Penal Reform International
Position Title: Legal Officer
Department: Programmes
Reports To: Senior Legal Associate
Duty Stations: Mbarara, Masindi and Fort Portal
Contract Type: Full-time
Background
Penal Reform International (PRI) works to promote fair, effective, and proportionate criminal justice systems that uphold human rights and dignity. In Uganda, PRI supports access to justice initiatives aimed at reducing unnecessary detention, improving detention conditions, promoting fair trial rights, and strengthening legal assistance 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 persons in conflict with the law.
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 pleadings, bail applications, submissions, and mitigation statements.
• Conduct prison and detention facility legal aid clinics.
• Facilitate diversion, mediation, reconciliation and non-custodial justice processes.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date client files and records.
• 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-raising activities and community dialogues.
• Represent PRI at stakeholder meetings and workshops.
• Supervise interns, volunteers, and support staff where assigned.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and professional ethics.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Senior Legal Associate or management.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from a recognised institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre or equivalent institution.
• Valid Practising Certificate.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ professional litigation and legal aid experience.
• Experience working with a human rights organisation, NGO, or legal aid provider.
• Demonstrated 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 and under strict deadlines.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to human rights and access to justice principles.
• Willingness to work outside Kampala and travel frequently.
Equal Opportunity Statement
PRI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, and gender equality. Qualified women and persons from marginalised backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of academic and professional qualifications
• Valid Practising Certificate
• Contact details of three professional referees
Applications should be submitted to africaoffice@penalreform.org by the 15th June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
