Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) is a company limited by guarantee that was incorporated under Uganda’s Companies Act. AFIEGO undertakes public policy research and advocacy to influence energy policies to benefit the poor and vulnerable. Based in Kampala-Uganda, the non-profit company was born out of the need to contribute to efforts to turn Africa’s clean energy potential into reality and to ensure that the common man and woman benefit from this energy boom. Through lobbying, research and community education, AFIEGO works with communities and leaders to ensure that clean energy resources are utilised in a way that promotes equitable development, environmental conservation and respect for human rights.
This role will be part of the African Climate Legal Fellowship Programme (ACLFP), a pilot initiative aimed at bringing experienced lawyers to the environmental public interest sector in Africa and providing pathways for new talent to enter the public interest sector. In addition to the AFIEGO placement, Fellows will be part of a broader cohort benefiting from mentorship, coaching and leadership development, training in environmental and climate change law and science, and a network of likeminded lawyers in Africa. Travel within Africa for a launch convening will also be required. IREX, a global non-profit that has supported more than 50,000 Fellows over 50 years, will implement the fellowship and provide ongoing support to you and your nonprofit organization.
Based in Kampala, Uganda – AFIEGO seeks to appoint a
LEGAL OFFICER
The Legal Officer will be responsible for managing public litigation at both national and international level. The successful incumbent will also be required to undertake legal research and engage in advocacy in pursuit of AFIEGO’s goal. Further, the Legal Officer will also support mobilization of resources through writing proposals for the legal department.
The Legal Officer will be responsible for the following tasks and duties, among others:
- Providing legal advice to AFIEGO and partners on cases already in court and others to be filed
- Providing support to management on matters related to legal advocacy
- Coordinating with external lawyers involved in AFIEGO’s cases to ensure effective representation
- Representing and defending AFIEGO in court and tribunals and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents and advise on legal matters
- Meeting and interviewing witnesses, advising on how to protect witnesses from intimidation, harassment, arrests and detentions-advising on civic space
- Conducting legal aid clinics for communities
- Engaging government and other institutions on legal reforms related to AFIEGO’s work
- Undertaking legal research activities, collecting and recording data relevant to natural resources governance and AFIEGO programming for legal advocacy.
- Preparing legal research reports, producing legal articles, policy briefs, policy memos, information sheets on litigation and other related legal research products.
- Tracking delivery on litigation outputs and documenting and disseminating litigation impacts
- Organising and managing litigation events including; media engagements, policy dialogues, research meetings, workshops and other meetings/conferences relating to legal
- Preparing and ensuring timely submission of project narrative reports for legal projects and activities
The Legal Officer must meet the following criteria:
- 3-4 years experience in law/legal field
- Practicing advocate with a valid practicing certificate
- Any other relevant post graduate qualification and training in natural resources governance
- Competence and skills in undertaking legal research and analysis
- Competence and skills in litigation
- Excellent writing skills
- Fluent in English
This is a 1-year fixed term contract with a possibility of renewal.
Must be legally eligible to work full time in Uganda.
View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at https://www.actionappointments.co.za/climate-change-vacancies and email your application by Friday 23rd August 2024 to [email protected]
