The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is inviting applications for a one-year internship based in Johannesburg, South Africa. This opportunity is designed for a motivated, socially conscious legal graduate with a strong interest in environmental and climate justice. The intern will play a pivotal role in supporting the organisation’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) work and the “Ask Karabo” project, both of which are essential for promoting environmental accountability and public participation in governance.
Overview of the CER Internship
This internship focuses on the intersection of legal advocacy and community engagement. By supporting the CME Numbers Matter Campaign and the Environmental Rights Violations Portal, the intern helps ensure that environmental laws are not just words on paper but are actively enforced. The program offers deep exposure to public interest law, allowing early-career professionals to see how legal research and strategic communication can empower grassroots activism and drive systemic change in South Africa.
Funding Details
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Salary: R175,000 per annum (total cost to company).
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Contract Duration: 12 months (Fixed-term).
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Period: 1 June 2026 – 31 May 2027.
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Location: Johannesburg (with occasional travel for workshops and events).
Key Focus Areas
Applicants will contribute to projects centered around:
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Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME): Tracking environmental violations and assisting with the annual CME report.
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Public Accountability: Managing the “Ask Karabo” portal and responding to public environmental inquiries.
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Community Empowerment: Coordinating with activists and community partners to uphold environmental rights.
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Corporate Accountability: Researching governance issues related to mining and pollution.
Eligibility Criteria
The CER seeks candidates who meet the following requirements:
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Academic Background: An LLB degree or an equivalent legal qualification.
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Skills: Strong research, writing, and data management abilities.
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Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (Teams, Zoom, Google Docs).
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Values: A demonstrated commitment to social justice and an understanding of the role of activism in legal advocacy.
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Attributes: A proactive “can-do” mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
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Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their application via email to recruitment@cer.org.za using the subject line: “Ref: 05/2026 CER Internship 2026, [Your Name]”.
Required Documents:
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Cover Letter: Highlighting relevant skills, experience, and motivation.
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Detailed CV.
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Two Recent References: Must be written and dated within the last six months.
Key Dates
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Application Deadline: 24 April 2026.
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Internship Start Date: 1 June 2026.
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Internship End Date: 31 May 2027.
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