Legal Aid Advocate NGO Jobs – Justice Defenders formerly African Prisons Project (APP)
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: 19th 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