Job Title: Legal Officer
Organisation: Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA)
About HIJRA:
Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA) is a humanitarian and development organization that aims to positively contribute towards improving the living standards and conditions of those adversely affected by disasters and conflict in the East and Horn of Africa. Our work involves provision of clean and accessible water supply, sanitation facilities, promotion of health/hygiene, food security and education programs. HIJRA is dedicated and committed to reconstruction of community livelihoods through its direct contacts with the communities.
Job Summary: In partnership with UNHCR, HIJRA is implementing a multispectral project comprising of WASH, community service and protection in Oruchinga refugee settlement in Western part Uganda. The Legal Officer, will reporting to the Project Manager and will be HIJRA focal point for the protection component working closely with the team from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UNHCR and other partners on the ground.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists in dealing with police concerning asylum-seekers and refugees to provide them protection to remain safely in country of asylum.
- Refers refugees/asylum seekers to police to legalize their stay in the country.
- Provide follow up to court cases involving asylum seekers/refugees, visits judges, public prosecutors, and explains IC’s refugee status. If necessary arranges for a lawyer.
- Advises on domestic legal issues including immigration and alien laws regarding asylum seekers/refugees.
- Provide counseling to asylum seekers/refugees on their legal problems. Explain legislation and their status in order to act accordingly.
- Follow-up protection issues with authorities concerned, including court cases concerning refugees.
- Maintains liaison with camp officials, other officials concerned with protection issues, including those in the judicial system.
- Assists in assessing welfare and providing assistance to the refugee caseload in prisons.
- Compiles monthly statistics of refugees in various prisons in the region.
- Supervise the Protection Assistant
- Conduct meetings with the community leaders
- From time to undertake any other duty assigned by the superior.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Law degree(with specialisation in criminal or human rights or any other related comparable line of specialization in law
- Legal certificate/diploma from the law development centre/any other recognized institution
- At least 3 years of work experience in the same field of development and humanitarian work and NGOs.
- Ability to produce high-quality legal documentation
- Ability to present and defend cases in a court of law
- Excellent presentation and communication skills and the ability to interact with a number of different partners and contacts, including governmental authorities, UNHCR, victims and their families etc.
- Ability to make ethical and moral decisions
- Sociable and open minded.
- Must demonstrate willingness to keep the oath of confidentiality
- Must have solid knowledge of the local law and be able to grasp new concepts with ease and accuracy
- Very organized and need to have Good time management skills
- Ability to speak more than one indigenous and foreign language would be desirable
How to apply:
Applications from qualified Uganda nationals are hereby invited to fill the above position. If you believe you are the candidate we are looking for, URGENTLY submit your letter of application and CV indicating daytime telephone contact. Include telephone and email contacts of three references including your current/most recent employer.
Applications should be sent by email to: [email protected] : The subject line should read Legal Officer: Ref: HR008/UG
Hand copies can also be delivered to:
HIJRA
Plot 12 Bukoto Street, Kololo 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 37703, Kampala Uganda
Plot 12 Bukoto Street, Kololo 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 37703, Kampala Uganda
Applications must be submitted no later than close of business Wednesday 17th April, 2013.
Only successful applicants will be contacted
For more information regarding the organization please visit our website: www.hijra.or.ke;
HIJRA is an equal opportunity employer
Only successful applicants will be contacted
For more information regarding the organization please visit our website: www.hijra.or.ke;
HIJRA is an equal opportunity employer
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