PARALEGAL-FIELDWORKER

The Black Sash seeks to appoint a Paralegal-Fieldworker based in Durban, KZN

Black Sashs mission is working 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 overall purpose of the Paralegal Field Worker 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

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community and civil society organizations to ensure good working relationships with partners and stakeholders to implement programmes. Initiate new relationships based on entry criteria, ensure that formal agreements with Community Partners (CP) are completed and signed by RM.
• Rights Education and Training including educational workshops, training courses, queue education, public displays, and events. Assist, prepare, conduct and participate in various segments of rights education materials, rights training workshops, and training courses.
• Grow and expand the capacity of community partners to implement the Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) model(s) and other research-related tasks.
• Advocacy in partnership with civil society organisations and community groups to conduct advocacy actions to effect systemic, legislative, policy and delivery changes. Mentoring and coaching community partners to understand the respective frameworks.
• Other Tasks accurately capture data on the Zoho or relevant database that help to generate accurate statistics and quality information to use for a range of purposes including follow-up advocacy, organizational and donor reports, e.g., monthly/ quarterly report writing. Participate in relevant media engagement as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• 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 Convention
• 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, preferably isiZulu.
• 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 Literate (MS Office, Email and Internet).
• Typing and data capturing are essential
• Unendorsed driving license at least two years old

Additional

Multi-media and Digital Content Skills for example: photography, visual recording skills, social media skills, and experience with digital educational material is advantageous

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.

The Black Sash is looking for a candidate that 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 the Black Sash.

The candidate will be based at the Black Sash KZN Regional Office in Durban and must be prepared to travel to other provinces. Candidate must have a command of spoken and written English and at least one predominant regional language, preferably isiZulu

Preference will be given to women in line with Black Sash Policy.

Closing Date: 6 February 2026

Start date: Immediately

Employment Type: Permanent

Cost to Company: R 290 314, 38 per annum (includes Pension and 13th Cheque)

To apply, submit a Cover Letter and CV, including three contactable referees to jobs@blacksash.org.za or contact J Marques at (021) 686 6952.

A full job description is available on request. For more information about the Black Sash, refer to www.blacksash.org.za

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within a month from the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.