About Us:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, independent, humanitarian organization working on all aspects of the refugee cause in more than 36 countries throughout the world. The aim of DRC is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) against persecution and to promote durable solutions to the problems of forced migration, on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC works in accordance with the UN Conventions on Refugees and the Code of Conduct for the ICRC and NGOs in Disaster Relief.
Job Summary: The Legal Assistant will provide support to ensure quality, timely implementation of legal assistance project activities in compliance with DRC standards and budgets.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Implementation and Planning:
Keep clients informed by maintaining contact; and communicating case progress.
Actively participate in and conduct information dissemination to persons of concern on main legal issues
Regularly respond to inquiries and requests for assistance from persons of concern, including scheduling, coordinating and conducting initial screening interviews
Work closely and monitor the paralegal community based workers in identification and follow up of cases at the community level.
Establish contacts and empower community based structures through regularly meetings so as to effect community based protection approach
Carry out quarterly meetings with paralegals to evaluate their performance at field and identify implementation gaps.
Enhance trial proceedings through witness mobilization and assisting victims/survivors to record or make proper statements at police posts.
Participate in the day to day implementation of legal assistance activities
Support the Programme team in the implementation of project activities
Provide organizational support to any projects undertaken by DRC as defined by the legal officer
Ensure that field activities are implemented professionally, within budget limits and authorizations, and in accordance with DRC’s polices and guidelines
Using local knowledge and other relevant information, contribute to the identification of beneficiary needs, project planning and proposals
During implementation of activities, ensure identification of problems that may affect programme implementation and that such problems are raised timely to the supervisor/ Legal Officer and dealt with pragmatically and constructively
Ensure that allocated planned activities are implemented within available resources, timely and in an accountable manner
Employ personal technical expertise into programme development and delivery
Ensure that implementation of activities Do-No-Harm to persons of concern/ beneficiaries at the point of delivery
Communication/Reporting:
Actively contribute to the weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting processes and assist Legal Officer in preparation of these reports
Actively contribute to project planning, development of proposals and lessons learned processes
Prepare and submit weekly action plan to the supervisor
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Take part in assessments, surveys, and other monitoring and evaluation and project reporting needs
Identify, document and disseminate relevant project success, challenges and follow up on implementation of project’s action points
Work in close collaboration with community representatives, undertake detailed situational analysis and propose appropriate project implementation approaches
Assist in participatory needs/vulnerability and capacity assessments of affected communities
Participate in project evaluations and assist in the analysis of results
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant for the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Legal Assistant career opportunity must hold a University degree in law or relevant fields
At least two years’ experience working with vulnerable communities, basic needs and distribution programming experience, and/or advocacy programmes.
Previous exposure and experience in managing and supervising staff.
Prior experience of working with UN or Non‐Governmental organizations.
Good communication skills and ability to conduct training and awareness.
Understanding of gender, protection and human rights.
Computer skills.
Good organizational and people management skills.
Fluency in Arabic is essential, while knowledge of Dinka, Lugbara ,Kakwa and any other local language is desirable.
Familiarity with Monitoring & Evaluation for UN-funded projects desired.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested Ugandan candidates should send their applications including;
A cover letter (1 page) in which you explain why you are interested in the position and how you meet the qualities and qualifications criteria and salary expectations.
Concise and accurate CV (maximum 3 pages). The CV should include information about your qualification, relevant training courses, Work experience, name and contact details of 3 relevant references.
Please send your cover letter, updated CV and academic certificates by email to administrator@drcuganda.org with the subject line as “Legal Assistant”
Deadline: 8th March 2017