Cfj Fellow

Applications are open for the 2027 CFJ Fellowship , offering an opportunity for early-career African women lawyers to join a growing network of legal advocates advancing gender justice across Africa.

The Fellowship is a paid, full-time, one-year work placement running from January to December 2027 . Fellows will be placed with a human rights organization, university legal aid clinic or government legal institution in Kenya, Malawi, The Gambia or South Africa.

The Fellowship focuses on ending violence against women and children through legal representation and advice, strategic litigation and the innovative use of technology.

Job Summary

• Employer: cfj
• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Category: Legal
• Salary: competitive gross annual salary
• Closing Date: 2026-10-20

Key Responsibilities

• Support the legal work of their host organizations, which may include direct legal assistance, research, representation, drafting and advocacy.
• Identify and support at least one strategic litigation case with CFJ designed to advance the rights of women and children in national or regional courts or an international court or body.
• Carry out at least two outreach activities for students focused on the rights of women and children.
• Participate in Fellowship Programme activities, including mentoring, training and networking opportunities.
• Be based in the home country where their host organization is located and have the right to work there.

Requirements

• A law degree from a recognized academic institution.
• A Practicing Certificate and admission to practice as a lawyer in the country of the selected host organization.
• Up to five years of experience in the legal field following graduation from law school or qualification as a lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Experience in women's rights and working in human rights organizations is preferred.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the relevant host country: Kenya, Malawi, South Africa or The Gambia .
• Alignment with CFJ's mission and goals and those of the relevant host organization.
• Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
• Excellent research, writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work as a self-starter.
• Creativity in developing strategies to advance justice for women and children who are victims of violence or child marriage.
• Commitment to justice and human rights.
• Additional experience working with survivors and/or impacted communities is preferred.
• Willingness to travel.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals, including children or victims of violence, would be useful.
• Fluency in English. Proficiency in other working languages relevant to the host countries is preferred.

Salary

competitive gross annual salary

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: cfj.org