JOB OPPORTUNITY | Detention Monitoring Unit/Johannesburg Law Clinic – Attorney

Date: 22/05/2024


Lawyers for Human Rights invites applicants to apply for an Attorney post at the LHR Law Clinic in Johannesburg.

Lawyers for Human Rights is part of the movement for social justice and has walk in law clinics nationally in two provinces. The clinic is located within the Refugee and Migrants Rights Programme, and primarily services refugee and migrant clients, including issues related to immigration arrest and detention. The clinic aims to advance human rights and provide high-quality legal services to those who cannot afford private representation. The clinic has also established strong networks with key stakeholders including chapter nine institutions, local and provincial government and community-based organisations.

Requirements

Qualification:

  • Attorney (with admission in the High Court).

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Experience in High Court litigation;
  • Experience and knowledge of refugee and immigration law and policy will be advantageous;
  • Knowledge of immigration detention policy and experience of detention monitoring and legal support to detainees;
  • Experience working with vulnerable persons, children and youth will be advantageous;
  • A demonstrated passion for supporting the rights of asylum seekers and refugees;
  • Some experience with or exposure to assisting clients requiring psycho-social support;
  • Networking and presentations at seminars and conferences;
  • Establishing and maintaining contact with affected communities;
  • A calm disposition and proven primary focus on serving the interests of clients in need;
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and listening skills;
  • Ability to multi-task;
  • Demonstrated ability to work well with a team;
  • Experience in collaboration with stakeholders to combat xenophobia and experience in initiatives to build social cohesion:
  • Knowledge of human rights and public interest law;
  • Communication, interpersonal, and listening skills;
  • Writing, analytical, and time management skills;
  • Ability to multi-task;
  • Languages: excellent written and spoken English, and proficiency in (or working towards learning) more indigenous South African languages.
  • Willingness to travel to Musina, Limpopo, regularly.

Personal attributes:

  • Ability to work under extreme pressure;
  • Organised and attention to detail;
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Driver’s licence .

When the position will start

The position will commence in June 2024, and is strictly a 6 month fixed-term contract ending on 31 December 2024.

How to apply

If you are interested, please submit a letter of motivation and a comprehensive CV to Ramokwapeng Molebatsi at ramokwapeng@lhr.org.za, by no later than 17:00 on 31 May 2024.

Your letter of motivation must, in no more than 1 000 words, respond to the following questions:

  1. What interventions can you suggest towards resolving the challenge of undocumented people in South Africa?
  2. How would you ensure that people are not detained for reasons related to their migration status, considering the relevant legislation, policies, or practices, both formal and informal, in South Africa?

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

LHR is committed to diversity and transformation. Candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups are strongly encouraged to apply and will be preferred.

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