Location: Cape Town
Start date: 1 October 2019
The purpose of the position will be to assist with the Advocacy Programme works on two mutually informing levels. Firstly, paralegal advice and practical assistance provided to individual clients on a walk-in basis. Pertinent issues here include: access to documentation and the Department of Home Affairs immigration and asylum systems; access to public services such as education and healthcare; access to justice for victims of xenophobic violence, hate crimes, and other protection-related issues; assistance to unaccompanied and separated foreign minors; and advice and assistance with cases of detention and deportation.
Secondly, the programme works to drive deeper systemic change in the South African society and immigration and asylum systems. The work is informed by and responsive to direct engagement with individuals and the particular problems that they experience.
This work includes: commenting on draft legislation, policies and implementation, to government and international bodies; raising awareness through online communications, newsprint, and documentary making, among other things; providing training to government officials, civil society, citizens, and members of refugee and migrant communities; conducting and publishing research; engaging in strategic litigation; and finding durable solutions to specific issues, like the cessation of refugee status.
Responsibilities:
- Documentation – Information and referrals regarding:
- Asylum application process, including appeals, reviews and judicial appeals, expired documentation/permits; and
- Repatriation
- Casework:
- Assisting the Advocacy Programme in advising clients with regards to unaccompanied and separated minors, upkeep of databases, assistance with translation if applicable, with the guidance of the Head of Advocacy, where appropriate.
- Research:
- South African government legislation;
- Refugee issues in Africa;
- Further related research as and when the need arises, and under the broad topics of migrants, refugees and human rights.
Requirements:
- A relevant tertiary qualification, backed up by relevant practical work experience.
- Working knowledge of SA refugee law in practise.
- Excellent administration skills, high levels of computer literacy and the willingness to learn and maintain systems;
- Familiarity with the use and design of databases (Salesforce working knowledge extremely advantageous);
- Facilitation skills;
- The ability to relate to individuals from differing backgrounds and to form appropriate relationships;
- High levels of empathy and a willingness to listen;
- High levels of flexibility, strong problem solving skills and the ability to thrive under pressure;
- Creativity and the ability to develop solutions to challenges by thinking “out of the box”;
- Excellent communication skills in English (both written and verbal) and the ability to influence different audiences;
- Driver’s licence essential and own vehicle very advantageous.
To apply
Should you wish to be considered for this role, please submit your CV to [email protected].
Application Deadline: 13th September 2019