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 the West Coast Guriqua Council? 

The   Guriqua   are   an   indigenous   subsistence   farming   and traditional   fishing community   belonging   to   the   historical Guriqua tribe and which claims San descent. Their way of life and identity is deeply connected to the biodiversity and wildlife located in the areas(s) of Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Berg River, Swartland, Matzikama, Piketberg and Cederberg which make up the West Coast District Municipality Region. The West Coast Guriqua Council carries responsibility for the cultural, social and economic development of the Guriqua community on the West Coast of the Western Cape.  

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 the work and ensure that the community remains informed about their rights and empowered to affirm and defend their human and environmental rights. CELOs are paralegals selected from within communities, and are rooted in their cultural heritage, aspirations and struggles. The CELO will work closely with the West Coast Guriqua Council to support its work to affirm their customary and indigenous rights related to their marine resources and ancestral land, as articulated in their biocultural community protocol, amongst other duties.  

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 Natural Justice Cape Town Hub.  

Requirements  

• Tertiary qualification in social, environmental sciences, law, or a related qualification – completed or in progress. 
• Identify as and accepted by the Guriqua tribe. 
• Rooted in the Guriqua community of the West Coast. 
• Keen interest in and commitment to protecting the environment (marine and land) and advocating for the Guriqua indigenous peoples. 

• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and personal initiative (“a self-starter”). 
• Critical and analytical thinking. 
• Ability to mobilize communities. 
• 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 or an ability to obtain access. 
• Driver’s license would be an advantage.  
• Between the age of 18 and 35.   

How to apply?  

Deadline: 25 August 2021 

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Best of luck!  

The Natural Justice Team