Centre for Environmental Rights – Advancing Environmental Rights in South Africa

Call for Applications: Legal Internship: Project Officer for the Centre’s Access to Information Project

The Centre for Environmental Rights calls for applications by suitably qualified and experienced candidates to take up a 6 month legal internship contract with the Centre, starting as soon as possible. The successful candidate will work on the Centre’s Access to Information Project, working closely with the Executive Director and staff attorneys.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An LLB or equivalent tertiary qualification
• Candidates must be currently enrolled or have completed an LLM in Environmental Law
• A sound understanding of legal and procedural requirements for environmental decision-making and legal challenges
• A good knowledge of recent environmental case law and recent legal developments
• An ability to work independently, without constant supervision, and to take initiative
• An ability to work effectively and creatively with limited resources
• Excellent writing and legal drafting skills
• Work experience in a legal practice or not for profit organisation, as well as experience working with communities and community organisations will be an advantage
• A sensitivity to social issues and needs
• A commitment to high quality client service and attention to detail

Key responsibilities:

The legal intern will:

• support the Executive Director and staff attorneys in the legal and administrative operations at the Centre;
• conduct legal research and drafting legal opinions;
• draft requests for information to private and public bodies and prepare internal appeals to the relevant government departments;
• assist the CER in preparing court applications and court actions;
• populate and maintain the CER’s website, particularly its Virtual Environmental Law Library; and
• negotiate a programme of work that is designed to meet priority skills training and experiential learning and undertake this work diligently and responsibly.

Commencement date, working hours and duration: The contract with the legal intern will commence as soon as possible and on a full-time basis.

Gross montly salary: R7 500

Closing dates and interviews: Applications should reach us by no later than 8 June 2012.

Applications: To apply, please send a cover letter motivating why you have the necessary passion, qualifications, skills and experience for this position, as well as a short CV including the contact details of at least two referees, to [email protected].

The Centre for Environmental Rights strives to reflect South Africa’s racial, cultural and gender diversity within its staff complement. All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Comments by past CER interns:

• “It was an immense privilege to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Centre. The kinds of matters that are being challenged by the Centre, the talent and passion with which they are pursued, and the creativity and commitment of its leaders has been both encouraging and exciting. I am grateful to have played a small part in this work and have gained immensely through the legal insight and practical training I received there.” Olivia Rumble, volunteer legal intern in 2010
• “The CER has provided me with an opportunity to expand my skills base. I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to work with excellent professionals and learn as much as I can.” Junaid Francis, environmental management intern and project officer in 2011
• “Working at the CER was an incredible learning experience. Gaining practical experience in matters related to my university course work completely enriched my university learning. The CER is an immensely important organisation that is fulfilling a crucial role in civil society. I feel very privileged to have been a part of the CER and I will continue to follow their work and experiences with a keen interest.” Christine Reddell, legal intern in 2011