National Expert

Overview & Responsibilities

The International Development Law Organisation (IDLO) Uganda Country Office (UCO), in partnership with the Judiciary, is looking for a national expert to prepare a resource paper addressing emerging issues in Family Justice. Specifically, the effect of the application of the Succession (Amendment) Act of 2022.

The expert will assess the interpretation of the Act by Judicial Officers at all levels of the Courts, analyze emerging trends from the judicial decisions whilst comparing local and international jurisprudence, compile best practices, and highlight any areas necessitating further discussion and reform. Additionally, the paper will offer an overview of gender equity in land/property disposition within succession cases, identifying key best practices from appellate courts. Intended as a reference for judicial officers, legal practitioners, and litigants; finally, the expert will also review and advise on the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms in the dispensation of Family Justice and provide recommendations on the adoption, recognition, and enforcement of such ADR outcomes. The resource paper will serve as a toolkit for advancing family justice in Uganda and a reference guide for capacity building.

The detailed TORs are:

1. Examine jurisprudential trends emerging post the Succession (Amendment) Act, 2022-Uganda
2. Review the trends viz the objectives of the amendment and analyze the outcome against best practice (regionally/internationally)
3. Document best practices and recommend key additional reforms/ capacity development necessary to realize the objectives of the amendment.
4. Review and document key trends on Gender parity/equity in the disposition of Land/property during the determination of succession matters.
5. Review the use of ADRMs in the dispensation of disputes before the Family Division of the High Court at Kampala and advise on reforms needed to enhance the uptake, recognition, and enforcement of outcomes of ADR processes.

Deliverables:

The Consultant is expected to produce the following deliverables:

1. Workplan
2. Draft of the resource paper.
3. PowerPoint presentation to be presented during a judicial summit on family justice.
4. Final version of the resource paper submitted to IDLO.

Education and Professional Experience

• Master's degree in law, gender studies, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, especially in legal or judicial practice and gender equality advocacy focusing on access to justice.
• Experience working in governance, access to justice, and international development sectors will be of significant advantage.

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal skills in English are required.

Specific knowledge, skills, and competencies:

• Demonstrated track record in conducting consultancies focusing on gender justice, including legal analysis, engagement with the judiciary, and capacity development tasks.
• Proficiency in conducting legal analysis related to gender justice issues.
• Experience in engaging with judicial stakeholders.
• Strong capacity development skills in the context of gender justice initiatives.

IDLO is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications from qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks on all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline: 10 May 2024