The African Climate Legal Fellowship Program (ACLFP) has announced an opportunity for a Legal and Policy Associate through its second cohort fellowship initiative, designed to strengthen climate justice, environmental law, and public interest legal action across Africa.

The 18-month fellowship placement aims to build the capacity of African public interest law organisations while supporting lawyers seeking to transition into climate and environmental justice practice. Selected Fellows will work with leading organisations involved in strategic litigation, legal research, advocacy, and corporate accountability initiatives.

The Legal and Policy Associate position is hosted by RAID, an organisation focused on advancing climate justice and holding corporations accountable for environmental harm, human rights violations, and corporate abuses affecting communities across Africa.

The application deadline for this opportunity is Monday, 10 August 2026.

About the African Climate Legal Fellowship Program

The African Climate Legal Fellowship Program provides a structured professional development pathway for lawyers interested in environmental justice and public interest law. The initiative places Fellows within climate and environmental legal organisations across Africa for an 18-month full-time placement.

The programme is designed to develop a new generation of legal professionals equipped to address climate-related challenges, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and support communities affected by environmental damage.

Fellows will participate in a comprehensive learning programme that includes:

• Climate, legal, and leadership development training modules
• Professional coaching and career support
• Peer learning opportunities with other legal professionals
• Access to networks in climate and environmental law
• Participation in an international fellowship launch event

Through practical experience and specialised training, Fellows will develop expertise in strategic legal action, advocacy, and policy engagement.

About RAID and Its Climate Justice Work

RAID is an innovative non-governmental organisation working to promote climate justice and corporate accountability throughout Africa. The organisation combines legal research, corporate investigations, advocacy, and strategic litigation to challenge environmental destruction and human rights violations.

RAID works closely with affected communities, civil society organisations, lawyers, and academic partners to hold major mining, energy, and battery companies accountable for their environmental and social impacts.

The organisation’s work focuses particularly on the challenges linked to the clean energy transition, including the expansion of critical mineral mining across Africa and the implications for local communities.

Responsibilities of the Legal and Policy Associate

The selected Legal and Policy Associate will support RAID’s legal and advocacy programmes through research, field investigations, legal analysis, and policy development.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research and monitoring issues related to climate justice, environmental harm, and human rights violations.
• Providing legal analysis to support ongoing cases and strategic litigation initiatives.
• Working with legal partners and external counsel to develop legal strategies.
• Conducting field investigations, including interviews with affected communities, witnesses, and whistleblowers.
• Collecting, analysing, and managing evidence related to corporate and environmental accountability cases.
• Preparing legal complaints through international and national accountability mechanisms.
• Drafting reports, policy briefs, position papers, consultations, and advocacy materials.
• Supporting campaigns aimed at influencing laws, policies, and corporate practices.
• Contributing to communications, public awareness, and social media initiatives.
• Collaborating with civil society organisations, human rights groups, and international partners.
• Travelling internationally, including within Africa, when required.

Eligibility and Required Qualifications

The opportunity is open to qualified lawyers with professional experience and a strong interest in climate justice, environmental law, and human rights advocacy.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A law qualification with at least four years of post-qualification experience.
• Experience working in a law firm, corporate legal department, or related legal environment.
• Background knowledge in corporate, commercial, civil, mining, employment law, or related fields.
• Experience preparing legal briefs and conducting legal research.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and writing abilities.
• Interest in climate change, environmental protection, and business accountability issues in sub-Saharan Africa.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

• Advanced academic qualifications in social sciences or related disciplines.
• Experience working on legal matters connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Understanding of public interest litigation and community-centred advocacy.

Language Skills and Personal Attributes

Successful candidates must be fluent in both English and French, enabling effective engagement with diverse stakeholders across Africa and internationally.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to climate justice and human rights.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Empathy and sensitivity when engaging with affected communities.
• Professional judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly within a dynamic legal environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are required to submit their curriculum vitae and application materials through the recruitment process managed by Action Appointments.

Applications must be submitted before Monday, 10 August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will receive additional instructions regarding the next stages of the recruitment process.

This fellowship represents an opportunity for experienced lawyers to contribute to transformative climate justice efforts while developing expertise in strategic litigation, environmental accountability, and public interest advocacy across Africa.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, 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.

African Climate Legal Fellowship Program Announces Legal and Policy Associate Opportunity to Advance Climate Justice Across Africa – Apply By 10 August 2026 ·Unknown