International Justice Mission - Church/Community Relations Coordinator

International Justice Mission® is a Christian is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems. In Uganda, IJM investigates and documents cases of widow and orphan land seizure and provides pro bono legal representation to individual victims who are not receiving the protection of Ugandan law, often because they are vulnerable or lack an advocate. IJM works in partnership with local police and public justice officials to increase the capacity of the Ugandan public justice system to handle such cases. IJM also educates the public and the church about the various human rights abuses it addresses.

The Need

International Justice Mission (IJM) is a dynamic and highly professional organization that is experiencing rapid growth and an ever-increasing volume of casework. The IJM Field Office (FO), Uganda is seeking a candidate with a background in religion, theology, and/or church ministry, as well as experience in media, communications, marketing, public relations and/or community sensitization, in order to lead IJM’s outreach efforts.

Responsibilities

The Church/Community Relations Coordinator will lead IJM Uganda’s efforts to educate the church and the public in Uganda about the issue of property grabbing. Specific duties shall include the following:

Lead IJM’s efforts to build relationships with church leaders and community leaders in Uganda;
Initiate and identify opportunities for IJM to offer education to community leaders on the issue of property grabbing affecting widows and orphans, as well as Ugandan law that protects widows’ and orphans’ property rights;
— Cultivate relationships and liaise with local partners to mobilize community participation in education programs;
— Coordinate logistics for education programs;
Initiate and identify opportunities for IJM to hold regular legal clinics on site in target neighborhoods in need of legal aid services;
— Cultivate opportunities for potential clients to understand the work of IJM and allow them to present their complaint through case intake;
Initiate and identify opportunities for IJM to speak in churches and communities about the Biblical call to Seek Justice on behalf of the oppressed, as well as IJM’s ministry in Uganda;
Initiate other efforts to publicize the work of IJM in Uganda;
Write stories for publication regarding cases resolved through the work of IJM Uganda;
Maintain database of all IJM Uganda church and community partners;
Assist in connecting IJM clients in need with counseling and support services offered by churches in their communities;
Participate in office-wide programs addressing professional training and Christian spiritual formation;
Assist in hosting guests, visitors, and volunteers from overseas who are interested in participating in and/or supporting IJM’s work in Uganda; and
Perform other tasks as assigned by the Field Office Director, Uganda.

Skills and Experience

University Degree;
Minimum three years professional experience;
Education/training in theology or religious studies highly preferred;
Education/training in media communications preferred;
Excellent oral and written communications skills;
Prior leadership and/or management experience highly preferred; and
Computer and typing skills;
Fluency in English and Luganda required.

Critical Qualities

Mature Christian faith;
Active member of a Christian church;
Passionate commitment to IJM mission;
Demonstrated commitment to serving the poor and the oppressed;
Hard working and a team player;
High level of self motivation and personal initiative;
Ability to work independently;
Disciplined with priorities;
Creative and energetic problem solver;
Extremely high level of honesty and integrity;
Ability to work well under stress and deadline pressures;
Professional presentation and demeanor; and
Sustained positive attitude.

Travel Requirements

This position requires regular daytime travel within and outside of Kampala.

Organization Information

Competitive salary and benefits;
Position reports to the Field Office Director, Uganda;
Applications accepted until position is filled; and
Target date for hire is immediate.

Send Covering Letter, Curriculum Vitae, At Least Two Referees, & Statement of Faith to:

By Mail:
International Justice Mission® (Uganda)
P.O. Box 70445
Kampala, Uganda

By E-mail:
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