RESEARCHER / LEGAL RESEARCHER

The Equal Education Law Centre seeks to appoint a Legal Researcher who is passionate about social justice, ECD, education, and the law. The incumbent will join the Research and Advocacy team. They will be responsible for conducting quantitative, qualitative, and desktop research on a range of topics related to ECD and basic education, including research to inform submissions
on law and policy reform, and research to inform and support litigation and advocacy.

Key responsibilities for the Researcher / Legal Researcher will include:

  • Leading on primary and secondary research
  • Producing analysis and locally relevant research for both internal and external use
  • Translating formal research reports into outputs that range from the formal, such as policy briefs and discussion documents, to popular education materials, including fact sheets and pamphlets
  • Forming relationships with other stakeholders in the education sector, including universities, government officials
    and research institutes
  • Representing EELC in coalitions
  • Working closely with the Communications team to take media interviews and draft media statements, op-eds for newspapers, and content for social media
  •  Supporting community engagement and, specifically, supporting and collaborating with Equal Education
  • Facilitating workshops and making presentations internally/externally
  • Monitoring of local and international education news, education research, education policy and law reform, Parliamentary meetings, and activities of the provincial legislature
  • Drafting submissions to Parliament, the provincial legislature, and/or the relevant government departments.

The Researcher / Legal Researcher must meet the following criteria:
Essential

  • An undergraduate degree in law, social sciences, education, or a related field
  • At least 3 years of experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research (this experience may have been gained through work, study, or a combination of both), including:
    • Demonstrated research track record, including design of data collection tool
    • Experience with different research methodologies
    • Demonstrated understanding of the ECD and basic education landscape in South Africa
  • Ability to read and interpret government budgets, including tracking trends in real terms.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to represent the organisation externally in coalitions, networks, and stakeholder engagements
  • Experience engaging media and taking interviews, or willingness to learn if not already experienced
  • Based in the Western Cape or able to relocate

Desirable

  •  A postgraduate qualification in law, social sciences, education, or a related field is advantageous, but candidates with equivalent work experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Experience in public finance and budget analysis
  • Familiarity with participatory research methodologies with children
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) expertise
  • Proficiency in more than one South African official language

Please note this is a 2-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal. View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za, and email your application by Friday, 12 June 2026, to melissa@actionappointments.co.za

 

PARALEGAL & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INTERN

About the EELC 

The Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) is a public interest law organisation dedicated to realising the constitutional right to a basic education in South Africa. Through strategic litigation, a walk-in legal clinic, research, advocacy, and community engagement, EELC works to hold the state accountable to learners, caregivers, and communities – particularly those who are most marginalised.

Purpose of the role 
The EELC is seeking a committed and community-centred Paralegal & Community Engagement Intern to support its access to justice and community engagement work. The intern will work
across the walk-in legal clinic, community outreach, rights education, and litigation support functions. This is a learning-centred position designed to provide meaningful practical
experience in public interest law and community-based legal work. The intern will report to a Senior Attorney. This is a 12-month fixed contract.

Key Responsibilities 

  1. Walk-In Legal Clinic & Access to Justice
    • Assist with intake at the EELC walk-in clinic, including initial client interviews and
      documentation.
    • Support attorneys in conducting legal needs assessments for individuals and community members presenting education-related matters.
    • Help maintain client files, case records, and administrative systems for the clinic.
    • Assist in drafting correspondence, letters, and basic legal documents under attorney supervision.
    • Conduct legal research to support clinic matters.
  2. Community Engagement & Rights Education
    • Support the facilitation of community “Know Your Rights” sessions in schools and community settings.
    • Liaise with community members, Equal Education organiser structures, and partner organisations.
    • Support the documentation of community feedback and lived experiences for use in advocacy and litigation.
  3. Organisational & Administrative Support
    • Maintain accurate records, filing systems, and databases relevant to community engagement and clinic work.
    • Assist with the organisation of community meetings, public events, and stakeholder engagements.
    • Support the production of content for EELC’s communications and social media
      platforms as required.
    • Provide administrative and coordination support to the Executive Director, including
      scheduling, meeting logistics and document preparation.
    • Participate actively in EELC team meetings, learning sessions, and organisational life.

Minimum Requirements 

Qualifications

  • A completed paralegal diploma, BA Law, or relevant undergraduate qualification in law or social sciences.
  • Previous exposure to community advice work, legal clinic environments, social justice organising, or public interest work will be advantageous.

Experience & Skills

  • Demonstrated interest in public interest law, human rights, or social justice work.
  • Experience in or exposure to community engagement, grassroots organising, or working with marginalised communities — including through volunteering or student activism — is highly valued.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Zulu, or other South African languages is a significant advantage.
  • Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in accessible, plain language.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • A collaborative spirit and genuine commitment to EELC’s values of dignity, accountability, and justice.
    Personal Attributes
  • Deep commitment to the constitutional right to education and the rights of learners.
  • Respect for community voice and lived experience as central to legal and advocacy
    work.
  • Emotionally mature, adaptable, and able to engage sensitively with vulnerable clients
    and communities.
  • Self-driven with a willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic public interest
    environment.

What the EELC Offers

  •  A structured learning and development programme with regular supervision and mentorship from experienced public interest attorneys.
  • Hands-on experience across litigation, clinic work, community engagement, and
    advocacy.
  • A values-driven, collaborative working environment.

How to Apply

  • Interested candidates should submit the following to recruitment@eelawcentre.org.za by 12 June 2026, 17:00.
  • A covering letter of no more than one page explaining your interest in the role and what you hope to contribute to EELC’s work.
  • A detailed CV (no more than three pages).
  • The names and contact details of two referees
  • Please use the subject line: “Application – Paralegal & Community Engagement Intern”

EELC is committed to equity and transformation. We strongly encourage applications from Black women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from historically disadvantaged communities. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.