BACKGROUND:                                                                         

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC has been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting IDPs, refugees and various institutions in the country notably the government, community-based organizations, the civil society and the private sector. The current program portfolio in Uganda includes health, economic recovery and development, protection, and prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV). IRC has its country office in Kampala and works in Yumbe/Bidibidi, Arua/Imvepi and Omugo, Kitgum, Moroto and Kyegegwa/Kyaka. 

Currently, there are new refugee arrivals from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Golejo and Mt. Zeu border points to Zombo district. These are being received and quarantined at Zombo District Agricultural Institute in Warr Sub count. It has been indicated that the movement is because of tribal conflicts between the Alur and Lendu back in the DRC. To date, 3, 056 individuals have been received and settled, most of whom are women, elderly and children. Building on IRC’s expertise in responding to emergencies within Uganda and internationally, the IRC will establish an immediate presence to respond to lifesaving needs of the affected persons to restore hope, dignity and healing.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Under the supervision of Legal Manager, she/he will identify legal needs in the field; provide counseling, and information. The Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting legal information sessions, legal case management and follow ups, awareness creation on rights and obligations of refugees under Ugandan Laws. She/he will work with communities particularly to ensure access to legal assistance is accessible by all. He/she will be part of an integrated protection team, working on issues on general protection and sexual and gender-based violence issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

•   Together with Protection Officers support community leadership structures in their crime prevention and response functions.

•   Provide legal counseling and information to refugees and other persons of concern.
•    Conduct legal information sessions on human rights and key Laws relating to protection of refugees and other persons of concern.

•   Conduct case management and follow up on legal cases with relevant authorities.

•  Closely work with Police to provide necessary assistance to survivors, clients and witnesses.

•  Submit daily and weekly data, including narrative of high risk cases to inform appropriate actions.

•  Support to analyze data, highlight trends and legal protection needs of refugees and other persons of concern.

•  Participate in external meetings aimed at promoting access to justice for refugees and legal assistance such as meetings involving UNHCR, OPM and partners.

•     Work closely with the Protection Officers to ensure linkages and referrals are done in a safe, effective, and timely manner.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports to: Legal Manager
Position directly supervises: Community volunteers / translators

Other internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Close coordination with IRC Protection department, Health department, Senior Field Coordinator and Field Coordinator    

External: Close collaboration with local actors/community structures, community groups (local NGOs, UN agencies, government) and service providers’ part of the Protection referral system

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Qualifications

•  Educated at degree level in Law from a recognized university. Diploma holders in law from a recognized institution with demonstrable work experience in the field of law may be considered.

•  At least two (2) years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an international Organization, a law firm or human rights organization.

• Understanding of human rights and issues relating to gender equality

• Strong written and verbal communication ability in English

•    Ability to gain trust and build relationships with new communities.

•   Good understanding of Ugandan and Refugee Law;

•    Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel 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

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.