Climate Justice Legal Fellow
Katiba Institute
Nairobi, Kenya
Closing Date:
Monday, 10 August 2026
Open
About the African Climate Legal Fellowship Program
This role is part of the African Climate Legal Fellowship Program, an 18-month program designed to build capacity at African public interest law organizations, further strategic climate and environmental legal action, and bring new attorneys to the public interest sector.
Now entering its second cohort, the Fellowship places participants (“Fellows”) in climate and environmental legal organizations in Africa (“Host Organizations”) for a fulltime, 18-month placement to advance strategic legal action, therefore helping organizations achieve their critical missions.
Fellows join a cohort-based learning journey that includes:
-
Tailored climate, legal and leadership development modules
-
Professional coaching and support
-
Peer learning and community exchange
-
Access to professional networks in climate and environmental law
-
Launch convening (in-person in an African location)
About the Organisation
Katiba Institute (KI) is a research and litigation institution established in 2011 with the mission of supporting the implementation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, helping to resist efforts to undermine the Constitution, and developing a culture of constitutionalism in Kenya. It conducts constitutional research, comments on policies and laws from a constitutional perspective, and publishes books and other materials on the Constitution. Much of its work involves litigation to enforce rights under the Constitution and ensure the proper performance of constitutional duties and responsibilities. KI also fosters the spirit of constitutionalism in the East African region by promoting academic discourse on constitutional issues and collaborating with like-minded organisations to secure greater freedoms across the region.
About the Job
Climate Justice Legal Fellow is an 18-month fellowship that will allow an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in private practice to have the opportunity to work on climate justice issues. The Legal Fellow will be responsible for providing legal advice to members of the public, supporting local organisations, communities, and community partners through capacity-building, and providing technical and other support to civil society partners on matters related to climate justice. The Legal Fellow will be expected to research environmental matters, specifically on climate change, share research findings with stakeholders at relevant meetings and workshops in Kenya, and assist in developing and litigating strategic litigation cases on behalf of KI. They will also be responsible for forming and maintaining good working relationships with partners, including communities, constitutional commissions, government entities, and donors.
KI also seeks an individual who will devote their time and attention during business hours to discharging their duties and promoting KI’s interests. The Legal Fellow will be expected to commit to KI’s values and objectives, comply with KI’s policies, fulfil instructions given by supervisors, and maintain the confidentiality of KI’s information during and beyond the tenure of their employment contract.
Key Responsibilities
Engage in strategic litigation and related advocacy in defence of the Constitution, specifically in furtherance of environmental and climate justice in Kenya.
Conduct KI’s litigation matters before Courts and Tribunals as may from time to time be determined by KI
Undertake legal research, write submissions, and provide opinions on legal questions on matters related to climate justice from communities and partners.
Provide high-quality legal advice and support to KI community partners.
Review new and existing litigated files to create, update, or amend litigation plans.
Assist the Head of Strategic Litigation by providing high-quality legal advice and recommendations to KI on emerging issues on climate justice.
Educate stakeholders and the public on environmental and climate justice in conjunction with the programs department.
Form and maintain good working relationships with all key partners, including communities, constitutional commissions, government entities, and donors.
Undertake all other functions as directed by the Head of Strategic Litigation that are within the mandate of the organisation and complementary to the above responsibilities.
Requirements
Legal Expertise
An undergraduate degree in law, admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a current practising certificate - a graduate degree will be an added advantage.
At least four years of work experience, post admission to the bar, with good knowledge of either commercial law, finance law, public-private partnerships, energy law and/or contract law, with the ability to learn new information quickly and open to working on environmental and climate justice issues.
Experience in negotiating and developing contracts related to public-private partnerships, financing projects, or energy law is an added advantage.
Experience in conducting and managing litigation confidently with limited supervision and a sound understanding and awareness of litigation processes.
Conviction in and commitment to constitutionalism and principles of human rights.
Ability to review and analyse proposed legislation and policies.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Analytical and research skills
Ability to analyse problems rigorously and from all angles, showing sound practical judgement.
Ability to grasp quickly and accurately new and complex concepts.
Ability to develop policy and advocacy ideas and proposals based on research findings and analysis.
Effective organisational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritise work, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced research environment.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Proven ability to identify challenges, propose innovative solutions, and adapt research methodologies as needed.
Writing and communication
Exceptional writing skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts, ideas, and issues clearly and concisely for a diverse audience. Demonstrated experience in producing well-structured and articulate documents on legal and constitutional matters.
Ability to accurately summarise and paraphrase legal texts, translating intricate legal language into clear and accessible content.
Experience conducting primary and desktop research and preparing clear and analytical reports (preferably proof of published work).
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including cultural humility, with the ability to effectively collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and present research findings to diverse audiences.
Software Proficiency
A strong command of Microsoft Word, including advanced formatting and style features, to produce well-structured and visually appealing documents. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including working with complex formulas, analysing data, and extracting meaningful insights.
Demonstrated experience with PDF editing software, including the ability to perform Optical Character Recognition (OCR), reduce file sizes, and prepare documents for publication. Familiarity with tools and techniques for ensuring document quality and professionalism.
A proactive approach to learning and utilising new software tools relevant to research and writing. The ability to quickly grasp and integrate new technologies into the research and writing process.
Meticulous attention to detail when preparing documents and data, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established guidelines.
Language proficiency
Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Monday, 10th August to tracy@actionappointments.co.za. Further submission instructions will be shared with candidates during the process.
