Deadline: 13 November 2026
Black Sash seeks to appoint a Paralegal-Fieldworker based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Black Sash’s mission is to work 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 role of the Paralegal-Fieldworker 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.
The Core Responsibilities include:
- Community Partners Recruitment: Establish and maintain relationships with Community Advice Offices and Community Based Organisations in Northwest, Limpopo, and Gauteng provinces 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.
- Capacity Building: Organise and facilitate training, information sessions and educational events for newly recruited and existing community partners on constitutional rights, focusing on the Social Protection Floor.
- Media Engagement: Build partnerships with relevant media stakeholders and conduct radio engagement sessions with local radio stations within the Gauteng region.
- Community-Based Model: Recruit, conduct due diligence and train community partners/ monitors within the context of the CBM model and provide support physically/remotely during the site monitoring.
- Strategic Partnerships: Establish and strengthen working relationships with regional strategic networks and stakeholders across Northwest, Limpopo, and Gauteng provinces.
- Advocacy: Initiate local advocacy in partnership with community partners, utilising CBM reports, Helpline trends and to influence service delivery improvements.
- Reporting: Capture daily activity into Black Sash Baserow44 system for generating monthly/ quarterly reports for compliance and accountability to funders.
Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications:
- 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 include:
- Knowledge of the South African Constitution and Bill of Rights and International Human Rights Conventions
- 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 literacy (MS Office, Email, and Internet).
- Typing and data capturing are essential
- Unendorsed driver’s license 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.
Black Sash is looking for a candidate who 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 Black Sash.
The candidate will be based at Black Sash Gauteng Regional Office in Johannesburg and must be prepared to travel to other provinces. The candidate must have a command of spoken and written English and at least one predominant regional language.
In line with Black Sash policy, preference will be given to women.
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Start date: Immediately
Employment Type: Permanent
Cost to Company: R 291 168,42 per annum (includes: Medical Allowance, 13th Cheque and Pension)
To apply, submit a Cover Letter and CV, including three contactable referees, to or contact J Marques at (021) 686 6952.
A full job description is available on request. For more information about Black Sash, refer to www.blacksash.org.za
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within a month of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.