Paralegal-Fieldworker

ADVERT FOR THE POSITION OF PARALEGAL-Fieldworker

Black Sash seeks to appoint a Paralegal-Fieldworker based in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape.

Black Sash is a 68-year-old veteran human rights organisation advocating for social justice in South Africa. It is working towards the realisation of socio-economic rights, as outlined in the SA Constitution 1996, with an emphasis on social security and social protection for the most vulnerable, particularly women and children. In the course of our work, we explore options to significantly reduce poverty and inequality.

The overall purpose of the Paralegal - Field Worker is to conduct Regional Human Rights work as outlined in our organisational Strategic Plan and Programmes (Rights Education and Training, citizen-based monitoring, and Advocacy in Partnership) as may be adjusted from time to time, working in close collaboration with civil society organisations.

The core responsibilities include:

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with community and civil society organisations to ensure good working relationships with partners and stakeholders to implement programmes. Initiate new relationships based on entry criteria, ensure that formal agreements with Community Partners (CP) are complete and terminate relationships where appropriate.

2. Rights Education and Training including educational workshops, training courses, rights information sessions on community radio, public information sessions and events. Assist, prepare and participate in various segments of rights training workshops and training courses.

3. Grow and expand the capacity of community partners to implement the Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) model(s) and other research-related tasks.

4. Advocacy in partnership with civil society organisations and community groups to conduct advocacy actions to effect systemic, legislative, policy and delivery changes. Mentoring and coaching community partners to understand the respective frameworks.

5. Other Tasks accurately capture data on the Zoho database that help to generate accurate statistics and quality information to use for a range of purposes including follow-up advocacy, organizational and donor reports, e.g., monthly/ quarterly report writing. Participate in relevant media engagement as required.

Minimum Requirements: 

Qualifications:

1. Accredited 2-year National Paralegal Diploma or relevant Higher Certificate/ Degree including BA, BA Law and BA Social Work and Adult Education Diploma or qualification in Community Development.

Other key requirements include:

1. Knowledge of the South African Constitution and Bill of Rights and International Human Rights Convention 

2. Knowledge and understanding of the different spheres of government, departments and agencies, and Chapter 9 institutions 

3. Knowledge and understanding of civil society networks and organisations, and in particular CBOs, community advice offices, as well as law clinics, pro bono law offices, social services etc. Understanding of Citizen Based Monitoring of public services (an advantage)

4. Good written and verbal communication – in English and at least one predominant regional language

5. Ability to use own initiative to research information; 

6. Interviewing, listening, recording, analytical thinking; 

7. Report and letter writing, presentation, facilitation, training, conflict resolution (negotiation, arbitration & mediation);

8. Project and time management, Public Speaking and Good Computer literacy (MS Office, Email and Internet).

9. Typing and data capturing are essential

10. Unendorsed driving license 

Experience: 

3 – 5 years experience; Facilitating and coordinating human rights learning events, and educational workshops and presenting information concisely and coherently; and Community Development and gender analysis; Advocacy experience.

Black Sash is looking for a candidate who is committed to human rights, access to justice, development, and empowerment. We value integrity, vigour, and respect for confidentiality. A person who will be able to work in a team and with a transparent, accountable, and consultative style that embraces the values, vision, strategies, and policies of Black Sash. 

The candidate will be based at the Black Sash Eastern Cape Regional Office in Gqeberha and must be prepared to travel to other provinces. Candidate must have a command of spoken and written English and at least one predominant regional language.

Preference will be given to women in line with our Black Sash Policy.

Closing Date: 25 September 2023

Start date:Immediately

Employment Type: Permanent

Cost to Company: R 271 225,12 per annum (includes Pension and 13th Cheque)

To apply, submit a Cover Letter and CV (one complete document), including three contactable referees to jobs@blacksash.org.za or contact JS Marques at (021) 140 1900

A full job description is available on request. For more information about Black Sash, refer to www.blacksash.org.za 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within a month from the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.