Paralegal

The Institute of Health Programs and Systems (IHPS) is a South African non-profit company (NPC) born out of the PEPFAR CDC Track 1 transition of the ICAP, Columbia University, Multi-country AIDS Program (MCAP) in South Africa in 2010. The IHPS mission is “to strengthen health and development systems through program implementation and partnerships,” and the vision is “optimal and sustainable health and development outcomes”. Presently, IHPS is a Global Fund Subrecipient (SR) under Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA), tasked to implement the “My Journey Adolescents and Young People (AYP) Programme”, in Mbombela Subdistrict, Mpumalanga Province, from January 2026 to March 2028. As such, IHPS seeks to recruit the position outlined below, based in Mbombela Subdistrict. 
Full Time
  • Contract Type: Fixed term contract
  • Start Date: February 2026
  • Remuneration: TBA
  • Level of Effort: 100%
  • Closing Date: 16 February 2026
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Overall Responsibility

Under the supervision of the Community Programme Coordinator, the Paralegal will provide legal support, rights education, and referral services to AYP, with a focus on GBV survivors, human rights violations, and access to justice within the “My Journey” programme.

Key Performance Areas:

  • Review and assess human rights violation cases reported by Human Rights Ambassadors.
  • Provide initial legal guidance and referrals to Legal Aid, Thuthuzela Care Centers, and SAPS.
  • Facilitate community workshops on legal rights, GBV laws, and access to justice.
  • Support survivors with affidavit drafting, case preparation, and court accompaniment.
  • Build and maintain partnerships with legal and justice sector stakeholders.
  • Maintain confidential case files and ensure accurate data entry into IMS.
  • Compile monthly reports on legal cases, referrals, and advocacy activities.
  • Train Human Rights Ambassadors/Reactors on the human rights violations standard operating procedure (SOP) and data tools.
  • Participate in IHPS-facilitated legal and human rights capacity-building activities and support knowledge sharing with Ambassadors/Reactors.
  • Maintain accurate case tracking and outcome data.
  • Prepare monthly case summaries and trends reports and flag recurring rights violations for programmatic or advocacy follow-up.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by IHPS senior management

Qualifications

  • Certificate or Diploma in Paralegal Studies, Human Rights, or related legal/social justice field (advantageous).
  • Accredited community paralegal training or recognized short courses in human rights, legal rights awareness, or access to justice (strongly preferred).
  • Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

  • Foundational knowledge of South African Human Rights and Legal Frameworks
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in lobbying/advocacy/human rights or programming in the public health or HIV field
  • Ability to maintain detailed records and manage caseloads effectively
  • Effective time management, organizing, and coordination skills. 
  • Computer literacy incl proven Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) proficiency
  • Valid driver’s license (Code 8 minimum)

Employer’s Rights

This position description may not list all the duties of the job. If an offer is made, you will be presented with a detailed job description. Applicants will be evaluated based upon their demonstrated ability to perform the tasks listed above, their education and work experience. The employer reserves the right to revise this posting at any time.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply by e-mail only to HR@ihps-sa.org. Subject line should be the Position and Subdistrict you are applying for, and a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should be attached. Submissions which do not follow the above instructions will not be considered.

Due to the extremely high volume of CVs expected, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS about these positions will be accepted.

Closing Date: 16 February 2026