International Justice Lawyer

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) seeks a qualified lawyer to head its International Justice Programme, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

About the SALC
The Southern 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.

One Year Attorney Fellowship Position
Deadline for applications: December 15, 2009

Job Description
Working under supervision of SALC’s Executive Director, the International Justice Programme Head will be responsible for designing and implementing SALC’s International Justice Programme. Tasks include: conducting desk and field research; collecting and analyzing information on international criminal justice; 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 international criminal law 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, and international criminal law 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.

Legal Intern

About SALC
The Southern 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, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

SALC has four specific areas of focus: HIV/AIDS, International Justice, Media Defence, and Prisoners’ Rights.

About the Internship
SALC is looking for legal interns to work in our offices in Johannesburg, South Africa. Internships are unpaid. Interns will work at the SALC offices primarily under the supervision of one lawyer and within one thematic focus area, based on their interest and prior experience. However, interns will be asked to assist on other projects as the need arise. Responsibilities may include legal research and writing, including international and comparative law research; factual research on specific legal cases; bluebooking and fact-checking legal filings; assisting in maintaining SALC’s website; and assisting staff in organizing conferences and seminars.

Requirements

•  Rising 3L preferred;

• Interest in human rights issues;

• Basic knowledge of international and regional human rights laws and instruments;

• Experience working in or focusing on southern Africa preferred;

•  Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; Portuguese or French is highly   desirable;

• Excellent research skills including online sources;

• Well-organized, self-motivated and reliable.

Please apply by emailing together a letter of interest, circum vitae, and an unedited writing sample to Ethel Maphiwa-Ndlovu at ethelm@salc.org.za.