The Ugandan Jobline

Job Title:  Legal Officer

Organisation: LWF World Service (LWF)

Duty Station:  Uganda

Reports To: Protection Coordinator

About US:

LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Uganda is part of the LWF World Service and we are currently supporting Congolese and South-Sudanese refugees living in settlements in the districts of Kamwenge, Adjumani, Moyo, Kyangwali and Lamwo respectively.

Job Summary: Under the guidance of the Protection Coordinator, the Legal Officer is responsible for Planning, Implementing, and Coordinating Access to Justice Activities under the Protection sector. He/she is also responsible for providing technical support to LWF on legal matters, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and best practices for LWF Emergence Programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Planning:

• Ensure that Access to Justice Project has approved work plans.
• Ensure that all Work Plans, Procurement Plans, Manpower Plans for the project are submitted on time.
• Build the capacity of project teams on project planning and scheduling.
• Participate in Proposal development for Access to Justice Project.

Project Implementation:

• Ensures appropriate and professional implementation of project activities in the most effective manner possible.
• Ensure that the Project’s objectives/outputs are achieved according to the work plans and within the contracted project period according to donor guidelines.
• The Legal Officer shall follow up refugee matters before the courts of law and offer advisory services to refugee.
• The Legal Officer in collaboration with other partners, sector and government entities shall organize, facilitate and support the mobile court within the assigned area of operation.
• Legal Officer shall provide the best possible legal aid including preparation of legal documents, legal assistance and in accordance with the aims and principles of LWF.
• The Legal Officer shall advocate on behalf of beneficiaries to government authorities and civil society on issues related to rights of refugees, asylum seekers and other persons of concern.
• Providing legal sensitization for, local communities and LWF stakeholders.

Partnership Management, Coordination and Advocacy:

• The Legal Officer in collaboration with other sectors and partners shall carry out prison visits and give legal counselling to suspects;
• Coordinate, particularly with UNHCR and relevant authorities on salient protection issues relating to, refugees, and stateless persons in Adjumani.
• Identify legal areas appropriate for national or regional advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with other LWF sectors and implementing partners in order to ensure smooth implementation of legal activities and coordination of efforts;
• Develop and foster professional relationships with other NGOs and human rights organizations in Adjumani sub program.

Staff Management:

• Lead and manage staff ensuring clarity over plans and priorities, providing supervision, guidance and mentoring, encouraging effective team work and inclusiveness and building a team spirit through regular meetings and events and clear reporting mechanisms for each team member;
• Provide management support to Legal Assistants, and their implementation of role objectives, work plans and budgets management;
• Agree clear performance objectives for Legal Assistants in appraisal, and ensuring all team members have appropriately set objectives, and that appraisal are undertaken in a timely manner;
• Be responsible for staff development, coaching and mentoring to enhance the capacity of Legal Assistants;
• Assist with the provision of or coordinate the training necessary for the delivery of good quality activities.

Financial management / Budget Monitoring & Control:

• Develop accurate annual budgets and budget revisions for the project in according with donor standards;
• Keep track of all project budgets and ensure that project activities are within assigned budgets;
• Review Financial Reports to track expenditures and provide feedback to the SPA;
• Ensuring that the financial implications of plans are fully considered and reflected in the annual budgets;
• Develop tools for budget tracking and monitoring.

Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Take lead in developing M&E Tools for Access to Justice Project and ensure effective deployment and use of those tools.
• Prepare and submit weekly/monthly/quarterly and feature reports on legal issues in the settlement as required;

Other:

• Undertake other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Supervisor

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal applicant must hold a Bachelors’ degree in law from a recognised University; A Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is required;
• At least 3 years’ experience working with or representing asylum seekers/refugees either at national or international adjudicating body is strongly preferred; Knowledge or familiarity with UNHCR guidelines and procedures, an added advantage; Ability to exercise sound legal judgment, well organized, self-motivated and reliable with a demonstrated interest in international & National human rights; Demonstrated compassion for refugees, asylum seekers, displaced people; Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Demonstrated ability to work in a team as well as individually; Ability to deal with complex legal issues into reader-friendly and policy relevant language.

• Good problem Solving, Decision Making, interpersonal, Communication and negotiation skills; Fluency in English, both written and verbal; Information Technology (MS Office, Internet); Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines; Good team work with good communication skills; Ability to exercise sound judgment, to remain flexible to a changing environment, and to make decisions independently.

How to Apply:

All candidates should send their applications online at the link below addressed to;

LWF Uganda Office of Human Resources

Plot 1401, Ggabba Road, Nsambya

P.O Box 5827, Kampala- Uganda

Tel: +256 (0) 393 264 006/7/8

Click Here

LWF/DWS is an equal opportunity employer, irrespective of gender, race or religious affiliation.  Persons with disabilities, non-Ugandans with valid work permits and Female candidates possessing the above requirements are encouraged to apply.  LWF/DWS is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for humanitarian agencies.  Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect the organization’s commitment to the prevention of abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries.

Please note, we will contact managers of the last 3 positions held for reference checks.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

Deadline: 12^th September 2022 at 5:00pm

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