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International Justice Mission

Advocacy Associate

International Justice Mission

Uganda Full time Administration
Posted: Aug 01, 2026 3 days ago Deadline: Aug 14, 2026 9 views

Job Description

Advocacy Associate Job Opportunity at International Justice Mission (IJM) – Fort Portal (2026)

International Justice Mission (IJM) is inviting applications from qualified and passionate professionals for the position of Advocacy Associate – Fort Portal. This opportunity is suitable for candidates with experience in social work, counseling, survivor support, advocacy, trauma-informed care, community engagement, and justice systems.
IJM is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. With a team of over 1,200 professionals working across more than 30 countries, IJM partners with communities, governments, and justice systems to rescue survivors, strengthen protection systems, and promote justice.
The successful candidate will support survivor leadership initiatives, coordinate advocacy programs, facilitate trauma-informed workshops, and ensure survivor voices are integrated into IJM’s programming and public engagement activities.

About International Justice Mission (IJM)

International Justice Mission (IJM) is a global organization committed to protecting vulnerable people from violence and exploitation. For more than 25 years, IJM has pioneered justice-focused programs that support survivors, strengthen justice systems, and create safer communities.
As IJM expands its mission to protect 500 million people globally from violence by 2030, the organization continues to seek professionals who are committed to justice, survivor empowerment, and community transformation.
IJM’s workplace culture is built on:
  • Professional excellence.
  • Compassion and respect.
  • Integrity and accountability.
  • Collaboration.
  • Commitment to vulnerable communities.

Job Summary – Advocacy Associate (Fort Portal)

The Advocacy Associate – Fort Portal will support and advance survivor leadership by coordinating strategic initiatives, advising teams, and sharing trauma-informed resources.
The role focuses on integrating survivor voices into IJM programs and public engagement while ensuring alignment with organizational strategies and survivor empowerment goals.
The successful candidate will work with survivors, internal teams, community partners, and justice stakeholders to strengthen survivor-led initiatives and promote effective advocacy approaches.

Key Responsibilities

1. Survivor Leadership Strategy and Coordination
The Advocacy Associate will:
  • Review and align regional survivor group strategies with the Global Survivor Network framework.
  • Support effective implementation of survivor leadership initiatives.
  • Promote survivor participation in advocacy and community programs.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen survivor empowerment.
  • Support collaboration between survivor groups and IJM teams.
2. Advocacy Workshops and Training
Responsibilities include:
  • Coordinate and oversee the rollout of Advocacy & Power of Story workshops.
  • Ensure trauma-informed delivery of training programs.
  • Adapt workshops to suit cultural and community contexts.
  • Facilitate learning sessions for survivors and stakeholders.
  • Promote respectful and empowering engagement approaches.
3. Survivor Leadership Tools and Program Improvement
The successful candidate will:
  • Support the development of survivor leadership tools and resources.
  • Review program materials and recommend improvements.
  • Monitor survivor leadership performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Collect and incorporate feedback from regional teams.
  • Improve the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives.
4. Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing
The role involves:
  • Identifying professional development opportunities for survivor leaders.
  • Supporting coaching and mentorship programs.
  • Sharing best practices across IJM teams.
  • Supporting continuous learning and improvement.
  • Strengthening survivor-led advocacy efforts.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Community Psychology, Development Studies, or a related field.
Candidates should have:
  • Minimum of four (4) years of experience in:
    • Social work.
    • Counseling.
    • Survivor support.
    • Community development.
    • Advocacy programming.
Preferred experience includes:
  • Working with survivors of sexual violence or traumatic experiences.
  • Supporting women and children affected by violence.
  • Establishing partnerships with social service providers.
  • Applying trauma-informed approaches in case management.
  • Coaching and training experience.
  • Working knowledge of Uganda’s criminal justice system.

Required Skills and Competencies

Trauma-Informed Care and Survivor Support
Applicants should demonstrate:
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
  • Ability to work with survivors of violence.
  • Understanding of survivor-centered programming.
  • Ability to support survivors of intimate partner violence and child sexual abuse.
  • Commitment to protecting vulnerable groups.
Advocacy and Program Management Skills
Successful candidates should have:
  • Ability to coordinate complex projects.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Experience working with community programs.
  • Ability to monitor, evaluate, and analyze program outcomes.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Communication and Training Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
  • Excellent English communication skills.
  • Strong report writing abilities.
  • Workshop facilitation skills.
  • Ability to explain concepts clearly.
  • Ability to work with multicultural teams.
  • Knowledge of local languages in the Rwenzori region is preferred.
Partnership and Justice System Skills
Applicants should have:
  • Ability to establish and maintain partnerships.
  • Understanding of justice processes.
  • Knowledge of social service programming.
  • Experience working with government and community stakeholders.
  • Understanding of case management approaches.

Critical Qualities

Successful candidates should demonstrate:
  • Mature Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.
  • Knowledge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
  • Ability to work respectfully with survivors of violence.
  • Understanding of social protection systems.
  • Ability to use monitoring and evaluation tools.
  • Strong partnership-building skills.
  • Knowledge of problem-solving approaches in case management.
  • Commitment to justice and community transformation.

Why Join International Justice Mission (IJM)?

Working with IJM provides an opportunity to:
  • Support survivors and vulnerable communities.
  • Contribute to justice and advocacy programs.
  • Work with an internationally recognized organization.
  • Build expertise in survivor leadership and trauma-informed care.
  • Collaborate with professionals across different regions.
  • Create meaningful social impact.

CV Tips for Advocacy Associate Application

Your CV should highlight experience in advocacy, social work, survivor support, community programs, and stakeholder engagement.
Professional Summary Example
"Dedicated social development professional with over four years of experience in social work, counseling, survivor support, advocacy, and community engagement. Skilled in trauma-informed approaches, case management, stakeholder coordination, training facilitation, monitoring and evaluation, and supporting vulnerable populations affected by violence. Experienced in developing partnerships and implementing survivor-centered programs."
Key Skills to Include
  • Advocacy and Community Mobilization
  • Survivor Support Services
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Gender-Based Violence Response
  • Case Management
  • Counseling Skills
  • Child Protection
  • Women Empowerment
  • Community Development
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Training Facilitation
  • Coaching and Mentorship
  • Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Data Collection and Analysis
  • Report Writing
  • Justice System Knowledge
  • Partnership Development
  • Program Coordination
Experience Section Should Highlight
Include achievements such as:
  • Supported survivors through counseling and referral services.
  • Coordinated community awareness programs.
  • Facilitated advocacy workshops and training sessions.
  • Worked with government and social service providers.
  • Managed confidential case information.
  • Developed survivor support resources.
  • Monitored program activities and outcomes.
  • Built relationships with community stakeholders.

Cover Letter Tips for Advocacy Associate Application

Your cover letter should demonstrate your commitment to survivor empowerment, justice, and community transformation.
Include:
1. Explain Your Motivation
Show why you want to work with IJM.
Example:
"I am passionate about supporting vulnerable communities through survivor-centered advocacy, trauma-informed care, and programs that promote dignity, justice, and empowerment."
2. Highlight Relevant Experience
Mention your experience in:
  • Social work.
  • Counseling.
  • Survivor support.
  • Community engagement.
  • Advocacy programs.
  • Training and facilitation.
3. Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Highlight:
  • Trauma-informed practices.
  • Case management.
  • Monitoring and evaluation.
  • Stakeholder coordination.
  • Justice system understanding.
4. Connect With IJM’s Mission
Explain your commitment to:
  • Protecting vulnerable people.
  • Supporting survivors.
  • Promoting justice.
  • Working with integrity and compassion.

Advocacy Associate Interview Preparation Tips

Prepare to discuss:
  • Survivor-centered approaches.
  • Trauma-informed care.
  • Gender-Based Violence programs.
  • Community advocacy.
  • Partnership management.
  • Case management.
  • Monitoring and evaluation.

Common Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell us about yourself.
Answer Approach:
Explain your background in social work, advocacy, counseling, community programs, and experience supporting vulnerable populations.
2. What does survivor-centered programming mean?
Answer:
Survivor-centered programming means ensuring that survivors’ safety, dignity, choices, rights, and experiences guide all support services and interventions.
3. How would you support a survivor of violence?
Mention:
  • Create a safe environment.
  • Listen without judgment.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Provide emotional support.
  • Connect them to appropriate services.
  • Follow trauma-informed principles.
4. Describe your experience with Gender-Based Violence programs.
Discuss:
  • Community awareness activities.
  • Survivor support programs.
  • Referral pathways.
  • Training sessions.
  • Collaboration with stakeholders.
5. How do you manage confidential information?
Mention:
  • Follow ethical guidelines.
  • Protect personal information.
  • Maintain secure records.
  • Share information only when authorized.
6. How do you build partnerships with communities and organizations?
Mention:
  • Building trust.
  • Maintaining communication.
  • Understanding stakeholder needs.
  • Collaborating toward shared goals.

Prepare Examples About

Be ready to discuss examples of:
  • Supporting survivors.
  • Conducting advocacy activities.
  • Facilitating workshops.
  • Managing community programs.
  • Building stakeholder partnerships.
  • Using monitoring and evaluation tools.
  • Solving challenges in case management.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:
  • Updated Resume/CV.
  • Cover Letter.
  • Statement of Faith.
Combine all documents into one PDF document and send to:
Subject Line: APPLICATION ADVOCACY ASSOCIATE – FORT PORTAL
Application Deadline: Friday, 14 August 2026 at 4:00 PM EAT
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.




About Company

International Justice Mission

International Justice Mission

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Job Overview

  • Job Type: Full time
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Education Level: Bachelors
  • Vacancies: 1
  • Category: Administration
  • Location: Uganda
  • Application: via Email

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