Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee ( www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala and Kiryandongo settlement. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC works in 12 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kotido, Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Amudat, Kiryandongo, Yumbe, and Kampala.

Job Overview/Summary:

Under the supervision of Legal Manager, she/he will identify legal needs in the field; provide counseling, information and legal options. The Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting legal information sessions, legal case management and follow ups, awareness creation on rights and obligations of refugees under Ugandan Laws.

Duties and responsibilities

To work with community groups, especially neighborhood watch to support advocacy at the community level along with the Protection Officers
Conduct on‐site legal counseling, providing information and available legal options to refugees and other persons of concern.

Conduct legal information sessions on human rights and key Laws relating to protection of refugees and other persons of concern.
Conduct case management and follow up on legal cases with relevant authorities.
Closely work with Police to provide necessary assistance to survivors and witnesses.
Submit daily and weekly data, including narrative of high risk cases to inform appropriate actions.
Participate in legal trainings as directed by the supervisor.
Support to conduct legal information sessions on rights and obligation of refugee, key offences and punishment in Uganda, and Human Rights and Laws of Uganda relating to refugees and other persons of concern.