About US:
The Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET) is a Non-Governmental Organisation established in Uganda to harness, strengthen, and sustain synergies across the country among Legal Aid Service Providers (LASPs) in complementing Government of Uganda’s efforts for enhancing access to justice. The Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) has given support to LASPNET towards implementation of project activities across the Justice, Law, and Order Sector with focus on improving coordination structures, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, policy reform approaches, capacity building initiatives, and various strategic mechanisms for taking a more proactive role in setting legal aid agenda.
Job Summary: The Director of Programmes position will primarily be responsible for the overall development and functioning of the Programmes including advocacy and lobbying, Research and Knowledge management, Networking and Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation. The incumbent also ensures the organization staff and members legal and human rights practices comply with its professional obligations. A key part of this role is balancing legal assistance, legal education and law reform activities, in order to meet members and community/beneficiary needs.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Exercise managerial responsibility for the legal aid practices as well as providing specialist legal advice to staff, members, students and volunteers.
Offer technical support, supervision and leadership to the Programme staff of the organization
Responsible for planning the overall programmes and monitoring progress through development of annual and quarterly Programme work plans and budgets as well as leading process periodic reviews
The incumbent will design , management , monitor and review of capacity building Programmes of LASPNET
Responsible for entrenching gender parity issues within LASPNET Planning and agenda , Programmes and documentation
Responsible for collaborative linkages between LASPNET Members and other stakeholders for delivery of legal aid services to the beneficiaries
Deliver and Supervise legal assistance services within generalist and specialist programs. Involvement in the initiation and formulation of programs and projects that meet the organization’s vision, mission, goals and strategic objectives.
Provide for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in legal aid service provision.
Offer support in the development of policies and procedures of the organization.
Engage in problem solving as part of the regular evaluation of programs.
Negotiate outcomes on behalf of the program as required.
Responsible for Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and quality assurance of the Programmes
Responsible for developing Programme governance controls, reporting processes and Programmes standards as well as managing risks and taking corrective measures
Management Team Membership
Oversee the management of legal aid practice components of LASPNET activities. The management of other LASPNET activities (projects, research, and education) will be shared with the Executive Director or delegate.
Develop and assess operational policies and procedures related to the legal aid practice
Involvement in staff recruitment and performance management
Oversight of staff supervision, performance reviews, professional development
Develop and assess program/ outreach/ partnership/ funding opportunities
In charge of monitoring, coordination of relevant programme budgets and financial reports relating to the legal aid services program
Reporting on legal service activities to the Executive Director as required
Legal aid Service Delivery Management: Monitor and evaluate standards of legal aid services in order to:
Ensure quality and consistency of delivery in accordance with casework policies
Prioritize strategic services and link these to members of LASPNET and other likeminded organization like Uganda Law society that subscribe to LASPNET or provide pro bono services
Effectively communicate these services to LASPNET funders / stakeholders. This involves continuous liaison and regular meetings with the Membership, Uganda Law council, JLOS Secretariat and legal practitioners regarding the standard of advice and casework undertaken, appropriate client contact / communication, and the implementation of processes to capture and communicate strategic work.
Track ongoing member’s casework that is strategic in nature, in either criminal, civil law or family law practice areas. This casework may include appearances in court, tribunals &/or other advocacy forums.
Carry out advice services as required to meet program obligations, including supervision of 4 Officers; Advocacy and Lobbying Officer, Research and Knowledge Management Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Coordination and Partnership Officer.
Review and where possible, improve effective case and programme management systems, practices and work procedures amongst staff, students and volunteers.
Be responsible for practice compliance with relevant members, professional and ethical standards and risk management practices relating to legal practice
Oversee the orientation, training and ongoing management of members, students and volunteers.
Report activities to the Executive Director through the regular Progress Reports.
Community Development, Legal Education and Law Reform:
Monitor programmes to identify systemic issues and feed this information into the Service’s strategic plan and work plans.
Monitor opportunities for participation or collaboration in policy and law reform activities.
Work through the membership and other stakeholder to deliver legal education to community members and service providers.
Raise the LASPNET public profile and promote awareness of legal rights and responsibilities, through participation in public forums, the media (e.g. press releases, radio interviews) and community presentations.
Work in liaison with the Executive Director authorize LASPNET legal publications, legal submissions and other written material for legal accuracy.
Network with a wide range of stakeholders to advance organizational objectives, including the Legal Aid Resource Centre, Uganda Law Society, FIDA, Justice, JALOS sector institutions, Academic Legal Aid stakeholders, private legal practices, Courts, and other relevant community agencies.
Engage in appropriate Law Reform or Community Development activities as required by the legal service.
General Responsibilities:
Attend internal staff and planning meetings
Involvement in relevant community network
Involvement in fundraising and other events as required
Attend international, national and local conferences as required
Participate in professional development through appropriate training vi. Share general office duties as required
Perform any other duties as reasonably required by the Board of Directors or Executive Director
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant must hold an LLB degree and Post graduate Diploma in legal practice with a master’s Degree in Social work, Law, Development studies , Project Management or related field
At least ten years’ experience practice after enrollment as advocate of the High Court of Uganda or working in a similar development institution
The applicant must be a legal Practitioner practicing certificate/Enrolled advocate of High Court
Highly motivated with a demonstrated capacity for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in legal service provision.
Significant experience in legal advice and casework in the areas of community law (law relevant to disadvantaged communities including criminal, family law, family violence, child protection, consumer complaints, credit and debt, infringements and summary crime).
Broad knowledge and understanding of working and operating within organisational policies and procedures.
Significant experience in maintaining best practice in the delivery of legal advice, information and casework services ensuring legal compliance.
Appreciation of working towards the organisation’s long term goals and experience in program planning and development.
Broad understanding of organisational structures and functions.
Experience in supervising staff / volunteers.
Demonstrated capacity to work in a small team and support a cohesive team environment.
Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Word processing competency and general computer literacy, including familiarity with web-based video-conferencing applications.
Willingness to undertake continuing professional development to achieve legal aid practice proficiency in relevant practice areas, including human rights, social justice perspectives, conflict resolutions, migration law, land disputes, alternative dispute resolutions, family breakdown and summary crime.
Prior experience as a Senior lawyer or equivalent is desired
Previous experience in law relating to family breakdown including parenting disputes, child protection and family violence intervention orders.
Prior experience with community organisations and an understanding of the community legal / legal aid sector.
Experience networking with a broad range of organisations and stakeholders.
Experience in establishing programs / implementing projects / reporting.
Previous experience in policy, law reform and community legal education.
Clear Police record check (concerning offences of dishonesty and personal safety)
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should hand deliver their applications including a letter of interest, CV and credentials to the Executive Director, Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET), Plot 10, Block 75, Balintuma Road, Mengo, Kampala – Uganda.
Deadline: 5th August, 2016