Program Director, East Africa

Overview

The Sudreau Global Justice Institute (SGJI) at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law invites applications for the position of Program Director, East Africa. Based in Kampala, Uganda, the Program Director will play a central role in advancing SGJI’s mission to promote justice and strengthen legal systems through sustainable development and strategic partnerships in East Africa. This role requires a dynamic, highly relational, and administratively capable leader committed to the rule of law, international development, and cross-cultural collaboration. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, energetic leader with a strong commitment to academic and professional excellence, as well as Pepperdine University’s Christian mission.

Reporting to the Director of Global Legal Training & Development for SGJI, the East Africa Director will manage ongoing regional initiatives—including the expanding plea bargaining and public defender programs—while coordinating legal internship placements, government trainings, data and reporting, and intercontinental logistics.

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Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic leadership for all SGJI programs and partnerships in East Africa.
• Manage day-to-day operations, including budgeting, reporting, scheduling, and communications.
• Serve as the primary liaison between SGJI and East African governmental, judicial, academic, and nonprofit stakeholders.
• Monitor program performance and ensure alignment with SGJI's mission and legal ethics.

Internship & Legal Placement Oversight

• Lead the coordination and supervision of 3–5 Global Justice Summer Interns placed with courts, government agencies, and NGOs for approximately 9 weeks each summer.
• Secure court placements and provide mentorship and logistical support, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
• Facilitate orientation and cultural integration for interns in Uganda.

Legal Training & Advocacy

• Organize and deliver legal training seminars for government officials, judges, and public defenders—primarily on plea bargaining, access to justice, and restorative justice initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance to East African legal institutions and collaborate on justice reform strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement & Diplomacy

• Cultivate and maintain long-term, trust-based relationships with judiciary leaders, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
• Represent SGJI in high-level meetings and negotiations, demonstrating cultural intelligence, humility, and professionalism.

Travel Coordination

• Plan and coordinate travel and logistics for Pepperdine faculty, students, and partners visiting East Africa.
• Travel within the region as needed to monitor programs, build relationships, and facilitate training events.

Data and Reporting

• Support SGJI’s development efforts by gathering data, success stories, and other materials for grant proposals and donor reports.
• Ensure timely submission of monitoring and evaluation reports where required.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with SGJI’s global team to ensure unified strategy and excellence across all programs.
• Participate in regular virtual team meetings and contribute to long-term strategic planning.

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Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of professional legal experience (international law or development experience preferred).
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, service, and faith-based global engagement.
• Proven ability to lead and thrive in resource-limited, cross-cultural environments.

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Core Competencies

• Leadership & Influence: Able to inspire confidence and cooperation among international leaders, government officials, and interns.
• Cross-Cultural Acumen: Diplomatic, respectful, and effective in navigating diverse legal, cultural, and institutional contexts.
• Administrative Excellence: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with strong project management skills.
• Problem-Solving: Capable of analyzing complex issues and developing innovative, pragmatic solutions in real time.
• Relational Intelligence: Values relationship-building and servant leadership as key to lasting impact.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Embodies humility, ethical conduct, and alignment with the values of Pepperdine and SGJI.

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Compensation

• Annual Stipend: A stipend commensurate with experience, plus once-per year travel stipend equivalent to one round-trip economy flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Entebbe, Uganda, and back.

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To Apply

Submit a resume/CV, a cover letter outlining your alignment with SGJI’s mission, and contact information for 2–3 references.

Pepperdine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Federal guidelines recognize the right of church-related institutions to seek personnel who will support the goals of the institution, including the right to select members of the church to which the institution is related.