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Paralegal Field Worker Vacancy
MACUA WAMUA Advice Office (MWAO) is a non-profit, civil society organisation working with mining affected communities across South Africa. Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) and Women Affected by Mining United in Action (WAMUA) branches which are located across the country, conduct social audits of mining companies` Social Labour Plans (SLP). Through our community driven audits, we uncover various forms of abuses and false reporting by mining companies who operate outside of the law with impunity. As community-based movement MACUA and WAMUA seek to expose the extensive and systemic corruption through mobilising the public to take a stand against their exclusion and oppression.
MACUA and WAMUA branches have been faced with an increasing number of requests for legal assistance, which indicates both the expanding presence of the movement in areas that suffer from a severe lack of access to justice and the escalation of mining companies’ use of legal mechanisms to silence community dissent and exploit local communities.
MWAO seeks to appoint 3 Paralegal Field Worker’s on an initial 12-month contract, to be based in community advice offices. Candidates for the position must be living in or around Mpumalanga – Phola/Emalahleni, Gauteng – Ekurhuleni and Northern Cape – Kuruman (kindly state the post you are applying for in the subject line). The successful candidates will be required to support various local branches of MACUA & WAMUA around the given Province and the communities they serve.
Remuneration: The appointment would be an Entry Level Position structured to provide practical work experience for new graduates. The successful candidate will be supported to build their capacity through ongoing learning and capacity building programmes.
The overall purpose of the Paralegal Field Worker is to:
· ensure the needs, hopes and aspirations of rural, low-income and communities, women, girls, and vulnerable groups, who are impacted by mining activities, are reflected in policies and practices related to natural resources and climate justice.
· strengthen the capacity of MACUA and WAMUA branches in affected communities to protect their lands and livelihoods from destruction.
· strengthen the ability of mining affected communities to participate in holding the Mining Sector and Government to account and to impact on policy and regulatory processes
The Paralegal Field Worker will undertake the following responsibilities:
· Legal research and writing.
· Factual research on specific cases and audits.
· Facilitate community processes to consult with community members, participate in dialogues and engagements, and to empower people and their structures to understand, claim, negotiate, advocate and take responsibility for their rights;
· Coordinate and manage the Community Advice Office’s work on accessing information required for local audits.
· Assist with legal support during protests and campaigns.
· Prepare internal briefs and memos on cases.
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· Liaise with Legal clinics and other legal organisations who support our work as required.
· General legal assistance to branches.
· Build relationships with MACUA & WAMUA structures;
· Conduct advocacy actions in partnership with MACUA, & WAMUA, civil society organisations and community groups to achieve rights through a change in policy or practice;
· Support advice giving in communities, through providing information and assistance, mentorship and guidance with case work strategy, and assisting with referrals;
· Support the secretarial functions of the branches.
Requirements:
The successful candidate should be committed to human rights, access to justice, development and empowerment of the marginalised and excluded with integrity, vigour and has respect for confidentiality. The candidate must 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 MACUA WAMUA Advice Office.
· LLB Degree is a Minimum Requirement. (Recent graduates are encouraged to apply).
· Drivers Licence.
· Demonstrate an interest in human rights and social and environmental justice work.
· Proactive attitude and enthusiasm for MACUA and WAMUA’s mission and vision.
· Advanced research skills.
· Fluent in at least 2 languages, both written and verbal.
· Must have interpersonal skills as well as ability to work closely with diverse group of community groups.
· Well organised with administrative and file management skills.
Knowledge:
· 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 local civil society networks and organisations.
Skills:
· Good written and verbal communication in English and at least one predominant regional language;
· Good report writing (structured and unstructured);
· Public speaking and presentation skills;
· Facilitation and workshop / training skills;
· Office and time management skills including planning, coordination and basic budgeting;
· Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office, E-mail and Internet) and data capturing.
To apply, submit your CV (maximum three pages), letter of motivation and three contactable references to info@macua.org.za
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Application close on 15 March 2023.
No late applications will be accepted.
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
If you do not hear from the organisation within 15 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.