The Human Dignity Trust Recruiting Regional Legal Advisor – Southern Africa | 12-Month Fixed Term, Part-Time
The Human Dignity Trust is recruiting a Regional Legal Advisor for Southern Africa to support legal and strategic efforts aimed at challenging discriminatory laws criminalising private, consensual same-sex relationships. The role is part of a broader global initiative focused on advancing dignity, equality, and non-discrimination through constitutional and international human rights law.
Operating across multiple jurisdictions in Southern Africa, the position combines legal analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic litigation support in contexts where legal and social environments vary significantly.
Supporting Legal Reform and Strategic Litigation
The Regional Legal Advisor will play a central role in identifying opportunities for legal reform and supporting litigation strategies aimed at dismantling discriminatory criminal laws. The role involves close collaboration with local lawyers, civil society organisations, government actors, and international partners.
Key responsibilities include:
- Scoping legal and policy opportunities across Southern Africa
- Supporting strategic litigation and legislative reform initiatives
- Contributing to legal strategy development in collaboration with partners
- Reviewing and strengthening legal pleadings and submissions
- Assisting in drafting or reviewing proposed legislative reforms
- Providing technical legal assistance to in-country stakeholders
This work is grounded in the application of constitutional protections and international human rights standards, particularly around dignity, privacy, equality, and non-discrimination.
Building Regional Networks and Partnerships
A core element of the role is relationship-building across diverse stakeholder groups. The advisor will be expected to develop and maintain strong professional networks with civil society organisations, legal professionals, government officials, and academic institutions.
This includes:
- Engaging with LGBT+ rights organisations and advocates
- Building trust-based relationships with local legal actors
- Monitoring political and legal developments across the region
- Representing the organisation at regional and international forums
- Coordinating with pro bono legal teams and consultants
The role requires a high degree of cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate politically and socially complex environments.
Advancing Human Rights Through Legal Expertise
The position demands strong expertise in human rights law and practical legal experience within common law systems. Candidates are expected to have either litigation experience or legislative drafting/policy expertise.
Core professional requirements include:
- Strong background in human rights or constitutional law
- Experience working across multiple jurisdictions in the region
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex legal frameworks
- High-level legal writing, editing, and advocacy skills
- Experience working with marginalised or vulnerable communities
- Confidence in public speaking and stakeholder engagement
The role also requires the ability to translate complex legal issues into accessible language for diverse audiences, including policymakers and civil society actors.
Strategic Engagement and Capacity Building
Beyond litigation support, the Regional Legal Advisor will contribute to broader advocacy and capacity-building efforts. This includes developing legal training programmes, supporting workshops, and strengthening the ability of local actors to engage in legal reform processes.
Key activities include:
- Designing and delivering legal workshops for stakeholders
- Supporting training for civil society and government partners
- Contributing to advocacy and communications strategies
- Helping develop litigation-supporting public messaging
- Collaborating with communications teams on legal narratives
These activities aim to strengthen both legal systems and civil society capacity to pursue equality-based reforms.
Working in Complex and High-Pressure Environments
The role is based in Southern Africa but may involve regional and occasional international travel, including participation in conferences and strategic legal engagements. The position requires resilience and professionalism in the face of challenging and sometimes hostile discourse related to LGBT+ rights advocacy.
Additional expectations include:
- Frequent regional travel (6–8 trips per year)
- Managing sensitive legal and political environments
- Handling confidential legal and advocacy matters
- Working autonomously while coordinating with global teams
- Adapting to evolving legal and political contexts
The organisation emphasises discretion, professionalism, and emotional resilience as essential attributes for the role.
Qualifications and Desired Profile
Applicants are expected to hold a law degree and have substantial experience in human rights law or related fields. At least 5–9 years of relevant professional experience is typically expected.
Essential qualifications include:
- Legal experience in a common law jurisdiction
- Demonstrated human rights law expertise
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills
- Experience working with marginalised communities
- Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects
Desirable skills include:
- Additional regional languages (e.g., Portuguese, French, Bantu languages)
- Experience in African legal systems beyond Southern Africa
- Knowledge of LGBT+ rights movements and legal developments
- Experience integrating legal work with advocacy and communications
Application Process and Key Details
The role is a 12-month, part-time (0.8 FTE) fixed-term position with the possibility of extension depending on funding. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
Key dates include:
- Application deadline: 10 June 2026 (9:00 BST)
- Ideal start date: 17 August 2026
Applicants are required to submit:
- A CV (maximum 3 pages)
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
Applications must be sent via email to:
administrator@humandignitytrust.org
A Legal Role Focused on Systemic Change
This position represents a high-impact opportunity for experienced legal professionals interested in using law as a tool for structural reform. By combining litigation support, policy engagement, and regional partnership-building, the role contributes directly to advancing equality and human rights protections across Southern Africa.
Through strategic legal interventions and deep collaboration with local actors, the work aims to support long-term change in legal systems that affect the rights, safety, and dignity of LGBT+ communities.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
