About the Organisation
Natural Justice is a pioneering African organization dedicated to defending the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities by specializing in human rights and environmental law. The organization is deeply rooted in the struggles of African communities and focuses on enhancing collective rights and protecting the sacred relationships between people and nature. Through legal empowerment, research, policy advocacy, and litigation, Natural Justice supports communities to understand, utilize, and shape the law, working towards social and environmental justice. Their work is informed by the values, knowledge, and self-determination of the communities they serve across Africa.
This role will be part of the African Climate Legal Fellowship Programme (ACLFP), a pilot initiative aimed at bringing experienced lawyers to the environmental public interest sector in Africa and providing pathways for new talent to enter the public interest sector. In addition to the Natural Justice placement, Fellows will be part of a broader cohort benefiting from mentorship, coaching and leadership development, training in environmental and climate change law and science, and a network of likeminded lawyers in Africa. Travel within Africa for a launch convening will also be required. IREX, a global non-profit that has supported more than 50,000 Fellows over 50 years, will implement the fellowship and provide ongoing support to you and your nonprofit organization.
About the Job
Natural Justice is seeking a Senior Legal Fellow for its Southern Africa hub, which operates across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. This role, under the Defending Rights Programmatic Stream, involves providing legal support to indigenous people and local communities, particularly in climate justice, indigenous rights, land rights, and human rights. The successful candidate will be responsible for offering legal advice, supporting environmental and climate litigation, conducting legal research, and working closely with community partners. The role requires a strong background in litigation, legal support, and a deep commitment to community rights and environmental justice. The position is based in Cape Town, South Africa, with regular travel within the region.
Key Responsibilities
Support local communities in Southern Africa affected by large-scale extractives, infrastructure, and other projects by providing legal advice and supporting legal empowerment approaches.
Provide high-quality legal advice and support to the communities Natural Justice works with, and to its partners.
Support environmental and climate litigation cases across the hub.
Undertake legal research, write submissions, and provide opinions on environmental and climate justice issues.
Collaborate with hub staff to support community environmental legal officers, including training, developing, and implementing reporting and management structures, especially toward developing climate litigation.
Support the hub's work related to research and submissions on law and policy.
Write opinion articles on the outcomes of programmatic work.
Contribute to the overall hub program and strategy development.
Form and maintain good working relationships with key partners, including communities, government entities, and donors.
Collaborate with Natural Justice staff in other countries.
Assist in the development of strategy and initiate, plan, implement, and manage projects and activities, including timelines and deliverables, within the Defending Rights programmatic stream.
Requirements
Completed legal qualification and admission as an attorney or advocate.
At least four years of post-admission experience in a legal environment.
A post-graduate degree in law, political science, or another relevant natural or social science discipline is desirable.
In-depth knowledge of South Africa’s constitutional and administrative law, including human rights, land, and environmental law, or a clear ability to acquire the necessary knowledge quickly.
Additional familiarity with Namibian and/or Mozambican law will be an advantage.
Experience working with marginalized and/or Indigenous communities is advantageous.
Experience in litigation and managing litigation cases.
Proficient in legal research and analysis of law, policy, and social issues.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to quickly and accurately grasp new and complex concepts.
Ability to work under pressure effectively, both as part of a team and independently.
Ability to balance priorities and coordinate work effectively to meet deadlines and manage high workloads.
Conviction in and commitment to community rights, constitutionalism, and principles of environmental justice.
Strong emotional intelligence to interact with people from all sectors of society.
Proficient in English; fluency in another local language or Portuguese would be advantageous.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Friday 23rd August 2024 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za
