Legal Officer – Kaabong – Mercy Corps

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006. It has and continues to implement programs in Acholi and Karamoja sub regions. Mercy Corps is taking a community-led, market driven approach to address poverty and food insecurity needs through interventions that get to the root causes and contributing factors of economic vulnerability. Donors include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United States, DFID, NIKE Foundation.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Legal officers’ role and responsibilities mainly will be categorized into: Legal awareness on land laws and policies, Alternative dispute resolution through legal aid clinics, Capacity building of land administrative and management structures

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Offer Legal advice to people on their Land Rights for during community outreaches and those who report to seek for advice in office

Provide information on women’s Land Rights to the community, through radio talk shows and during community sensitizations

Carryout community awareness on Land Rights

Refer intricate cases to other Legal Aid providers and courts of Laws

Pass on information materials on Land Rights/policies/law to clients

Systematically maintain proper records of clients visits to the Office for advise and mediation

Write and submit reports on a routine basis, (weekly, monthly, quarterly reports)

Liaise with other relevant institutions and departments of government that deal with land matters in order to optimize protection of peoples Land Rights of the people in Karamoja

Perform any other function as shall be incidental to the above mentioned roles

Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring positive recognition to Mercy Corps and to avoid endangering the organization’s mission;

Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Preferably a degree in Law, LLB or its equivalence from a recognized institution
Between 3-5 years of legal practice
Certificate in legal practice will be added advantage
Familiarity of land laws and policies will be added advantage
Understanding of land tenure systems with specific focus on Karamoja and traditional land management structures in Karamoja is a great asset

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:
A strong team player, with good communication and diplomatic skills.
Very good analytical and information management skills.
Good organizational skills and ability to work under/manage Stress.
Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving.
Attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
Skill in maintaining professional internal and external relationships.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information both for the staff and the organization

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications: Submit your E-mailed application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates through the Human Resource Manager to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org

Deadline for Submission: Close of business on May 25, 2016 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply**.