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Penal Reform International

Legal Officer (3 Positions)

Penal Reform International

Uganda Full time Others
Posted: Jun 30, 2026 1 month ago 98 views

Job Description

 
Legal Officer Job at Penal Reform International (PRI)
Organization: Penal Reform International (PRI)
Position: Legal Officer
Duty Stations: Mbarara | Masindi | Fort Portal, Uganda
Employment Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 13th July 2026

About Penal Reform International (PRI)
Penal Reform International (PRI) is an international human rights organisation working to promote fair, effective, and proportionate criminal justice systems that uphold human rights and dignity.
In Uganda, PRI supports access to justice initiatives focused on:
  • Reducing unnecessary detention
  • Improving detention conditions
  • Promoting fair trial rights
  • Strengthening legal aid services for indigent and marginalised persons in conflict with the law

Purpose of the Position
The Legal Officer will provide legal aid, representation, case management, detention monitoring, and advocacy support to indigent and marginalised individuals in the criminal justice system.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Interview, assess, counsel, and provide legal advice to detainees and accused persons.
  • Represent eligible clients before courts of law and tribunals.
  • Prepare legal documents including pleadings, bail applications, submissions, and mitigation statements.
  • Conduct legal aid clinics in prisons and detention facilities.
  • Facilitate diversion, mediation, reconciliation, and non-custodial justice processes.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential, and updated client records and case files.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and activity reports.
  • Participate in monitoring visits to detention facilities.
  • Conduct legal and policy research on criminal justice and detention issues.
  • Contribute to reports, briefing papers, policy memoranda, and advocacy materials.
  • Participate in national and sub-national advocacy initiatives.
  • Support awareness campaigns and community legal education.
  • Represent PRI in stakeholder meetings and workshops.
  • Supervise interns, volunteers, and support staff where applicable.
  • Ensure compliance with organisational policies and professional ethics.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must have:
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognised institution.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (LDC) or equivalent.
  • Valid Practising Certificate.
  • Minimum of 6 years of professional litigation and legal aid experience.
  • Experience working with a human rights organisation, NGO, or legal aid provider.
  • Proven experience in court representation and criminal justice programming.

Competencies and Skills
  • Strong litigation, advocacy, and legal drafting skills.
  • Good understanding of Uganda’s criminal justice and human rights framework.
  • Excellent legal research, analytical, and report writing skills.
  • Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently under strict deadlines.
  • High integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Commitment to human rights and access to justice principles.
  • Willingness to travel and work outside Kampala frequently.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Penal Reform International is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, and gender equality. Qualified women and individuals from marginalised backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Copies of academic and professional qualifications
  • Valid Practising Certificate
  • Contact details of three professional referees
Applications should be sent to:
Important Note
Candidates who previously applied for this position are advised not to reapply.



About Company

Penal Reform International

Penal Reform International

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Send your application to:

africaoffice@penalreform.org

Include CV and cover letter

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Job Overview

  • Job Type: Full time
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Education Level: Bachelors
  • Vacancies: 3
  • Category: Others
  • Location: Uganda
  • Application: via Email

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