, and prepare investigation reports with findings and recommendations.
• Ensure investigations are conducted in alignment with applicable law, internal policy, and relevant standards for fair process, confidentiality standards, and safeguarding protocols.

5. Fraud and Compliance Investigations

• Investigate allegations of fraud, financial misconduct, corruption, or misuse of organizational resources.
• Work closely with finance, internal audit, safeguarding, and leadership teams to assess risks and ensure appropriate corrective actions.
• Support the implementation of controls and policy improvements arising from investigation findings.

6. Legal Advisory and Risk Management

• Provide legal advice to program, HR, and leadership teams on issues related to litigation risk, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify potential legal and reputational risks arising from cases or investigations and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters t...