Vacancy: Paralegal

Paralegal

R261 623.00 per annum

Position based in Johannesburg (with travel to other provinces)

 About Sonke

Established in 2006, Sonke Gender Justice is a multi-award winning South African NGO working globally, and especially across Africa, to strengthen government, civil society and citizen capacity to take action to promote gender equality and children’s rights, prevent domestic and sexual violence and to reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS, in this way contributes to social justice and the elimination of poverty.

About the Role

The Paralegal will play a key role in supporting Sonke’s legal and rights-based initiatives, including monitoring GBV cases, providing survivor support, delivering legal literacy training and promoting accountability within governance structures. This position involves close collaboration with community partners, the PDA Manager, provincial teams and Community Action Teams (CATs). The role also contributes to Sonke’s broader legal advocacy efforts, including strategic litigation, policy influence and advancing access to justice. The ideal candidate should be confident in community engagement and advocacy, comfortable working in survivor-centred environments and capable of assisting with the drafting of well-reasoned submissions that shape national policy.

Key responsibilities will include:

  1. Legal Literacy, GBV Laws and Case Support
  • Deliver legal trainings on GBV-related laws, including:
    • Domestic Violence Amendment Act.
    • Criminal Law (sexual offences and related matters) Amendment Act.
    • Protection Orders and reporting pathways.
  • Support CATs and local formations to strengthen GBV case monitoring.
  • Maintain case documentation, referrals and follow-up records sensitively and systematically.
  • Provide information support to survivors, ensuring their agency and safety remain central at all times.
  1. Case Monitoring and Accountability
  • Support the piloting, maintenance and strengthening of the community-based case monitoring system.
  • Work with CAT members to document, track, and escalate cases where duty bearers fail in delivering justice or services.
  • Participate in monthly review or debrief case monitoring, trends, risks and challenges.
  1. Policy Influence and Governance Support
  • Support development of policy submissions to provincial and national structures.
  • Assist with engagements with key stakeholders and networks.
  • Support CAT members and community leaders’ participation in Integrated Development Plans and GBVF accountability processes and give legal guidance where needed.
  1. Strategic Litigation and Research Support
  • Provide legal research support for cases involving Sonke.
  • Track court dates and correspondence with attorneys and partners.
  1. Documentation, Training Materials and Knowledge Products
  • Assist with developing IEC materials and legal tools where necessary.
  • Document learnings emerging from case monitoring and legal trainings.
  • Contribute content for advocacy initiatives at provincial, national and regional levels.
  1. Liaison, Relationship-Building and Movement Support
  • Maintain meaningful engagement with SAPS, Department of Justice, Social Development, shelters and other duty bearers.
  • Work collaboratively with survivors, activists, CAT leaders and women’s groups.

Skills required

  • Strong ability to lead legal, policy and advocacy work.
  • Proven track record in social change campaigns and communications.
  • Proven ability to interpret budgets and financial statements and the ability to use this information to contribute to strategic decision making.

Qualifications

  • Diploma in Paralegal studies, SA Law, Human rights, or related field.
  • Registration with a recognised paralegal body or association is an added advantage.

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years working on GBV, access to justice, or legal empowerment initiatives.
  • Experience supporting survivors (court accompaniment, protection orders, referrals, case info).
  • Experience with community-based structures or paralegal social justice environments.

Skills and Personal Attributes

  • Strong grounding in South Africa’s GBVF legal framework and constitutional protections.
  • Able to simplify complex legal concepts into training that is empowering and respectful.
  • Excellent record-keeping and confidentiality.
  • Comfortable working in emotionally sensitive environments.
  • Commitment to feminist values and human rights.
  • Able to travel provincially when required.

To Apply

  • Interested applicants should submit their CV, a motivational letter detailing their experience and the contact details of three referees via email to Sonke’s Human Resource Unit at hiring@genderjustice.org.za closing date 13 February 2026.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • For non-South Africans, it is the responsibility of the applicant to attain a work permit from the Department of Home Affairs, and employment will depend on a valid work permit being in place.
  • Sonke is committed to racial and gender transformation and encourages previously disadvantaged individuals to apply.
  • If you do not hear from us by 31 March 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.
  • The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.