The Mission
International Justice Mission (IJM) is a global non-governmental human rights organization which protects the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.
The nature of abuses we intervene in include slavery, child sexual exploitation, property grabbing against widows and orphans, police abuse of power to mention a few. In Kampala Uganda, our casework focus is on eliminating property grabbing against widows and orphans through an effective and efficient public justice system.
The Need
International Justice Mission is seeking a Lawyer to assist the Casework team as a Volunteer Attorney, working to bring substantive relief to widows and orphans by intervening in individual cases of violence, deception and abuse; coordinating with government actors to ensure effective estate administration; and informing efforts to strengthen the public justice system.
This position is based in Kampala, Uganda, requires regular travel to and from areas within Mukono District and Jinja during work hours, and reports to an IJM Kampala Staff Attorney.
Responsibilities
Casework Support
• Conduct case intake and client screening based on established criteria.
• Implement intervention strategies developed by IJM Staff Attorneys.
• Conduct legal research, writing and filing on behalf of IJM clients or as directed.
• Track case related data on paper and electronic case tracking management systems.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.
Estate Administration
• Assist IJM clients to obtain Letters of Administration, complete property transfers and make property distributions.
• Liaise with and pursue action from government offices (Lands Registry, Administrator General, etc).
• Coordinate meetings with relevant parties, attorneys and power actors.
Team Support
• Cooperate with IJM Investigators to investigate allegations of property grabbing and ensure all evidence is collected in an admissible form.
• Cooperate with IJM Aftercare Specialists in identifying psychosocial needs of victims.
• Assist in hosting guests, visitors and volunteers.
Professional Development
• Participate in IJM programs in professionalism and Christian spiritual formation.
Required Skills and Experience
• Degree in law.
• Successful completion of LDC and current Practicing Certificate preferred.
• One year of experience as a practicing attorney preferred.
• Experience in civil and/or criminal litigation preferred.
• Excellent critical thinking, legal analysis and oral and written advocacy skills.
• Fluency in English and Luganda, with excellent writing and speaking in both.
• Computer literate with proficiency in MS Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Driver’s License preferred.
Critical Qualities
• Mature Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.
• Passionate commitment to IJM’s mission and values.
• Professional in demeanor, appearance, writing and oral communication.
• Works well under stress with a sustained positive attitude.
• Exceptionally high level of honesty and integrity.
• Intelligent, organized, creative and proactive problem solver.
• Ability to cooperate effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
HOW TO APPLY:
By E-mail (preferred method):
ugandarecruiting@ijm.org
By Mail:
International Justice Mission
Attn: Human Resources
P.O. Box 502
Ntinda, Kampala, UGANDA
By Hand:
International Justice Mission
Attn: Human Resources
Plot 15 Suuna Road, Ntinda
Kampala, UGANDA
*What is a statement of faith?
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.