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Job Title:    Legal Aid Advocate

Organization:   Justice Defenders formerly
African Prisons Project (APP)

Duty Station:
Kampala, Uganda

Reports to:  Legal Services Manager

 

About US:

Justice Defenders
formerly The African Prisons Project (APP) is a community of defenders,
increasing access to legal services and improve application of criminal law to
all. Our work betters the entire criminal justice system, helping defenseless
people protect their rights and address wrongs. The increased capacity
ultimately promotes more equitable, just, and peaceful societies.

 

Job Summary:  The Legal Aid Advocate will support the Legal
Services Manager in systematizing the support provided by the student
paralegals in handling cases by clients in the Justice Defender Project Drop
-in-Legal Aid clinics in the prisons in Uganda.   The core service of our Drop-in Legal Advice
Clinics will be an open-door drop-in session where prisoners simply turn up,
and are given on-the-spot face to-face legal advice by the paralegals under the
leadership of the legal services manager. Working under supervision and support
from the paralegal teams and practicing lawyers, Paralegal will interview and
assess clients, research the enquiry, and then give information and generalist
advice.  There is also the option to
refer clients to the clinic’s volunteer lawyers/advocates to give support,
guidance and specialist advice in a number of practice areas. This will
intensively develop their interview skills, practical legal knowledge and
understanding of client care – in particular, learning to be non-judgmental and
non-discriminatory towards clients and their problems, and providing the best
possible service within the time-constraints of a busy drop-in service.  

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  Under the direct guidance and supervision of
the legal Services Manager, the Legal Aid Advocate will be responsible for
representing JD clients in court and supporting the paralegals in offering
legal services in prisons.

·       
Offer
legal services and representation to JD clients.

·       
He/she
is responsible for supporting in the implementation of the charity’s strategic
paralegal initiatives around our Legal Aid clinics. This includes project
managing new clinics and ensuring that the operations are effective and efficient,
activities are managed well, and the model is easily transferable from prison
to prison. Will work at all times with the prison rules and our charities
policies and procedures. 

·       
He/she
will engage as assigned, in appropriate committees, working groups and other
activities to maintain strong and productive external networks.  

·       
He/She
is responsible for ensuring that standards and quality of legal aid delivery is
maintained and developed.     

·       
He/She
will support the Legal Services Manager in creating training materials and
manuals and help to conduct necessary trainings and workshops required for the
efficient and effective implementation of activities in the Legal Aid
Clinic.  

·       
He/she
will lead on the filing, follow up and recording of cases, to ensure timely
outcomes. Support the research on relevant cases and other supporting
authorities/material required to enable the provision of quality advice within
the clinic. 

·       
He/she
will support in the carrying out of research to understand the current situation
including; the prevailing challenges in accessing justice in the project sites;
recommend changes and improvements, work with key influencers in the prison
service and in the community to inform the design of relevant interventions to
address identified gaps. 

 

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

·       
The
ideal candidate for the Justice Defenders Legal Aid Advocate job must hold an
honors Degree in law from a recognized Institution.

·       
Diploma
in Legal Practice

·       
Enrolled
advocate of the high court of Uganda with 4 years post admission.

·       
At least
3 years’ experience in criminal law practice

·       
Proficiency
in working with Microsoft office suite

·       
Proven
ability to take initiatives in developing relationships, initiatives and
options for action that might benefit the charity’s drop-in clinics aims 

 

Key competencies and abilities

·       
Excellent
communication skills oral and report writing

·       
Excellent
interpersonal skills;

·       
Confidentiality

·       
Ability
to work independently

·       
Report
writing skills

·       
Ability
to work in a diverse environment as a team

·       
Ability
to work under pressure and to make informed and accurate decisions

·       
Focused
and goal oriented

·       
Good
interpersonal skills and communication skills

·       
Analytical
skills

·       
Integrity

·       
Networking
skills

·       
Proactive
decision-making skills

·       
Flexibility,
openness and broad – mindedness

 

How to Apply:

All candidates
should Email their updated CVs and cover letters only to
saidikaren@justice-defenders.org and clearly indicate the position you are
applying for.

 

Deadline: 19^th October 2020 by 5:00pm.

 

NB:

·       
Only
shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

·       
Applications
will be received on a rolling basis

·       
Justice
Defenders accepts no liability for incomplete submission, late or misdirected
transmission of applications

·       
Any form
of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

·       
Justice
Defenders is an equal opportunity employer

 

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