The Scalabrini Centre Advocacy Programme offers legal advice and practical assistance with a special focus on vulnerable individuals, with the aim to ensure that their rights are respected. While the programme takes on any kind of issues related to discrimination due to someone's foreign nationality, the programme has a particular focus on the needs and protection of persons affected by xenophobic violence, disabled refugees and protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. In addition to assisting individuals, the programme also conducts 'higher level' advocacy with the aim to change legislation and ensure the implementation of existing laws and procedures.
The Advocacy Officer Intern works to assist in the following areas:
Documentation: Information and referrals regarding:
- Asylum application process
- Expired documentation / permits
- Appeal process
- Repatriation
- Foreign minors (UAM and family matters)
Disability Grants & Social Grants
- Information on application process
- Information on which DSD/SASSA office to approach
- Assist with follow-up in cases of unfair treatment/discrimination/slow bureaucracy, etc.
- Disabled children and elderly: referral to partner organization
Hate Crimes/Xenophobic incidents
- Interview to document details
- Follow-up of individual cases where needed: contact police stations, South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD), counseling, etc
Research
- South African government legislation
- Running forums
- Policy
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist the Advocacy Rights Officer with upcoming tasks, e.g. research on specific project related issues, phone calls.
- Assist with the management of files for individual cases
- Participating in forums
- Compile a daily press review from newspapers and internet sources on relevant topics.
- Assist with any other upcoming tasks that are necessary for the daily business of the organization, e.g. cover the reception.
In general, the tasks of the intern will also strongly depend on his/her previous knowledge, skills and personal interest.
If possible, we will try to create a small project that the intern will be able to lead. The type of project will depend on other projects that are running at the centre at the moment and on the current political situation. An example could be a research oriented project that involves creating a survey, conducting interviews and compiling the collected data.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Academic background in a related area such as social and political sciences, human rights, social work, international relations, law, etc.
- Previous practical experience in working with refugees/migrants an advantage
- Knowledge of refugee law and/or migration issues
- Pro-active engagement and willingness to get involved in Scalabrini's various activities
- Good communication and administrative skills
- Fluent English skills are necessary, knowledge of French, Swahili, Lingala would be an advantage
- The intern should be highly motivated to learn about issues related to refugees and migration inSouth Africa, and be an independent worker capable of doing their own research.
- Practical, neat and organized
COMMITMENT:
Monday to Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Due to the content of the work and the high level of quality and consistency we aim to offer our clients, this internship requires a 6 month commitment.
INTERNSHIP DATES AVAILIBLE:
6 month commitment prefered. Please inquire further for dates.
