Country Advocate in-charge

Vacancy name:  Country Advocate In-charge

Region: Uganda

Hours: 40hrs a week

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Responsible for: Business Operations Mgr., M&E Mgr./Officer, Advocates, Snr Legal

Officer

Key working relationships: All staff and Key Stakeholders

Positions: 1

Application Deadline: 3rd April, 2024

ABOUT JUSTICE DEFENDERS

Picture this: an overcrowded and under-resourced prison full of men, women, or even children who have not been found guilty. This is the case for three million people around the world currently affected by the excessive use of pre-trial detention.

In many countries, suspects are detained in prison almost automatically once they are arrested. Whatever the offence. Some, yes, are guilty. Many are poor and unjustly targeted. At Justice Defenders, we want to see justice served; it’s vital for all of us. What we don’t want to see is people filling our prisons simply because there was no one to equip them to fight for justice.

Justice Defenders is a registered UK charity and US nonprofit. Founded in 2007, we work across Africa, training incarcerated people and prison officers to become paralegals. Our 35 prison-based legal offices in Uganda, Kenya and The Gambia are run by more than 300 paralegals. By equipping justice defenders to facilitate a just legal process, we help ensure a fair hearing at the point of greatest need. As everyone deserves the right to tell their story.

JOB CONTEXT

The Justice Defenders Uganda office is  looking for a Country advocate in charge. He/She plays a pivotal role in driving Justice Defenders success in the Country by navigating

complex political, economic, and social landscapes, fostering positive relationships, and

driving strategic initiatives. Represents and advances the interests of Justice Defenders at the country level. Responsible for Justice Defenders Country Legal offering and Business

Operations. Contributes to building a motivated, skilled, and engaged workforce that drives business success and sustainable growth. Works in Collaboration with the Servant Leadership Team (SLT) and Servant Management Team (SMT)

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Stakeholder Relations:

• Build positive relationships with SLT, Government officials, agencies, Donors and

regulatory bodies.

• Advocate for policies and regulations that support the organization's objectives and

address potential challenges.

• Monitor legislative developments and provide strategic advice on potential impacts.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with key stakeholders such as industry associations, NGOs, community

groups, SLT and media outlets to promote mutual understanding and collaboration.

• Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and forums to enhance

visibility and influence.

Legal Business Development:

• Identify business opportunities and partnerships within the country that align with

the organization's goals.

• Collaborate with the SLT to develop fundraising and growth strategies.
• Conducted market research and analysis to understand local trends and client

needs.

Risk Management:

• Assess political, economic, social, and environmental risks that may impact the

organization's operations in the country.

• Develop risk mitigation plans and strategies in coordination with relevant

stakeholders.

Compliance and Ethics:

• Ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and agreed standards.
• Ensure Compliance with Justice Defenders Policies and Procedures
• Promote ethical business practices and integrity across all activities and interactions.

Crisis Management:

• Develop and implement crisis management protocols to address emergencies,

conflicts, or reputational risks in Coordination with the SLT.

• Coordinate response efforts with internal teams and external partners as needed.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare regular reports and updates on country-specific activities, challenges, and

opportunities.

• Analyse data and performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of our Legal

offering and identify areas for improvement.

Capacity Building:

• Provide training and support to local teams on relevant policies, procedures, and

best practices in collaboration with SLT.

• Foster a culture of compliance, transparency, and accountability within the

organization that aligns with Justice Defenders’ values.

Communication and Public Relations:

• Develop communication strategies and messages to convey Justice Defenders’

priorities, achievements, and contributions.

• Manage media relations and respond to inquiries or press coverage related to the

organization's activities in the country.

Strategic Planning:

• Contribute to developing country-specific strategies and business work plans aligned

with overall Justice Defenders’ objectives.

• Participate in strategic planning sessions and provide insights and recommendations

based on local market dynamics.

People management:

• Oversee and optimize the human resources within a Country to support the

organization's goals and objectives.

• Collaborate with COO and Business Operations Mgr. to identify staffing needs and

develop recruitment strategies tailored to local market dynamics.

• Coordinate with relevant departments to provide ongoing team member training

and development opportunities, including leadership programs and skills

enhancement workshops.

Implement performance management systems and processes to set clear

expectations, monitor progress, and provide feedback to employees.

• Manage Employee relationships
• Ensure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within the organisation, ensuring fairness

across all organisational activities.

• Any other duties assigned by the Chief Operations Officer

YOUR PROFILE

Qualifications and experience 

• Must be an Advocate
• At least 8 years’ experience in Legal practice with 3 years in a managerial position in a

complex organization, preferably an NGO

• Experience managing donor-funded projects
• Good Leadership Skills
• Strong Verbal and Written Communication skills
• Strategic Thinker and Decision-Making Skills
• Good Strategic Planner
• Strong in relationship management
• Good Understanding of Political Landscape, Regulatory Frameworks and

National/Local Policies relevant to JD operations.

• Knowledge of business Principles
• Financial Literacy
• Good Negotiation and Persuasion Skills
• High sense of Discipline
• Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
• Project management Skills
• People management skills
• High level of Integrity
• Cross Culturally Sensitive
• High Sense of Adaptability and Resilience

Key competencies and abilities

• Excellent communication skills oral and report writing
• Excellent interpersonal & networking skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and to make informed and accurate decisions
• Focused and goal oriented
• Flexibility, openness and broad – mindedness
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify JDs’ values on Bravery, Humility & Solidarity.

We especially encourage applications from those who have been in prison, were the recipient of free school meals, or are from the first generation of their family to attend university and from those who consider themselves to be part of minority groups.

Like to apply?

Applications should be received by the stipulated deadline.