NATIONAL HELPLINE INTERNSHIP

Black Sash seeks to appoint an intern to support and strengthen the operations of the Black Sash National Helpline by placing a qualified graduate in the Gauteng office, Helpline Unit who can support rights-based service delivery, paralegal assistance, and community-level advocacy. The post NATIONAL HELPLINE INTERNSHIP appeared first on Black Sash.

May 23, 2026 - 18:37

Contract period: 1 year

Black Sash seeks to appoint an intern to support and strengthen the operations of the Black Sash National Helpline by placing a qualified graduate in the Gauteng office, Helpline Unit who can support rights-based service delivery, paralegal assistance, and community-level advocacy.

Black Sash’s mission is working towards the realisation of socio-economic rights, as outlined in the SA Constitution 1996, with an emphasis on social security and social protection for the most vulnerable, particularly women and children. We will, in the course of our work, explore options to significantly help to reduce poverty and inequality.

The intern will gain hands-on experience in responding to social assistance enquiries, interpreting legislation, facilitating rights information sessions, and supporting the organization’s monitoring and advocacy work. This opportunity is intended to build the intern’s legal competency, community engagement skills, and capacity to contribute to social justice initiatives.

Minimum Requirements:

Key Deliverables include:

Managing Enquiries: Provide information and advice on social assistance matters.
Data Capturing: Enter data into internal systems.
Advocacy Follow-ups: Support case follow-ups to promote Batho Pele principles and address systemic gaps.
Participate and Facilitate Rights Information Sessions.
Application of South African Constitution and legislation to incoming enquiries.
Community-Based Monitoring: Assist with monitoring trends locally & nationally.
Report Writing: Compile reports on activities, systematic challenges, and outcomes.

Education & Skills:

The intern should hold one of the following qualifications:
- B
- BA (Law) + LL. B
- BCOM Law + LL. B
A legal background is essential for effective legislative interpretation, paralegal support, and rights-based engagements.
Computer Literacy – The use of Outlook, Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint
Communication Skills – Listening, interviewing, presentation and facilitation
Time management
Networking and relationship building
Report and case study writing
Research
Data capturing
Data analysis

Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English is required, and at least one other South African language.

We are looking for a candidate who is committed to human rights and social justice, who can communicate clearly, is prepared to work hard, under pressure and to the deadline. In line with Black Sash commitment to transformation and gender empowerment, preference will be given to women or non-binary who come from historically disadvantaged tertiary institutions.

Important to note that Applicants must not have previously benefited from any RAITH-funded internship.

How to apply?