We are hiring! Open Secrets – Head of Legal Unit
Are you an advocate for social justice, accountability and transparency? Are you keen to work with a small team of investigators and civil society activists?
Open Secrets is hiring a Head of Legal Unit. This is an opportunity to contribute to efforts to hold corporations and individuals profiting from economic crime to account, use the law to challenge private sector impunity, and seek redress for the victims of human rights abuses linked to economic crime and ultimately create a more just society. We’re a small team that works closely together, values sharing thoughts and ideas, and is committed to equality and solidarity.
At Open Secrets we use investigative research, advocacy and the law to hold people and institutions who abuse power to account. See more at:
www.opensecrets.org.za | Twitter: @OpenSecretsZA | LinkedIn: Open Secrets ZA
Primary Responsibilities:
• Lead and work with a small team of lawyers in using the law, including litigation, to hold corporations, individuals and state institutions implicated in economic crimes to account.
• Provide guidance and support within the legal unit.
• Develop, implement and monitor the priorities and projects of the legal unit.
• Work closely with our investigations team in developing legal strategies to build accountability for economic crime and contribute to our advocacy efforts.
• Liaison with counsel.
• Assist with legal drafting and other court processes.
• Collaboration is key, and we expect you to work closely with our civil society partners.
Ideal Candidate:
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, exemplary integrity and a commitment to social justice.
• A committed team player with an inquisitive mind who values collaboration and has an aversion to office politics. If you want to challenge and change the way the world works, you’ll fit right in.
• At least five years’ work experience as an admitted attorney with a demonstratable history of managing other people, preferably in the public interest law sector.
• Has the ability to see a matter through from building a case to judgment.
• A passion for learning, and sharing skills and knowledge.
• Resourceful and able to think creatively. Ability to work through an intersectional lens.
• Strong research and writing (English) skills and command of basic Microsoft Office programmes (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Historically disadvantaged applicants are encouraged to apply.
• Eligible to work in South Africa.
Contract Period: Starting January 2022 (or sooner) for an initial one-year contract period (strong prospects for renewal).
These are envisaged as full-time positions based at Community House in Salt River, Cape Town. The Open Secrets team is working a mix of in-office and remotely for the foreseeable future.
To Apply:
Submit a covering letter, resume, copy of relevant qualifications, a recent unedited writing sample, and contact details of at least three referees, by 5pm on Sunday 10 October 2021.
The subject line of your e-mail should clearly state the position you are applying for: Head of Legal Unit
Please send your application to: jobs@opensecrets.org.za
Applications via other social platforms will not be considered.
Kindly note that applications missing any of the required information will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the outcome of the application process.
