Who is Natural Justice?

Natural Justice is an organisation rooted in the struggles of communities in Africa. As a team of pioneering lawyers and legal experts, we specialize in human rights and environmental law in pursuit of social and environmental justice.

Natural Justice strives to enhance the collective rights of people and protect the sacred relationships that indigenous peoples and local communities have with nature. Our work is informed by the values, knowledge and self-determination of the communities whom we stand in solidarity with.

Through legal empowerment, research, policy influencing and litigation, and as part of coalitions and campaigns, we support communities to know the law, use the law and shape the law.

To learn more about the work of Natural Justice please refer to www.naturaljustice.org.

Who is SDCEA?

South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) is an environmental justice organisation based in South Durban and Richards Bay, South Africa. It is made up of 21 affiliate organisations and has been active since its formation in 1995. It is a vocal and vigilant group active in lobbying, reporting, and researching industrial incidents and accidents in this area as well as lobbying against the fossil fuel industry and advocating for a Just Transition.

SDCEA persistently endeavours to advocate for clean air, water, and soil, as well as the alleviation of environmental racism and poverty. Situated and actively engaged within the South Durban and Richards Bay Community, SDCEA facilitates a direct channel for community members to express their concerns to the organisation.

What are we looking for?

There has been an increasing demand to support communities in Southern Africa with legal empowerment and legal support to affirm and defend their human and environmental rights. In response, Natural Justice employs Community Environmental Legal Officers (CELOs), a network of paralegals who provide direct support to communities.

Community Environmental Legal Officers (CELOs) are paralegals selected from within communities, and are rooted in the cultural heritage, aspirations and struggles of the community. The CELO is a junior position and will work closely with SDCEA to support its work seeking environmental justice for the people of South Durban and Richards Bay.

The successful candidate will join a team of Community Environmental Legal Officers across Southern Africa and will receive support from and work closely with the Cape Town Hub of Natural Justice. The CELO will be based at the SDCEA Office in South Durban and Richards Bay. The CELO will be required to travel to both areas.

Requirements

• A paralegal qualification, or related qualification, including law or a qualification in environmental science.
• Experience in supporting communities on environmental or social justice.
• Ability to mobilise communities.
• Have a good understanding of the work of SDCEA.
• Keen interest in and commitment to protecting the environment and advocating for environmental justice in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
• Have an understanding of Environmental Impact Assessments in the broader Durban area and Richards Bay.
• Must have knowledge on issues relating to climate change
• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and personal initiative (“a self-starter”).
• Critical and analytical thinking.
• Sound written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel within and outside of the community.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Driver’s license.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and IsiZulu is considered beneficial.
• Preference will be given to applicants from the South Durban or Richards Bay areas.

How to apply?

Deadline: 28 March 2024

Please email a detailed CV and a motivation letter indicating why you are interested in the position to nomvuzo@naturaljustice.org with the following subject line: “CT: CELO, SDCEA”.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Best of luck!

The Natural Justice Team