PARALEGAL-FIELDWORKER

Black Sash; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 291 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent human rights organization is seeking a Paralegal-Fieldworker to facilitate community programs in Johannesburg. The role is centered on enhancing socio-economic rights, conducting legal education, and advocating for vulnerable groups. Candidates must have a National Paralegal Diploma, excellent communication skills, and experience in community development. This permanent position offers an annual salary of R 290 314,38, including benefits. Preference will be given to women in accordance with organizational policy.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in human rights learning events.
• Conduct advocacy experience and community development.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with community organizations to implement programs.
• Conduct Rights Education and Training workshops.
• Facilitate advocacy actions with community groups.
• Capture data accurately on the Zoho database.

Skills

Knowledge of South African Constitution and Bill of Rights

Good written and verbal communication skills

Analytical thinking

Project and time management

Data capturing

Driving licence

Education

Accredited 2-year National Paralegal Diploma

BA, BA Law, or BA Social Work

Tools

MS Office

Zoho database

Job description

Black Sash seeks to appoint a Paralegal-Fieldworker based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Black Sash’s mission 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. We will, in the course of our work, explore options to significantly help to 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 & Training, citizen-based monitoring, and Advocacy in Partnership) and may be adjusted from time to time, working in close collaboration with civil society organisations.

Core Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community and civil society organizations 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.
• Rights Education and Training including educational workshops, training courses, queue education, public displays, and events. Assist, prepare and participate in various segments of rights training workshops and training courses.
• Grow and expand the capacity of community partners to implement the Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) model(s) and other research-related tasks.
• 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.
• 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, organisational and donor reports, e.g., monthly/ quarterly report writing. Participate in relevant media engagement as required.

Minimum Requirements

• 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

• Knowledge of the South African Constitution and Bill of Rights and International Human Rights Convention
• Updated knowledge of the laws and policies relevant to the protection of human rights, with an emphasis on social and economic rights, and the rights of women and girls
• Knowledge and understanding of the different spheres of government, departments and agencies, and Chapter 9 institutions
• 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)
• Good written and verbal communication – in English and at least one predominant regional language
• Ability to use own initiative to research information
• Interviewing, listening, recording, analytical thinking
• Report and letter writing, presentation, facilitation, training, conflict resolution (negotiation, arbitration & mediation)
• Project and time management, Public Speaking and Good Computer Literate (MS Office, Email and Internet)
• Typing and data capturing are essential
• Unendorsed driving licence at least two years old

Experience

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

The Black Sash is looking for a candidate that 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 the Black Sash.

The candidate will be based at the Black Sash Gauteng Regional Office in Johannesburg 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 Black Sash Policy.

Closing Date: 2 December 2025
Start date: Immediately
Employment Type: Permanent
Cost to Company: R 290 314,38 per annum (includes Pension and 13th Cheque)

To apply, submit a Cover Letter and CV, including three contactable referees to [e-mail] or contact J Marques at [phone].

A full job description is available on request. For more information about the 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.