Paralegal Officer

The Gender and Justice Unit

Position Paralegal Officer
Location Lilongwe (But with a nationwide Remit)
Reports to Executive Director
Full/Part Time Full-time (40 Hours per week)
Fixed Term/ Casual Fixed term – 12 Months (With Possible Extension

The Gender and Justice Unit is seeking a Paralegal Officer to contribute to our mission of advancing legal empowerment and gender equality.

About the Role: As a Paralegal, your responsibilities will be diverse and impactful:

  • Conducting comprehensive legal research.
  • Draft legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, and agreements, under the guidance of supervisors.
  • Assist in case management by organizing and maintaining legal files, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation.
  • Coordinate with clients, witnesses, and other legal professionals to gather information and facilitate communication.
  • Prepare and file legal documents with the appropriate courts and agencies.
  • Review and analyze legal documents, contracts, and correspondence to identify key issues and implications.
  • Assist in the preparation for legal proceedings, including trial and hearings, by organizing exhibits, witness lists, and other necessary materials.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive legal information and uphold ethical standards in all tasks.
  • Organizing community mobilisation and legal empowerment activities.
  • Collaborate with the Project Manager to produce monthly progress reports.  
  • Assist the Project Manager in developing project reports

What We’re Looking For: We need someone who’s not just passionate about law and legal empowerment but someone driven to make a difference in women’s rights. You should have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in law, Paralegal Studies or related field.
  • Proven 2-3 years experience as a paralegal or legal assistant.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in legal research databases and case management software.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment.
  • Familiarity with legal terminology and procedures.
  • Ethical and professional conduct.
  • Fluent in English and Chichewa (written and spoken)

Why Join Us: This role isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of creating a more just society. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to empowering communities, amplifying women’s voices, and driving legal change for a brighter future.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume with three professional references to info@genderandjustice.org by  15th January 2024. Please include “Paralegal Officer Application” in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The Executive Director

The Gender and Justice Unit

Private Bag B324, Lilongwe

info@genderandjustice.org

www.genderandjustice.org

Join us in making a real difference! 📚💫 #LegalEmpowerment #WomenRightsAdvocate #JoinOurTeam