Legal Coordinator (Fresher Ngo Jobs) – African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV)

Organization: African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV)
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Program Manager – Kampala

About ACTV

The African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) is a Ugandan NGO established in 1993, focusing on advocacy against torture. ACTV provides holistic support to survivors of torture, including physical and psychological treatment, social support, and legal services.

Job Summary

As Legal Coordinator, you will lead the Legal Aid Department at ACTV, overseeing all legal aid services provided to survivors of torture and violence. This includes managing a team of legal professionals and volunteers, representing clients as needed, and ensuring comprehensive legal support in line with ACTV’s policies. The role also involves advocacy, strategic litigation, capacity building, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead the Legal Aid Department, supervising legal officers, assistants, paralegals, and volunteers.
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring effective service delivery to torture survivors.
• Develop work plans and ensure timely implementation of legal activities.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure a holistic support approach for survivors.

Legal Aid Provision

• Provide direct legal assistance to torture survivors, including consultations, representation, and document preparation.
• Maintain accurate case documentation in compliance with ACTV policies.
• Pursue strategic and public interest litigation to support legal reforms.
• Offer legal advice on organizational policies and operational procedures.

Advocacy and Public Awareness

• Lead advocacy efforts, including lobbying for legal and policy reforms.
• Collaborate with government and civil society to raise awareness of human rights issues and legal protections for survivors.
• Represent ACTV in forums, public events, and meetings with stakeholders.

Capacity Building and Training

• Develop training programs for legal staff and justice sector stakeholders.
• Build the capacity of community volunteers to support torture survivors.
• Conduct community awareness programs on anti-torture laws and reporting mechanisms.

Research and Reporting

• Conduct legal research on laws, policies, and conventions related to torture and human rights.
• Prepare reports on legal aid outcomes, identifying challenges and improvements.
• Contribute to ACTV’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Partner with international human rights organizations and legal bodies to enhance access to justice.
• Build relationships with judiciary, law enforcement, and relevant institutions to support legal processes for survivors.
• Coordinate with external legal providers, including pro bono lawyers, to extend ACTV’s legal aid reach.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) and a postgraduate diploma are required.
• Master’s Degree in Human Rights Law, Public International Law, or a related field is an added advantage.
• Valid practicing certificate in Uganda; admission to the High Court is essential.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years post-admission experience, including legal aid, human rights advocacy, and litigation.
• Experience with torture survivors, human rights violation victims, or marginalized groups is highly desirable.

Skills

• Strong leadership, legal research, and writing skills.
• Proficiency in client representation and legal advice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Personal Attributes

• Strong commitment to ACTV’s mission and human rights protection.
• Empathy and sensitivity toward survivors of trauma.
• Proactive, self-driven, and capable of initiating and leading legal projects.
• Adaptability to work in diverse settings, including communities and prisons.

Remuneration

ACTV offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, copies of relevant certificates, and salary expectations to recruitment@actvuganda.org.

Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024

Note: ACTV is an equal-opportunity employer, considering all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.