Overview of the 2026 Graduate Governance Fellowship Amnesty International South Africa is offering a year-long Graduate Governance Fellowship for a young law graduate ready to build a career in human rights and NGO governance. Based in Johannesburg and running from January to December 2026, the fellowship provides a structured opportunity to work closely with Amnesty’s Board of Directors, Executive Director and staff. The fellow will contribute directly to governance, policy development, research and organisational processes while gaining hands-on exposure to the human rights sector. This paid fellowship includes a monthly stipend of R16 000 and access to job-shadowing opportunities with partner law firms and public interest organisations. About Amnesty International South Africa Amnesty International South Africa is part of a global movement dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights. The organisation works to address national human rights issues through research, advocacy, campaigning, mobilisation and education. It aims to equip people in South Africa to act on the issues affecting their communities and uses South Africa’s regional and global influence to advance human rights locally and internationally. Fellowship Purpose and Scope The Graduate Governance Fellowship is designed for a self-motivated early-career professional committed to Amnesty International’s values. The fellow will support the organisation in strengthening governance practices, contributing legal expertise and helping ensure alignment with national and international standards. The role offers a combination of practical governance work, legal research and active engagement in organisational policy discussions. Through Amnesty’s job-shadowing partnerships, the fellow will also be able to observe and learn from external human rights practitioners. Key Responsibilities Supporting the Board of Directors and, where necessary, the National Secretariat Researching and drafting governance documents and related materials Contributing to national and international policy discussions within Amnesty Assisting with research, advocacy and campaign work Preparing and delivering detailed minutes and reports from board and related meetings Providing administrative support as required Required Qualifications and Skills A law degree such as an LL.B. or an equivalent qualification Fluency in at least two South African languages Ability to communicate clearly and professionally across all organisational levels Strong writing and editing skills with minimal need for revision Capacity to process large volumes of governance and legal information Strong analytical abilities and structured reasoning Competence in delivering presentations Ability to work independently, manage deadlines and perform under pressure Willingness to travel when required Flexibility in working hours and comfort working from home Personal Attributes Demonstrated commitment to activism and human rights Confident, assertive communicator capable of engaging with diverse audiences Emotional intelligence and professionalism Attention to detail and high integrity Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively Reflective mindset with openness to learning and self-care Fellowship Benefits Monthly stipend of R16 000 Exposure to partner NGOs and law firms through job-shadowing placements Continuous learning and in-house training opportunities Flexible working hours and significant remote work arrangements Additional Information Shortlisted applicants may undergo interviews, qualification verification, background checks and a short competency test. The successful candidate will be notified by 13 December 2025 and must be available to start on 2 January 2026. Some partner organisations may require confidentiality or additional agreements. Amnesty International South Africa may choose not to fill the position. Application Process Applicants must submit a motivational letter, a concise CV with three contactable references, a sample of original writing on any legal or policy topic and an academic transcript. Applications must be sent no later than 14 November 2025 to the following address: za.hr@amnesty.org.za Non-South African applicants are responsible for securing a valid work permit prior to employment. Amnesty International South Africa strongly encourages applications from individuals who contribute to racial and gender transformation. If applicants do not receive feedback by 14 December 2025, their application should be considered unsuccessful. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.