Natural Justice Indigenous Fellowship Program 2021/2022

The Fellowship aims to give indigenous persons the opportunity to gain knowledge of the system and mechanisms dealing with human and environmental rights in general, and indigenous issues in particular.

Through this fellowship, they are creating opportunities for indigenous leaders to explore solutions to the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss using the traditional knowledge of people. The fellowship program will last at least a year and will take place at Natural Justice’s South African hub in Cape Town or at one of NJ’s partner organisations.

The training combines theoretical sessions with briefings on international human and environmental rights instruments (Treaties, Conventions, Declarations) – including those more specifically dealing with indigenous issues. Practical assignments and exercises also help better integrate the theory. Fellows are also given the opportunity to actively participate in the staff-, partners- and community meetings of Natural Justice. Additionally, they get introduced to the work of other partners and communities.

Benefits

The Indigenous Fellowship Program will be for a period of 12 months full-time. Participants of the Indigenous Fellowship Program are entitled to the modest salary and travel allowance provided by the Natural Justice. NJ will not cover any additional expenses such as relocation costs.

The Fellowship will provide the successful applicant a stronger understanding of/in:

• Practical financial and administrative skills running a civil society organization – such as budgeting, organizing meetings, communications, etc.
• The principles of environmental and human rights law and citizenry participation in environmental decision-making;
• The realities of communities facing environmental injustices;
• Community-centred legal empowerment methodologies;
• The policy and governance decision-making processes of key institutions and bodies;
• Analysing and evaluating environmental and human rights laws, regulations and policies;
• Analysing and commenting on policy and legislative frameworks;
• Campaigning and advocacy for rights;
• Evidence based environmental justice advocacy and research; and
• The civil society organizations and individuals in Southern Africa working towards environmental justice.

Eligibility

• The candidate must be indigenous (non-indigenous persons will not be taken into consideration, even if they have close links with indigenous communities and/or organisations).
• Age between 18 – 25.
• Formal education is an advantage, but will not be a limitation to participation in the Indigenous Fellowship Program given the socio-economic barriers confronted by many indigenous peoples that limit access to formal educational institutions.
• Candidates are expected to train other indigenous persons after the return to their respective communities/organisations.
• The candidate should be proposed and his/her candidacy supported by his/her indigenous organisation and/or community. It is desirable that the collaborating organisation or community has a firm constituency or membership and that it is representative.
• The candidate should have a good working knowledge of the language in which the program is imparted.
• The candidate should display an awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
• The candidate should be committed to continuous learning and to self-development with a focus on professionally promoting organisational interests, objectives and values.

How To Apply

Email your application to admin.nj@naturaljustice.org with the following subject line: “CT: Indigenous Fellowship”. 

Applications must include:

• A motivation letter that indicates:
  • why you are interested in this position and what inspires you about environmental justice more broadly;
  • aspects of your background that demonstrate the required competence for this role;
• A detailed CV with three references;
• A letter of recommendation from an indigenous community, organization, or reputable individual in the field.

Kindly ensure that your application as a whole speaks to the required qualifications, experience, personal profile and key roles and responsibilities. Do not apply if you do not meet the required experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information, visit Natural Justice

Application Deadline: October 29, 2021

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