Junior Program Officer – iProbono India

iProbono is a non-profit online network connecting organisations in need of legal assistance with lawyers and students who want to use their legal skills for the public good. The network’s global outreach enables people to engage in projects from around the world and allows organisations to source assistance across jurisdictions. This is the first website of its kind for the international pro bono community, bringing people and projects together to give organisations the support they need and volunteers the experience they want.

iProbono’s mission is to enable people to access their rights in pursuit of a just society. We believe in holistic counsel, representing clients and providing wraparound legal support, capacity building, storytelling, research, and policy advocacy to support social change.

Organisation name: iProbono India
Position: Junior Program Officer
Term:Full-time
Location: Bengaluru
Remuneration: Competitive
Deadline: Friday, 5 January 2024

By promoting active citizenship and engaging a holistic model we:

• Advance justice for all by representing people in need
• Strengthen the impact of civil society
• Advocate for policies that promote social equity and end discrimination

iProbono works on cases involving child abuse, trafficking, women’s rights, disability rights, workers’ rights, housing rights, and engages in advocacy efforts on these subject areas. We also provide support in the form of direct legal assistance to NGOs across the country working on a range of issues.

The Role
We are looking for a Program Officer in Bengaluru, who will be responsible for managing litigation support and enhancing outreach to our partner lawyers and organisations. The team members will work closely with our Delhi Programs Team on our advocacy and capacity-enhancement projects. This position would suit dynamic individuals who not only possess legal skills but also a passion for social justice. We are looking for an individual who wants to build their career with us and be part of iProbono for the long term.

The candidate must possess a sound knowledge of the Indian legal system and must have good communication skills. They should be highly organised, results-driven team players. They need to be able to work independently where required while providing essential support to the program team.

Responsibilities

1. Assisting the Public Prosecutor in Court, coordinating with iProbono panel lawyers and keeping notes of follow-up action required for our casework.

2. Documentation (updating the iProbono in-house database, updating and creating case notes, updating litigation management notes and dates of hearings).

3. Legal research, drafting and writing.

4. Reaching out to NGOs to initiate new partnerships.

5. Developing and working on advocacy projects and strategic litigation, based on an assessment of needs on the ground.

6. Organising and executing workshops and trainings for our partner organisations and their beneficiaries.

Skills and Experience

1. A bachelor’s degree in law
2. 1-2 years work experience with an NGO or litigation chamber
3. Sound knowledge of the Indian legal system, particularly laws related to child rights
4. Effective legal research skills
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Kannada.
6. Comfortable working independently and as part of a small team

To apply, please email recruitment@i-probono.com with your CV and a short cover letter on why you are suitable for the role.