Unit Coordinator

Job Description

Title: Unit Coordinator

Company Name: Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)

Vacancy: 1

Age: At most 45 years

Job Location: Khulna

Salary: Negotiable

Experience:

• At least 7 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency, Law Firm

• Bachelor of Law (LLB)
• Master of Law (LLM)

• At least 7 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency, Law Firm

• Age At most 45 years

• Must have at least 7 years of practical experience as a practicing lawyer and be a member of the Bar Council as well as the Khulna Bar Association.      

• Preference will be given to permanent residents of the Khulna District.      

• Strong knowledge and experience in civil, criminal, and family laws.     

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in legal aid services.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse colleagues.      

• Proficient in communication skills, with drafting and report writing capabilities in Bangla and English.

• Knowledgeable in computer operations, particularly in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as email communication.

• Women are encouraged to apply.

Job Context: The Unit Coordinator will manage and oversee all operations of the unit office, ensuring compliance with BLAST policies and guidance from the Head Office. S/he will engage and supervise panel lawyers, approve and monitor litigation cases, ensure proper case allocation, and arrange mediation of disputes while maintaining accurate records. The role includes managing administrative and logistical support, implementing project activities at the unit level, representing BLAST in internal and external meetings, supervising staff, and ensuring that HR, financial, and operational policies are properly followed. The individual will also perform other relevant tasks as required by BLAST management.      

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare the unit office’s annual work plan, secure approval from the Head Office, and ensure overall coordination, supervision, and effective management.

• Manage the daily administrative, human resource, and financial management responsibilities of the unit office.

• Supervise and oversee the activities of staff at the unit office, approve leaves, authorize work plans, and evaluate staff performance in accordance with HR guidelines.

• Provide legal assistance (information, advice, and case management) to clients directly or via email/phone according to organizational policies. Conduct client interviews, receive applications, and, if no lawyer is available at the unit office, refer clients to other service-providing organizations.

• Review and approve all client-related expenses, including transport, case bills, support costs, and hospitality, in accordance with relevant manuals, policies, and guidelines.

• Maintain and update records of all services provided (legal advice, referrals, litigation, and cases) in registers, forms, and the online Case Management System (CMS) following relevant policies and guidelines.

• Ensure regular monitoring and updating of the mediation and court diaries for proper record-keeping of all handled mediations and cases.

• Finalize the list of panel lawyers in consultation with the Management Committee and with approval from the Head Office.

• Verify case documents, analyze factual and legal aspects, and make recommendations to the Chairperson of the Management Committee for case management, in line with the organization’s litigation policy.

• Appoint panel lawyers and ensure proper case allocation in accordance with the decisions of the Case Distribution Sub-Committee.

• Manage cases personally at actual cost and ensure case management through other in-house lawyers, in accordance with the organization’s litigation policy.

• Implement legal assistance (advice, mediation, litigation), referrals, awareness meetings, legal aid camps, advocacy sessions, and training as per the annual work plan, ensuring necessary support and guidance for their execution.

• Regularly attend BLAST’s Case Coordination Committee meetings and take necessary and effective steps to expedite the resolution of ongoing cases.

• Take necessary measures for office maintenance, including cleaning, electricity, water, telephone, and photocopier services.

• Ensure the organization's effective representation at local seminars, workshops, meetings, and training sessions.

• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports (including case studies) of services provided through the unit office to the Head Office within the stipulated time. Organize meetings of the Unit Management Committee, Advisory Committee, panel lawyers, and staff as per the annual work plan, and submit copies of minutes and decisions to the Head Office.

• Ensure regular communication with the Unit Management Committee, Advisory Committee, District Management Committee, and panel lawyers to manage all unit office activities smoothly and effectively.

• Maintain regular communication and networking with district judiciary, administration, UHHQI, police, elected representatives, civil society, community-based organizations, community leaders, and other NGOs and service providers.

• Manage overall unit office operations under the direct supervision, guidance, and control of the Unit Management Committee President and the organization’s Director (Legal).

• Perform other relevant tasks as required by the authorities.

• T/A,Mobile bill,Tour allowance,Weekly 2 holidays
• Salary Review: Yearly
• Festival Bonus: 2

• Costs of any field work will be borne by the organization.