VACANCY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

About CSL

Center for Strategic Litigation (CSL) is East Africa’s premier think-and-do tank on the rule of law and democracy that seeks to advance the vision of a just and tolerant, vibrant and inclusive democracy grounded in respect for the rule of Law and justice for all.  Its programs are tailored towards building knowledge and agency on the rule of law, developing the current and future generation of social justice activists and developing positive jurisprudence in the region in protection of the rights of the most vulnerable as well as the environment.

Our current strategy focuses on strengthening democratic resilience in Africa, promoting accountability for public resources, building healthy information ecosystems and contributing to climate justice for affected communities in East Africa. We pursue these objectives while cognizant of the gender and other cross cutting dimensions affecting them. We also reckon that achieving democratic resilience is possible with sufficient attention towards accountable and sustainable institutions that deliver democracy.

Since its founding in 2019, CSL has enjoyed the leadership of a founding board of some of the region’s most committed advocates for the rule of law and social justice. During this period, the implementation of the organization’s strategy and vision has been led by its founding Chief Executive Officer who will be stepping down at the end of 2025.

About the Role

As CSL transitions into its next phase of growth and institutional maturity, we are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation’s ambitious goals for transformation, following the successful tenure of the founding CEO. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective implementation of CSL’s mission and programs. The CEO will build sustainability pathways, strengthen partnerships, and deepen CSL’s regional footprint, while inspiring and empowering a team of dedicated professionals committed to social justice. Key responsibilities also include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. Additionally, the CEO will participate in executing CSL activities from time to time in line with the organisation’s strategy and framework.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an inspiring, intellectually grounded, and values-driven leader with an anti-fragile growth mindset, entrepreneurial spirit and an unshakable commitment to social justice, democracy, and the rule of law.

To excel in this role, the ideal candidate will also:

• Demonstrate unquestionable integrity and humility.
• Be a well-respected professional with an outstanding intellectual record and gravitas.
• Possess a curious mind, tenacity and strong strategic and analytical skills.
• Have excellent communication and public speaking skills in English and Swahili.
• Be a multi-tasker capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• Proven ability to iInspire, lead, and coach a team effectively.
• Be an open-minded, well-traveled, and well-read individual.
• Be self-driven, organised, efficient, and dependable, with a proven ability to deliver timely results.
• Be tech-savvy and computer literate.
• Have a proven track record in resource mobilisation, fundraising, and effectively representing an organisation to stakeholders, donors, and the public.
• Be a well-rounded Pan-Africanist and perpetual optimist who believes in the promise of Africa to deliver functional democracies.
• Have a passion for self-development and the development of others.

Core Qualifications and Experience

• An African civil society leader with at least five years’ senior non-profit management experience.
• A Master’s Degree in a field relevant to CSL’s mission.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, donor relations, and resource mobilisation in the non-profit sector.
• Strong organisational abilities, including planning, delegating and programme development.

• • Excellent communication and public speaking skills (English and Swahili)
  • Solid budget management skills (preparation, analysis, decision-making, reporting).
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
  • Tech-savvy, with proficiency in MS Office and G Suite.
  • Leadership experience in scaling performance-and outcomes-based organisation.
  • Deep knowledge of the pressing social justice, rule of law, and democratization challenges in Africa.
  • Commitment to CSL values and principles.

How to Apply

CSL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. The complete application should be sent by email to: recruitment@strategiclawcentre.org.

Please include the following in your application:

1. A recent Curriculum Vitae of no more than 4 pages, showing relevant positions, responsibilities held and achievements.
2. A  cover letter  of not more than 2 pages, outlining your motivation for applying and highlighting why you think you are the most suitable candidate for this position and why you think you are the right fit for CSL’s mission, vision and values.
3. A sample of your writing for public or public consumption (e.g. op-ed, blog post, article).
4. Names, positions, relationship and contact information (e-mails and phone numbers) of two professional references (CSL will not contact referees without the applicant’s prior consent).

Only applications that fully comply with application instructions will be reviewed. CSL will reach out to shortlisted candidates within two weeks after the closing date for application.

Applications are open until midnight EAT on 13th January 2026. For more details, visit: https://strategiclitigation.org/