We are hiring: attorney

The Biodiversity Law Centre is a non-profit environmental law organisation that has been established to use law to protect and restore indigenous species and ecosystems in the Southern African region.

We are looking for an attorney to join our growing team in our Cape Town office. This exciting position is for an admitted attorney with at least 2 years’ litigation and legal advocacy experience, post admission. The successful candidate will have a particular interest in using the law to protect and restore biodiversity within Southern Africa; human rights and environmental justice; and advising and supporting other NGOs and community-based organisations seeking to protect their environments. This role is ideal for an individual who is eager to be part of a young and growing start-up organisation, and who is willing to undertake a diverse range of tasks to support the Executive Director in striving to implement the Centre’s mission and vision.

The position is a contract position for a fixed 1-year term (renewal subject to funding), starting as soon as possible.

We strongly encourage applications from applicants of diverse backgrounds who represent the demographics of South Africa.

Qualifications, skills and experience

  • An LLB or equivalent qualification. An LLM, particularly in environmental law, would be an advantage.
  • Admission as attorney of the High Court of South Africa, and at least 2 years’ post-qualification experience in High Court litigation, particularly constitutional and administrative law, and public interest litigation (experience in environmental litigation would be an advantage).
  • Excellent legal research skills.
  • A sound understanding of legal and procedural requirements for environmental decision-making and legal challenges.
  • Excellent writing skills with a perfectionist’s eye for detail.
  • Excellent networking skills, and strong capabilities in building support amongst a wide range of stakeholders.
  • A willingness to speak in public in various fora (including, but not limited to, conducting media interviews, presenting at conferences).
  • Exceptional organisational and time management skills, as well as the ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Self-starter, who is able to work independently and under pressure, and who is willing to assist the Executive Director with not just the Centre’s legal work, but other tasks related to development and implementation of the Centre’s strategic work programmes.
  • Experience in the field of conservation / working with similar non-profit organisations would be an advantage.
  • A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and transformation.

Key responsibilities

The lawyer appointed to this position will be working closely with the Executive Director and Senior Attorney and should be prepared to provide support and assistance where necessary. Key responsibilities of this position currently include the following (although we require flexibility from all our staff as our strategic imperatives change and develop over time):

  • Providing legal advice to and undertaking litigation for other NGOs and community-based organisations seeking to protect and restore biodiversity in line with the Centre’s Theory of Change (including research, drafting of correspondence and pleadings, preparing memos, notes and opinions etc.);
  • Providing expert input into draft environmental, social, governance and related policies and legislation relating to biodiversity, and making submissions in Parliament and in other key forums;
  • Building the profile of the Centre by participating in communications plans, which include writing editorials and media releases, giving media interviews, and presenting at relevant conferences;
  • Assisting the Executive Director with:
    • organising and coordinating events for the Centre including webinars, workshops, trainings and conferences;
    • assisting with compiling and coordinating grant and funding proposals, as well as participating in achieving and monitoring of deliverables as set out in terms of the different donor agreements;
    • upkeep of the Centre’s website and LinkedIn page;
    • developing a repository of relevant biodiversity legislation, policy and case law to be included on the Centre’s website.

Salary

The salary range for the position is between R450 000 and R516 000 (total cost to company). The salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise, and experience of the successful candidate.

How to apply

Please send the following documents to kate@biodiversitylaw.org by 31 August 2024 with the email subject line: “BLC Lawyer Position Application”:

  • A cover letter setting out your skills and relevant experience, as well as why you want to work at the Centre;
  • A copy of your CV;
  • Two recent written references (including contact details) and contact details of the third.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CLOSING DATE: 31 August 2024