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 organization based in South Durban, 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.

It continuously struggles for clean air, water and soil, and for the alleviation of environmental racism and poverty. SDCEA works with and is located in South Durban Community; this makes it easier for community members to convey their problems to the organisation. The people of South Durban are SDCEA’s target audience as they are immersed in the polluted basin and directly affected by the numerous negative consequences.

What are we looking for?

As part of the work of Natural Justice in Southern Africa, there has been an increasing demand to have community members trained and placed within their communities to support Natural Justice, as well as the work of the local organisation, and ensure that the community remains informed about their rights and empowered to affirm and defend their human and environmental rights.

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 in this position will work closely with SDCEA to support its work seeking environmental justice for the people of South Durban, as well as people of KwaZulu Natal. We are looking for a young professional that is passionate about the environment, supporting communities and wanting to make a change towards achieving a healthy planet.

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.

Requirements

• A paralegal qualification or related qualification, such as environmental sciences or law.
• Experience in supporting communities on environmental or social justice.
• Ability to mobilize 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 South Durban and Richards Bay.
• Have an understanding of Environmental Impact Assessments.
• 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.
• Access to internet.
• Driver’s license.
• Written and oral fluency in English. Proficiency in another language would be preferred.

How to apply?

Deadline: 21 October 2022
Please email a detailed CV and a motivation letter indicating why you are interested in the position to sherelee@naturaljustice.org with the following subject line: “CT: CELO, SDCEA”.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Best of luck!
The Natural Justice Team