Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)

A. Legal Analysis & Research Conduct legal and policy research on laws, regulations, and judicial practices affecting freedom of expression and media freedom in Bangladesh. Contribute to the development of the Freedom of Expression Legal Framework Handbook, policy briefs, and research publications. Monitor legal and policy developments concerning digital rights, freedom of expression, and civic space, and prepare relevant recommendations and statements. B. Legal Helpdesk Management Establish and oversee the project’s Legal Helpdesk to provide legal guidance, advice, and referrals to CSOs, HRDs, journalists, and vulnerable communities. Maintain confidential records of cases, inquiries, and legal assistance in line with ethical standards. Coordinate with BLAST’s legal aid services and referral networks for appropriate case follow-up. C. Capacity Building & Mentorship Develop and conduct training and mentoring sessions for CSOs, HRDs, media professionals, and youth fellows on freedom of expression, information rights, and relevant legal frameworks. Support the preparation of training materials and other learning resources in collaboration with project partners. D. Policy Engagement & Advocacy Provide legal expertise to support multi-stakeholder policy dialogue groups and Civic Voice and Rights Protection Networks. Coordinate and support district-level networks across five districts, including monitoring quarterly meetings and emerging freedom of expression issues. Strengthen network members’ understanding of relevant laws, policies, and rights-based approaches. Contribute to policy recommendations and advocacy briefs aimed at promoting an enabling legal environment for freedom of expression. Engage with relevant government and policymaking institutions to share findings and facilitate constructive policy dialogue. E. Coordination & Reporting Work closely with the BLAST project team, BBC Media Action specialists, and other consortium partners. Support project planning, monitoring, and reporting while ensuring legal perspectives are reflected in project activities and outputs. Participate in stakeholder consultations, workshops, evaluation activities, and related project events.

Job Context BLAST is seeking a Court Paralegal for Chattogram to support its Economic Justice and Labour Rights initiatives. The role focuses on providing legal assistance to workers, particularly women, helping them access fair and safe working conditions, increasing awareness of their legal rights, and supporting advocacy and capacity-building initiatives involving workers, factory management, and relevant stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Respond to workers’ inquiries and provide guidance on case filing procedures and Labour Court processes through the Labour Legal Aid Cell. Receive beneficiaries, assess their needs, and complete the necessary applications for legal services. Assist Advocates and their clerks with case-related activities at the Labour Court. Maintain updated case diaries documenting case progress, next actions, hearing dates, and outcomes. Facilitate communication and coordination between clients, lawyers, and the Sromik Ain Sohayota Cell. Coordinate with the Sromik Ain Sohayota Cell, Labour Court, District Legal Aid Committee, and police stations to support timely resolution of workers’ cases. Refer clients to appropriate legal aid or other service-providing organizations for workplace, family, land, livelihood, and related concerns. Regularly follow up on ongoing cases and maintain communication with clients as required. Coordinate with panel lawyers and staff lawyers to ensure timely processing and settlement of bills. Support project implementation, documentation, reporting, and achievement of project objectives. Maintain communication with relevant government and