LEGAL ASSISTANT - US EMBASSY

Introduction

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has an opening for the position of Legal Assistant. The position will be available immediately.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Administration or similar subject is required.
• Three years experience in law or law enforcement, experience planning conferences or training is required.
• Level IV English, Level IV Kiswahili are required. 

Other Criteria:

• Must have understanding of both American and Kenya Legal system, and a background in international law.
• Must have basic accounting knowledge.
• Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel and Power Point software applications.

Job Specification

Under the supervision of the Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) and the authority of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Criminal Division, Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Training and Assistance (OPDAT) the incumbent carries out assigned projects of complex scope and difficulty in scheduling, organizing and implementing the full range of OPDAT   programs in Kenya. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES       

Program Implementation                                                                                40% of time 

Working under the supervision of the RLA,  organize and implement conferences, provide support for OPDAT programs---to include scheduling the visits of US speakers and specialists to the host country, as well as regionally, as well as RLA travel in the region and/or to the US, preparing schedules, making hotel and travel arrangements, assuring that country and security clearances are submitted, granted and distributed in a timely manner, arranging for airport /hotel pick-ups and local transport.  Preparation of conference programs and substantive program development -- to include assisting with idenitification of program venues, assuring coordination with conference partners, assisting on site with conference organization, providing technical assistance to RLA, other conference organizers and speakers, arranging for educational materials to be printed and distributed, acting as interpreter/translator. Create and assist in presenting powerpoint programs. Develop and implement system to track training programs and the participants.  Develop and maintain contacts at working level with officials at the Ministries and regionally, as needed. Accompany RLA to meetings inside and outside the Embassy.   Budget for and track program expenses and prepare appropriate vouchers.   In addition to programmatic logistical and administrative duties, review content of training materials, assist in the development of course curriculum and design of program agendas for both long and short term proposals and programs.  

Legislative and Media Reporting                                                             20% of time 

Manages a program of legislative comments and reviews, including reviewing, interpreting, and organizing incoming draft legislation, securing their translations, referring them to Department of Justice (DOJ) officials as directed, tracking the course of replies, securing the translation of replies, and arranging and attending meetings with Kenyan Government officials in which the replies will be delivered orally. Also performs research of relevant new and existing laws, and assists the RLA in interpreting laws. Follows the Kenyan press and Internet for developments relevant to the RLA program and reports on same to RLA.  

Representation and Contacts                                                                      20% of time 

Where required, provides the RLA with background information prior to and after meetings on any necessary matters. Ensures that the RLA is briefed on cultural matters and cross-cultural communication issues.  Attends, with the RLA, meetings with high-ranking Kenyan Government officials, as well as meetings with officials from educational institutions and non-governmental organizations. Establishes and maintains high level contacts in Kenyan executive and legislative branches, and within law enforcement agencies. Prepares correspondence and technical documents.  

Office Administration                                                                                         20% of time     

Handle day-to-day office administration, including management of supplies, communications, visitors. Make appointments, maintain and coordinate schedule, arrange transportation for meetings. Drafting diplomatic notes and coordinating with the Protocol Office to ensure Embassy and local diplomatic requirements are met. Answering/screening and telephone calls, distribute and maintain files of incoming correspondence, draft correspondence, maintain files of faxes and cables. Create, maintain and update all files. Coordinate work with OPDAT Washington where required and requested. Establish and maintain excellent working relationships in the Embassy. From time to time, assists other Embassy personnel in legal and policy matters. Monitor and ensure accuracy and proper updating of ICASS and programmatic accounting, including establishing and maintaining good working relationships and communicating regularly with concerned offices within Embassy and in Washington. Alerting RLA to problems, issues or questions in a timely manner. Coordinate closely with and report to OPDAT Program Analyst in Washington on financial and programmatic issues and status. Maintain magazine, newspaper and other subscriptions. Ensure prompt payment of financial obligations   

Selection Criteria: 

• Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.  
• Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
• Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
• Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
• Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.
• Applicants must be available for an interview and for proficiency testing as required by the selecting official.  

Closing date of this position is COB July 30, 2012. APPLY NOW