Job Title: Project Manager – PACJA
(Project on the Administration of Criminal Justice and Advocacy)
- Organisation: Liberalist Centre
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Employment Type: Full-time | Two Years (renewable, subject to performance and funding availability)
About the Project
The Liberalist Centre has received support to implement the Project on the Administration of Criminal Justice and Advocacy (PACJA), a multi-year initiative designed to address Nigeria’s deepening correctional system crisis and strengthen the rule of law.
PACJA combines direct legal intervention, public accountability, and policy reform to reduce unlawful pretrial detention, expand access to bail, and promote compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Core project components include Bail Advocacy Clinics in university law faculties, nationwide public awareness campaigns, and the launch of Nigeria’s first Administration of Criminal Justice Index (ACJI).
Role Summary
The Project Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for PACJA, ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance with donor requirements, and measurable impact. The role requires a strong blend of legal understanding, programme management, and stakeholder engagement.
The Project Manager will serve as the primary custodian of PACJA, overseeing implementation, managing partnerships, supervising project staff, consultants, and volunteers, and translating project activities into verifiable outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic and operational delivery of PACJA in line with approved objectives, budgets, and timelines.
- Coordinate Bail Advocacy Clinics and legal interventions with universities, pro-bono lawyers, and justice institutions.
- Drive development and implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Index (ACJI).
- Manage grants, budgets, reporting, and compliance with funders’ requirements.
- Supervise project staff, consultants, and volunteers to ensure effective delivery and accountability.
- Represent the Liberalist Centre in stakeholder engagements, media activities, and public education efforts.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related field.
- Experience in programme management, legal advocacy, justice-sector reform, or human rights work.
- Strong understanding of Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
- Demonstrated ability to engage institutions, manage partners, and supervise teams.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and execution
- Results-based monitoring and reporting
- Stakeholder and donor engagement
- Budget and grant management
- Strong writing and communication skills
Why Join Us
This role offers an opportunity to:
- Lead a nationally significant criminal justice reform initiative
- Combine legal action with systemic accountability tools
- Shape policy discourse and protect fundamental rights
- Deliver tangible, life-changing impact for detainees and communities
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A CV (maximum 3 pages)
- A cover letter explaining suitability for the role and alignment with PACJA’s objectives
Applications should be sent to reach@liberalistcentre.org with the subject line:
Project Manager – PACJA
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application Deadline: Rolling (applications reviewed as received)
