The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is an organization established in 2003, with its headquarters located in Abuja. PPDC focuses its interventions on promoting citizens’ participation in governance processes and strengthening transparency and accountability, while also improving ethics and integrity in the public and private sectors. PPDC is one of the leading organizations in civil society space in Nigeria dedicated to promoting wider public participation in procurement as a way to curb corruption. PPDC’s work focuses on:

• Procurement Governance (PG)
• Digital Governance (DG)
• Access to Justice 

BACKGROUND 

Since 2018, the Bureau for International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) US Department of States as part of its Rule of Law and Democracy Program has funded the Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project to support the Government of Nigeria (GoN) to achieve a significant reformation in the pre-trial processes. Currently, phase II of the project is being implemented by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC).  This phase of the project is focused on:

• Enhancing technological capabilities in select Custodial Centers across  states and three women’s correctional facilities to ensure the protection of pre-trail detainees’ right under the administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA)

• Ensuring accessibility of Legal aid and other pre-trial services to pre-trial detainees in Custodial Centers and other detention centers. 

• Coordination and communication among the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), other stakeholders in the criminal justice system, and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) to facilitate effective  implementation of the ACJA.

The Project is currently being implemented in Adamawa, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). PPDC is thus inviting applications from dedicated lawyers within the FCT and the aforementioned project states who are willing to offer pro bono legal assistance to pre-trial detainees and defendants, whether at  Custodial Centers, police stations and other law enforcement holding  agencies. Additionally, Interested Lawyers will also be providing support to law students working at various partner Law Clinics. 

CALL TIMELINE

•  February 9th, 2024 – Application opens 
•  March 1, 2024 – Deadline for submission
• March 1 – 14, 2024 – Review of applications 
• March 14 – April 1, 2024 – Interviews
• April 1, 2024  – Start Registration with Legal Aid Council of Nigeria/Trainings Commence 

CRITERIA;

• A minimum of 3 years post call
• Should be willing to work with students 
• Must have experience handling criminal cases
• Have experience working with the ACJA 2015 or the ACJLs of the listed states 
• Experience providing pro bono legal services
• Must be resident in Abuja or any of the project states 
• Interested persons should complete and submit the Online Application Form on or before March 1st, 2024