Access to Justice Programme Officer

Job Overview

Global Refugee Initiatives (GRI) seeks an Access to Justice Programme Officer to establish and lead justice interventions in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. This 12-month full-time role focuses on designing and implementing the Justice First pilot programme based on comprehensive needs assessment findings. The officer will work independently to map justice ecosystems and develop practical solutions for refugee and host community protection needs.

The role requires translating field evidence into actionable programme interventions while collaborating with government authorities, legal aid providers, and community structures. As the primary accountability point for programme quality and results, the officer will supervise an Access to Justice Associate and drive implementation through to measurable outcomes. This position suits a self-directed practitioner capable of sound judgment and independent problem-solving.

GRI operates as a Ugandan-registered humanitarian NGO dedicated to developing locally grounded responses to protection and self-reliance challenges. The organization works directly with refugees and host communities to create sustainable solutions that address wellbeing concerns through participatory approaches. This role contributes to GRI’s mission of strengthening access to justice mechanisms in displacement settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Map the complete justice and beneficiary ecosystem including government actors, legal aid providers, humanitarian agencies, community structures and informal justice actors operating in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement.
• Document the full demographic profile of beneficiary populations comprising both refugees and host communities to inform targeted justice interventions and resource allocation strategies.
• Lead the design of the 2026 Access to Justice Needs Assessment methodology including development of data collection instruments, sampling frameworks and ethical considerations for vulnerable populations.
• Coordinate and lead all field data collection activities ensuring quality assurance, participant safety and adherence to humanitarian principles throughout the assessment process in the settlement.
• Translate needs assessment findings into the design of the Justice First pilot programme detailing intervention logic, theory of change and expected outcomes for justice service delivery.
• Drive implementation of the Access to Justice Programme through to results by managing activities, monitoring progress and adapting strategies based on field feedback and changing circumstances.
• Supervise the Access to Justice Associate providing day-to-day guidance, performance feedback and professional development support to ensure effective team functioning.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for programme implementation quality and results reporting regularly to GRI management and programme leadership on achievements and challenges.
• Work closely with community structures government authorities justice and protection actors humanitarian partners and GRI staff to build partnerships and coordinate justice service referrals.
• Exercise independent judgment and sound decision-making without requiring close oversight while solving problems that arise during programme implementation in complex humanitarian contexts.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Law Human Rights Social Sciences International Development or a closely related field from a recognized university with strong academic performance.
• Minimum three years of progressive experience working on access to justice legal aid protection or rule of law programmes preferably in refugee or humanitarian settings.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting needs assessments including methodology development data collection tools and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including government officials community leaders legal practitioners and humanitarian actors in sensitive environments.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills with experience translating complex field findings into clear actionable programme recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Capacity to work independently exercise sound judgment and make decisions without prompting while managing multiple priorities in remote or challenging field locations.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Law Human Rights Refugee Studies or Development Studies with specialization in forced displacement justice systems or legal empowerment approaches.
• Experience working specifically in Ugandan refugee settlements including familiarity with Kiryandongo’s context OPM procedures and UNHCR coordination mechanisms.
• Knowledge of Ugandan refugee law international humanitarian law and relevant legal frameworks governing asylum seekers and displaced persons in East Africa.
• Previous supervision experience managing junior staff or volunteers in programme settings with demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and mentorship.
• Fluency in English plus proficiency in one or more languages spoken by refugee populations in Kiryandongo such as Arabic Swahili or Dinka for effective community engagement.
• Training in participatory research methods protection mainstreaming or gender-based violence risk mitigation enhancing programme safety and inclusivity standards.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive monthly salary commensurate with experience and qualifications paid in Ugandan shillings with annual review based on performance and organizational policies.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage including inpatient outpatient and maternity benefits for the employee and immediate dependents as per Ugandan labor standards.
• Monthly housing allowance to secure appropriate accommodation near Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement recognizing the remote location and limited local rental market.
• Transport facilitation including fuel allowance or vehicle access for official travel within the settlement and to regional offices as required for programme implementation.
• Daily lunch provision or subsidy during field work days ensuring adequate nutrition while conducting assessments and community engagements in the settlement.
• Professional development opportunities including access to relevant trainings workshops and conferences related to access to justice humanitarian protection and programme management.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual leave sick leave and compassionate leave in accordance with Ugandan employment law and organizational policies supporting work-life balance.

How to Apply

Submit your updated CV copies of relevant academic certificates and professional qualifications and a cover letter detailing your motivation for the role and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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