Junior Advocacy Officer at Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town

Purpose of position (summary):

• The role of the Advocacy Officer is to assist with conducting interviews / assessments on individual cases and offer legal information, referrals or drafting of documents as required by each case with a focus on accessing documentation pathways and rights realization.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Provision of legal advice to asylum seeking and refugee clients on how to ensure legal stay in South Africa, and how to ensure their rights within South Africa are realized. This advice includes, but is not limited to, asylum application process, expired documentation and permits, appeal and review processes and accessing voluntary repatriation.
•  Accompany clients to Department of Home Affairs, Refugee offices, VFS and other relevant service providers where necessary.
•  Assist in conducting of Outreach work e.g. traveling to assist with client consultations at partner NGO  Liaise or follow up with police or detectives especially in hate crimes cases.
•  Build and maintain a strong network of relevant stakeholders.
•  Support and contribute to submissions on legislative or policy change impacting on migrants and refugees  Conduct comparative research, including country of origin information research;
•  Maintaining research-related databases and/or files, including relevant case law, submissions and international organisation recommendations and instruments.
•  Attend relevant meetings / workshops / conferences.
•  Any other duties assigned - in line with the role function and / or in service of the outcome goals of the programme.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
Minimum requirements:

•  Bachelor’s or honours degree in Social Sciences or Law or the equivalent;
•  At least two years of work experience in the NGO sector, preferably human rights work-related;
•  Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft applications and WhatsApp;
•  Experience and interest in public communications and media;
•  Relevant documentation affirming the right to reside and work in South Africa;
•  High levels of empathy and a willingness to listen to and support clients.
•  High levels of flexibility, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive under pressure;
•  Willingness and ability to develop good networks, including relationships with relevant authorities; and
•  Excellent communication skills in English (both written and verbal) and the ability to influence different audiences;

Advantageous, but not essential

•  Experience in working with refugees, migrants and traumatized people;
•  Speaking additional languages e.g. French, Swahili