The Centre for Environmental Rights NPC (CER), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for environmental justice in South Africa, is looking to hire two Candidate Attorneys to join its team starting on 1 March 2025. The successful candidates will serve a two-year term as part of their practical vocational training (Articles) and will work closely with the CER’s team of activist lawyers. If you are passionate about environmental and climate justice and want to make a tangible impact using the law, this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to upholding environmental rights in South Africa.
Candidate Attorneys Job Overview
- Reference No: 02/2024
- Applications close: 11 October 2024
- Position Start Date: 1 March 2025
- Location: Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa
- Number of posts: 2 posts
About the Centre for Environmental Rights NPC
The Centre for Environmental Rights NPC (CER) is a law clinic of activist lawyers working alongside communities and civil society organizations to ensure the realisation of South Africans’ Constitutional right to a healthy environment. Founded on the principle of social and environmental justice, the CER fights for a just, equitable, and sustainable society that embraces diversity and promotes a harmonious relationship between people and the environment.
The CER’s core focus areas include:
- Mining
- Water, Pollution, and Climate Change
- Corporate Accountability & Transparency
- Activist Support & Training
By collaborating with marginalized communities and advocacy groups, the CER plays a critical role in shaping South Africa’s environmental landscape, using litigation and advocacy to drive meaningful change.
Key Responsibilities
The CER is seeking two Candidate Attorneys to join their team for the 2025-2027 term. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who want to focus their legal careers on environmental justice and make an impact on issues like pollution control, corporate accountability, and climate change.
- Consulting with clients to understand and advocate for their environmental concerns.
- Conducting legal research in support of the CER’s litigation and advocacy work.
- Drafting legal documents, submissions, and opinions for various environmental cases.
- Liaising with the media and key stakeholders to communicate CER’s mission and work.
- Representing the CER in civil society forums and engaging in public outreach on key issues.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- LLB or equivalent qualification (An LLM in a relevant field will be an added advantage).
- Demonstrable writing and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent presentation skills and computer literacy.
- Legal research proficiency, especially in environmental law and related areas.
- Passion for environmental, social, and climate justice.
Desired Qualities:
- A deep commitment to environmental rights and climate justice.
- Strong interpersonal skills, a team-player attitude, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Experience or interest in advocacy and activism.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The CER places a high value on diversity and strongly encourages applications from candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalized groups.
Salary and Benefits
- Annual Salary: R356 355 (Total Cost to Company).
- Includes membership to the CER’s group medical aid and pension plan subsidy benefits.
Why Work at the Centre for Environmental Rights NPC?
Working at the Centre for Environmental Rights NPC offers the chance to be part of a mission-driven organization that uses the law to challenge injustice and fight for a sustainable future. You’ll be working at the forefront of environmental law, contributing to groundbreaking legal battles and advocacy efforts to protect natural resources, hold corporations accountable, and support grassroots activists.
CER provides a supportive and inclusive working environment with opportunities for professional growth and learning in environmental law. You’ll collaborate with experienced lawyers, engage in public interest litigation, and play a role in transforming South Africa’s environmental landscape.
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How to Apply
To apply, submit the following documents to recruitment@cer.org.za with the subject line:
“CER CA 2025-2027, Ref no. 02/2024, Your Full Name”:
- Cover letter explaining your skills, relevant experience, and why you want to work at CER.
- Updated CV.
- Two contactable written references (no older than six months).
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo relevant competency tests or assignments. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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The Centre reserves the right not to fill this position if no suitable candidate is found.
Joining the Centre for Environmental Rights NPC as a Candidate Attorney offers a unique opportunity to combine your legal expertise with a passion for environmental justice. As part of a dynamic team, you’ll contribute to meaningful advocacy and litigation efforts aimed at upholding the Constitutional right to a healthy environment. Whether you’re based in Cape Town or Johannesburg, this role will challenge you to grow professionally while making a tangible difference in environmental protection, climate justice, and social equity in South Africa.