SECTION27 is a well-established and widely respected public interest law centre that seeks to achieve substantive equality and social justice in South Africa. If you are passionate about human rights, self-motivated and would like to be part of a dynamic team working to challenge inequality and positively influence society, joining SECTION27 could be the opportunity you have been looking for.
SECTION27 uses the law through litigation, advocacy, legal literacy, research, and community mobilisation to advance socio-economic rights, in particular the right to access healthcare services and the right to basic education.
SECTION27 seeks to appoint a legal researcher to join our team. The successful candidate will undertake to provide research support for the key objectives and work areas of SECTION27. This position is based in Johannesburg.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Education
- A degree within the field of Law
- Preferably, a postgraduate degree in human rights related fields, directly relevant to the work areas of SECTION27.
Experience
- A least 1-2 years of post-qualification relevant experience
- Prior experience in human rights work and/or health rights and legal research
- Knowledge of constitutional law
Duration
- 2 years
Knowledge and skills
- Strong research skills
- Excellent written and analytical skills
- Good communication (including public speaking), interpersonal and listening skills
- Ability to multi-task, be flexible and adapt to the objectives and work areas of S27
- Good time management
- Knowledge of constitutional law, international and regional human rights law
- Good organisational skills
Personal attributes
- Ability to work under extreme pressure
- Willingness to work beyond official working times
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to work in a team
- Willingness to travel at times
Language
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Proficiency in one or more indigenous South African language is advantageous
Duties and Responsibilities
- Proactively exploring and researching areas relating to the law and human rights and preparing research reports
- Writing articles for publication in legal and human rights journals
- Producing and publishing easily accessible research and fact sheets on the law and human rights
- Assisting with the drafting of submissions on proposed policy and legislation, including international frameworks and conventions
- Assisting with the drafting of court papers
- Interviewing and taking statements from deponents and potential deponents
- Providing administrative assistance related to case work or other individual needs specific to the legal counsel involved
- Teaching, training and conducting rights education and health rights workshops
- Making presentations at meetings and conferences
- Developing partnerships locally, regionally and internationally with other human rights organisations
- Assistance to teams on all aspects of campaigns including through project management where appropriate
General
- Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings, team meetings, as well as other meetings that relate to the work of SECTION27.
- Submit monthly timesheets.
Please forward your curriculum vitae and cover letter to applications@section27.org.za by 20 November 2026.
Late applications will not be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.
SECTION27 reserves the right to select the candidate it deems most suitable for this position, or to not proceed with hiring for this role.
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