Southern African Litigation Centre

promoting human rights and the rule of law in southern africa

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SALC Vacancies: Right to Information Fellow
24th November 2009
The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), together with the Open Society Justice Initiative, seeks a qualified lawyer for a one-year (renewable) placement as a Right to Information (RtI) Fellow in Johannesburg, South AfricaAbout the CentreThe South Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) promotes and advances human rights and the rule of law in southern Africa, primarily through strategic litigation support and capacity building. SALC provides technical and monetary support to local and regional lawyers and organizations in litigating human rights and rule of law cases in the region. SALC also provides training in human rights and rule of law issues and facilitates networks of human rights lawyers and organizations throughout southern Africa. SALC works in the following countries: Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, SALC supports litigation in South African courts that advances human rights in the southern Africa region.About the Open Society Justice Initiative The Open Society Justice Initiative, an operational program of the Open Society Institute, promotes rights-based law reform and strengthens legal capacity worldwide through hands-on technical assistance; litigation and legal advice; advocacy, research and reporting. The Justice Initiative works to secure accountability for international crimes; combat racial discrimination and statelessness; improve national-level pretrial justice; address abuses flowing from national security and counter-terrorism policies; expand freedom of information and expression; and pursue remedies for corruption arising from the exploitation of natural resources. Its staff are based in Abuja, Almaty, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, Freetown, The Hague, London, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Phnom Penh and Washington, D.C. One Year Attorney Fellowship PositionDeadline for applications: December 15, 2009 Job Description: Working under the supervision of SALC’s Executive Director, and in consultation with the Justice Initiative, the RtI Fellow will be responsible for designing and implementing SALC’s Right to Information Programme. Tasks include: conducting desk and field research; collecting and analyzing information on Access to Information laws and related legislation in southern Africa; formulating legal opinions; assisting in the planning and coordination of litigation efforts; participating in litigation strategy sessions; drafting memos, concise reports, and substantial reports; creating and organizing website and press materials; helping organize conferences and seminars; representing SALC at conferences and meetings; and engaging in advocacy efforts. Requirements/Qualifications:

A degree in law is required; L.L.M and other advanced degrees are desirable;
Proven interest and experience in human rights issues generally and Access to Information issues specifically, preferably in Africa;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; Portuguese or French is highly desirable;
Ability to work comfortably in a variety of settings;
Engage easily with fellow colleagues from the Southern Africa region;
Experience in or familiarity with non-profit, governmental or intergovernmental organizations;
Excellent knowledge of international and regional human rights laws and instruments;
Excellent research skills including online sources

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Benefits: Please inquire for information and details. PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY by emailing together a letter of interest, circum vitae, three names or letters of reference, and two unedited writing samples to Ethel Maphiwa-Ndlovu at ethelm@salc.org.za All application packets are to be received no later than 15 December 2009.

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