The Centre for Environmental Rights is inviting applications for a one-year internship based in Johannesburg. This opportunity is designed for a motivated and socially conscious individual with a strong interest in environmental and climate justice, particularly within the context of legal advocacy and community engagement.
The internship focuses on supporting the organisation’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) work, as well as its Ask Karabo project, both of which play a critical role in promoting environmental accountability and public participation in environmental governance.
Role Overview
The intern will provide administrative, research, and coordination support across key projects, working closely with community stakeholders, activists, and legal professionals. The role is suited to a candidate who is passionate about environmental rights and committed to advancing social justice through legal and community-based approaches.
The internship offers valuable exposure to public interest law, advocacy, and environmental governance in South Africa, making it ideal for early-career legal professionals seeking practical experience.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will contribute to various operational and project-based activities, including:
Administrative and Project Support
- Provide general administrative assistance to:
- CME Numbers Matter Campaign
- Ask Karabo project
- Other related CER initiatives
- Organise meetings, workshops, and training sessions
- Coordinate communication with stakeholders and community partners
- Take meeting minutes and assist with follow-up actions
Research and Data Management
- Collate and track data related to environmental violations and CME statistics
- Support the management of platforms such as:
- Ask Karabo portal
- Environmental Rights Violations Portal
- Assist in responding to public enquiries related to environmental issues
Communications and Reporting
- Support strategic communications for project activities
- Assist in drafting reports, including the final CME report
- Contribute to content development and dissemination of materials
Operational Support
- Provide on-site support during events, workshops, and training sessions
- Assist with travel logistics, including bookings and coordination
- Travel occasionally to support organisational activities
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental and social justice
- Strong research and writing skills
- Understanding of the role of activism in advancing environmental justice
- Proficiency in:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Virtual tools such as MS Teams, Zoom, and Google Docs
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Clear verbal and written communication abilities
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Desired Attributes
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A proactive and positive attitude with a “can-do” mindset
- High levels of professionalism and reliability
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask
- Ability to engage effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders
- Commitment to supporting grassroots activism and community-led initiatives
Salary and Contract Details
- Salary: R175,000 per annum (total cost to company)
- Contract Duration: 1 June 2026 – 31 May 2027
- Employment Type: Fixed-term (12 months)
About the Organisation
The Centre for Environmental Rights is South Africa’s leading public interest environmental law organisation. It works to uphold the constitutional right to a healthy environment through legal advocacy, litigation, policy engagement, and community empowerment.
The organisation focuses on key thematic areas, including:
- Mining and environmental governance
- Pollution and climate change
- Corporate accountability and transparency
- Activist support and training
CER collaborates closely with affected communities, civil society organisations, and other legal entities to drive systemic change and promote environmental justice.
Work Environment and Values
CER is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. The organisation strongly encourages applications from individuals belonging to historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups.
The work environment prioritises:
- Staff wellbeing and professional growth
- Collaboration and mutual respect
- Social impact and community engagement
- Diversity and inclusion
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit the following documents via email to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Ref: 05/2026 CER Internship 2026, [Your Name]”
Required Documents
- A cover letter outlining:
- Relevant skills and experience
- Motivation for applying
- A detailed CV
- Two recent written references (not older than six months)
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 24 April 2026
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Conclusion
This internship at the Centre for Environmental Rights offers a meaningful opportunity for aspiring legal professionals to contribute to impactful environmental justice work. It combines practical legal exposure with community engagement, making it a valuable stepping stone for those committed to advancing environmental rights in South Africa.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the internship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
