Call for
Application for Research Assistants (Two Positions)
Consultancy on
Implementation of Citizenship and Immigration Laws
The KHRC
envisions a human rights state and society and outlines its mission as to
foster human rights, democratic values, human dignity and social justice.
This vision and
mission are driven by the goal of enhancing human rights centred governance at
all levels.
Background
The right to
nationality has been recognized and protected under international law and the
Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
The right to
nationality is important because it defines the manner in which an individual
is protected under international and national law.
When a person is
identified as a citizen of a particular state, then that state is responsible for
protecting and promoting the rights due to that person as a citizen.
Based on its work
with communities in Northern Kenya, the KHRC has realized that discrimination
with regards to citizenship has undermined national cohesion and development.
Through
fact-finding missions and studies on citizenship, the KHRC has consistently
voiced these concerns to the government and advocated for the removal of
discriminatory vetting practices associated with registration of persons and
acquiring identification documents.
Purpose: To generate evidence based and clear recommendations on how
legislation and practice regarding citizenship determination, personal
registration and the issuance of personal documents can be changed to ensure
equality and efficiency.
Task: To support in conducting a field and desk-based research on
the content and implementation of citizenship, immigration, national
identification and registration laws and practice and any related
discrimination in addition to distribution of relevant IEC materials.
Geographical
Focus: Isiolo and Wajir counties
Target Groups: Pastoralist (Cushitic) communities in Wajir and Isiolo
counties
Length of
Consultancy: 14 days
Expected Outcomes
Data gathering
and documentation of:
·
Constitutional provisions regarding citizenship, national
identification and registration.
·
The gains and gaps in the recently enacted legislation on
citizenship, national identification and registration.
·
Citizenship determination, personal registration and the
issuance of personal document processes (birth certificate, identification
card, and passport and death certificates) as they are currently implemented in
Wajir and Isiolo counties.
·
Comparative numbers of persons from target marginalized groups
who have attained various documents pertaining to citizenship vis a vis those
who have been denied.
·
the gender and ethnic composition of vetting committees and the
National Registration Bureau and Civil Registration departments
·
The planned or actual process of decentralisation of services relating
to citizenship determination, personal registration and the issuance of
personal documents.
·
Any improvements in the above processes and the causes of these
positive changes in practice i.e. specific advocacy initiatives or
implementation of certain provisions in new legislation etc.
·
Evidence of any aspects of the legislation which are not being
implemented and why.
·
Hard evidence of any discriminatory processes in citizenship
determination, personal registration and the issuance of personal documents,
who perpetrates the discrimination and how.
·
The impact of discriminatory practices on research respondents.
·
Recommendations on how to strengthen legislation and real
processes to ensure fair determination of citizenship and access to personal
documents for all Kenyans.
Qualifications:
·
A relevant degree in social science discipline
·
Previous experience conducting field based research
·
Demonstrable experience in assignments of similar nature,
including understanding of northern Kenya
·
Professional experience in conducting research (data collection
& analysis) and reporting – both qualitative and quantitative
·
Excellent documentation and writing skills, attested by past
works
·
Good analytical skills
·
Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact
effectively with local communities and as part of a technical team.
·
Availability to meet project deadlines
Key
Responsibilities
·
Collect, edit and process research data as per the Agreed
specifications
·
Attend a two-day training with the KHRC on access to personal documents
and citizenship in Kenya
·
Arrange and conduct field interviews as per the agreed
methodology
·
Record research data in accordance with specified protocol and
procedures
·
Act as paralegals in the research areas and follow up with legal
advice
·
Distribution of IEC materials on citizenship
·
Any other duties that may be assigned by KHRC or the research
officer
How to submit the
application
If you believe
you fit the profile, submit your expression of interest (no more than 3 pages),
CV detailing your suitability for the position, expected remuneration, daytime
telephone contact and three referees to vacancies@khrc.or.ke quoting the title
of the position you are applying for in the subject line.
The closing date
for this position is close of day on November 12, 2013.
