Uganda: Coordinator sought for African NGO Refugee Protection Network

Coordinator / African NGO Refugee Protection Network / Kampala, Uganda.

DESCRIPTION:

Funding has been received to implement an African NGO Refugee Protection
Network, with an initial focus on the greater Great Lakes Region. The
network
was born in June 2001 out of a workshop in Nairobi entitled "Working for
Refugee
Rights: The Role of NGOs". The Refugee Law Project, an autonomous project
of
the Faculty of Law at Makerere University, Kampala, will host the Network on
an
interim basis.

The African NGO Refugee Protection Network seeks an experienced professional
to
set-up and develop an electronic Network of human rights organisations
working
with refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The Network currently
consists of: 14 NGOs from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and
Sudan;
six academic institutions from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt and the United
Kingdom; and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Office
for
the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and UNIFEM. Day-to-day
supervision will be provided by the Director of the Refugee Law Project,
with
ultimate oversight by the African NGO Refugee Protection Network Board of
Directors. The Coordinator will be responsible for implementing the
strategy
for establishment and development of the Network.

Special Terms: The Network Coordinator will be hired on a consultant basis
and
has initial funding for six-months. Further funding is expected and the
length
of the position may be extended.
Salary: USD 1,100 monthly.
Location: Kampala, Uganda, with the possibility of a limited degree of
regional
travel to be determined by the needs of and funding for the Network.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Transfer existing electronic data to separate external files and floppy
disks.
- Explore and purchase new computer equipment (screen, hard-drive and
printer).
- Transfer database electronic files to new computer and copy bookmarked
websites from existing UNIFEM African Women in Crisis (AFWIC) computer.
- Explore and download database material from websites on an ongoing basis
and
print and file hard copies of appropriate materials for the paper database.
- Oversee dissemination and return of questionnaires from new Network
members
resulting from the extended mailing of the Workshop Report and
Questionnaire.
- Create a list-serve from existing Network members and add to this as new
members join, revising and updating their electronic addresses as
necessary.
- Create a Directory of members from the electronic lists and questionnaires
for
circulation on-line and in hard copy to Network members, agencies and
donors.
- Feed relevant material (new research findings, bibliographical notices,
calendar of events, selected news items) to the Network through the
list-serv,
and retain hard copies for the database.
- Initiate discussions on selected issues and moderate discussions among
Network
members around these issues, where necessary including external expertise.
- Ensure that gender issues are given a high profile during these
discussions.
- Explore areas of collaboration and information sharing with the East
African
Network for the Study of Forced Migration.
- Propose new directions for this work and make firm recommendations to the
Board of Directors by the end of the initial six-month period.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Previous experience in refugee and/or IDP issues and human rights,
preferably
in the greater Great Lakes Region of Africa.
- Experience in gender issues and women's rights desirable.
- Excellent writing and editing skills (in English). Preference will be
given
to individuals with some professional writing or editing experience.
- Excellent IT skills, including word processing, Internet research,
list-serv
and database set-up and management, and online discussion moderation.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are conversant in Kiswahili.
Individuals with French and/or Arabic language ability are also encouraged
to
apply.
- Ability to work in a multicultural setting. Preference will be given to
applicants with some field experience in local NGOs and community-based
organisations.
- Ability and willingness to travel.

TO APPLY:

Send cover letter and resume to Zachary Lomo, Director, Refugee Law Project,
at [email protected]. No phone calls or hard copies of applications please.

The Refugee Law Project
Faculty of Law, Makerere University
Plot 10 Perrymans Garden, Old Kampala
P.O. Box 33903 Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 41 343556
E-mail: [email protected]

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

(cross-posted from CANADEM-L list)