Natural Justice is an African non-profit organization specializing in environmental justice. Natural Justice uses the law to support communities participate in decisions that affect their land, culture and environment. We are a close-knit and nurturing collective that places emphasis on facilitating opportunities for the professional and personal growth of its members.

Natural Justice has been working with communities, NGOs and government agencies in Kenya since 2009. Together with our partners, we conduct comprehensive research on environmental and human rights law, use community legal empowerment approaches, including community paralegals, to support communities protect their access to lands, resources and traditional knowledge, provide legal advice and training to project partners, comment on environmental impact assessments, and make submissions on law and policy. To learn more about the work of Natural Justice please refer to www.naturaljustice.org

What does the Environmental Justice (EJ) Research Fellowship offer?

The EJ Research Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to young, up and coming Kenyan professionals who are passionate about supporting communities in securing rights to their lands, resources and knowledge, by carrying out quality evidence-based research. The fellows will be introduced to a broad spectrum of issues within environmental justice and provided hands on experience and training in research, legal empowerment, data collection and analysis and advocacy.

We are specifically looking for individuals who can, among other tasks, undertake the following:

• Assist in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation from the legal and paralegal teams and, with programme teams
• Assist in managing the excel databases for legal compliance
• Assist in conducting research and writing opinions on core programme issues
• Assist in developing and applying research methodologies and supporting programme teams on research good practice
• Assist in writing publications, research reports, concept documents, academic papers and organizational reports

The Fellowship will be for a short period of up to 3 months, up to the end of the year, full time, with a possibility of extension in 2021. A modest salary will be offered. The successful applicants will be required to begin immediately.

Selection Criteria

Qualifications and Personal Profile:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Mathematics or in a related discipline
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
• Ability to engage in both primary and secondary research
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to critically analyze and present research findings in a concise manner
• A passion for learning and a commitment to environmental justice
• Ability to work productively and to deadlines
• Reliability and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member
• A willingness to travel on a regular basis on short notice and sometimes for extended periods
• An awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations
• Committed to continuous learning and to self-development with a focus on professionally promoting organizational interests, objectives and values

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via email to admin.nbo@naturaljustice.org with ‘EJ Research Fellowship’ as the subject line.

Applications must include:

1. A cover letter that indicates: a) why you believe environmental justice research is important in Kenya, and b) why you’re interested in the EJ Research Fellowship;
2. A detailed CV with three references; and

• One sample of your written work (for example, articles or research reports written by you (not jointly written or edited by other people)

Applications Deadline

All applications to be sent on or before Thursday, 17 September 2020 at 5:30pm East African Time

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted