Equality Collective - Right to ECD advocacy internship

Location:  Hybrid    with three in-person retreats to Nqileni Village   

Position type: One year, full-time, paid internship (2025)  

Remuneration: Salary will be competitive within the NPO sector  

Please note:  We encourage all applicants to review our  website prior to applying.    

About the role   

Are you a passionate, emerging young leader committed to rural and social justice? The Equality Collective is looking for an ECD Intern to support our  Real Reform for ECD campaign. This role is ideal for young activists interested in research, advocacy, and community engagement within the ECD sector and local government.  

During the internship, you will assist in planning ECD workshops, coordinating community outreach, supporting advocacy initiatives, and conducting research that strengthens our impact.  

About the Equality Collective  

The Equality Collective is an activist, community-embedded organisation based in Mbhashe Local Municipality in the rural Eastern. Our vision is to have thriving communities collectively participating in a just and caring society, and our mission is to be innovative in the advancement of access to justice, build the capacity and infrastructure for collective participation and action, and share research and learning. This, in turn, informs the strategic focus of our work on achieving improved access to socio-economic rights, enhanced responsive governance and accountability, and a strong, more active citizenry.  

Equality Collective’s major campaigns to date involve the right to early childhood development ( Real Reform for ECD ) and the right to water.  

What you’ll do  

Deliverables:   

• Coordination Support:  Assist in planning and organising ECD training workshops, forums, and events. Assist with communication between the Equality Collective, ECD practitioners, and RR4ED partners. Maintain records, track progress on various projects, and ensure timely follow-ups with partners.   
• Community Engagement and Outreach:  Coordinate workshop schedules and logistical support for community engagements, prepare outreach materials, and facilitate community engagement activities to enhance mobilisation for Real Reform for ECD.   
• Advocacy and Campaign Support : Engage in advocacy planning and execution for ECD campaigns, tracking legislative changes and conducting research to support legal and policy initiatives.  
• Research Support : Undertake and document research in Equality Collective’s core areas of work, including the right to ECD, local government and the right to water  

What we hope you’ll bring   

• Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities, preferably in social sciences or a Bachelor of Laws degree.  
• Between the ages of 20 and 30.   
• Strong coordination and interpersonal communication skills and attention to detail.  
• Strong English writing skills.  
• Research, advocacy and outreach skills.  
• Commitment to movement building and building partnerships.   
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.   
• Must have an interest in working with ECD practitioners.   
• Fluency in written and spoken English and isiXhosa is preferred.   
• Candidates from WSU and Fort Hare will be preferred.   

Deadline and how to apply  

Applications will be accepted until 3 December 2024 or until the position is filled.   

Your application should consist of a maximum two-page resume/CV, a short motivation letter and a written response to these two questions:   

1. What motivates you to work in the field of ECD advocacy, and how do you see this role contributing to meaningful change in South Africa? Here the applicant can reflect on any personal experiences, values, or aspirations that drive their interest in ECD and social justice.   
2. Describe a time when you successfully managed a project, coordinated with others, or organised an event under challenging circumstances. What skills and strategies did you use, and how would they be applicable to this internship? Here the applicant may share a specific example from their experience that demonstrates their organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills, linking them to the deliverables of this internship role.  

Should you be shortlisted, there will be an opportunity to expand on these ideas further. Please limit your responses to a maximum of 350 words per question.   

Please fill out your application for this position here:  https://forms.gle/KsPG6c5ZbpNUQouNA . If you have any trouble using this link, please email us at  tshepo@equalitycollective.org.za . Only applications received via the application link will be considered.   

Please note that only short-listed candidates will hear from us.   

We appreciate your interest in joining our team and your commitment to rural justice.