The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Under the supervision of Senior Protection Officer, the Legal Officer will identify legal needs in the field; provide counseling, information and legal options. The Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting legal information sessions on rights and obligations of refugees and key aspects of Ugandan laws, legal case management and follow ups, detention facility visits. She/he will work with communities, particularly community-based volunteers/community-based paralegals to ensure access to legal assistance is accessible across the Kiryandongo, Palorinya, Palabek, and Adjumani refugee settlements

Major Responsibilities:

In close cooperation with the Protection Senior Officer, the Legal Officer will:

  • Work with Community based Paralegals to support community leadership groups, especially Neighborhood Watch Committees to support advocacy at the community level along with Protection Officers.

  • Undertake regular monitoring and visits of Remand home, Police and Prisons detention facilities.

  • Provide legal counseling, information and available legal options to refugees and other persons of concern.

  • Conduct legal information sessions on rights and obligations of refugees, common criminal offences and punishments, criminal justice procedures and rights of suspects/accused persons, human rights and key Laws relating to protection of refugees and other persons of concern.

  • Conduct legal case management and follow up on legal cases with relevant authorities.

  • Closely work with Police to provide necessary assistance to survivors and witnesses.

  • Submit daily and weekly data, including narrative of high-risk cases to inform appropriate actions.

  • Participate in legal trainings as directed by the Senior Protection Officer.

  • Support the Senior Protection Officer to analyze data, highlight trends and legal protection needs of refugees and other persons of concern.

  • Supervise community Paralegals in undertaking mediation and other aspects of alternative dispute resolutions.

  • Support the Senior Protection Officer in delivering legal training on national and international legal frameworks to targeted audiences.

  • Raise PRs to support procurement processes.

  • Perform any other duty as assigned by the Senior Protection Officer.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in laws from a recognized institution.

  • At least two (2) years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an International Non-Governmental Organization for degree holders. Diploma holders who can provide significant experience of working with refugee communities and demonstrate an awareness of the challenges in this role may be considered.

  • Belief in human rights including gender equality.

  • Strong communication skills including ability to gain trust and build relationships with new communities.

  • Good understanding of International Human Rights and Refugee Law.

  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Outlook.

  • Experience in regular report writing.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.

  • Flexible and able to work in a dynamic and diverse environment.

  • Good standard of spoken and written English language skills essential.

NB: This advert will close on 8th March 2026. Applicants are required to specify the locations they would prefer to work across the Kiryandongo, Palorinya, Palabek, and Adjumani refugee settlements

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.