Legal Officer (1 position) - readvertised

Kampala

Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
Location: Kampala
Grade: Mid level - Mid level
Occupational Groups:
- Legal - Broad
- Protection and rule of law
Closing Date: Closed

Requisition ID: req6166

Job Title: Legal Officer (1 position) - readvertised

Sector: Protection and rule of law

Employment Category: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, she/he will identify legal issues and provide legal counselling and case management for individuals in the community and in detention facilities. They will facilitate referrals for legal representation to bona fide legal practices who offer pro bono services. Working with community structures, detention facilities, the Police and other stakeholders in the urban environment organize legal information sessions in various environments responding to needs and concerns of refugees in the urban context. You will be part on an integrated protection team and working in a consortium with other actors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work with Community Paralegals, Community leaders, the Police and other stakeholders in the legal sphere to identify issues impacting on urban refugees needing legal interventions
Undertake regular monitoring and visits of detention and prison facilities
Provide legal counseling and case management support to refugees and other vulnerable individuals.
Conduct legal information sessions on human rights and key Laws relating to protection of refugees and other affected persons.
Facilitate referrals for legal representation from pro bono agencies
Closely work with Police to provide necessary assistance to survivors and witnesses.
Submit daily and weekly data\reports, including narrative of high risk cases to inform appropriate actions.
Participate in legal trainings as directed by the Senior Legal Officer
Support Community Paralegals to conduct legal information sessions on rights and obligation of refugee, key offences and punishments in Uganda, International human rights laws relating to refugees and other persons of concern.
Analyze data, highlight trends and legal protection needs of refugees and other persons of concern.
Support training of state and non- state actors on national and international legal frameworks to targeted audiences.
Undertake other administrative duties as directed by the Programme Manager, required for the functioning of programme and implementation, that are consistent with the role of Legal Officer.

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Programme Manager

Position directly supervises:Community Volunteers

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree of Law or a Diploma in Law from a recognized university
At least two (2) years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an international organization for degree holders. Diploma holders who can provide a significant experience of working with refugee communities and demonstrate an awareness of the challenges in this role may be considered.
Strong understanding of 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, Refugee Law, Ugandan national laws and policies relating to refugees.
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.