Join our team

We’re looking for a researcher to join our forward-thinking and welcoming team! We’re looking for a passionate, enthusiastic and innovative individual with strong research, writing and communication skills to contribute to our research and advocacy work (to commence on 1 June 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter). You will be responsible for conducting policy, desktop and field research on a range of housing and social justice issues, writing an array of research and advocacy outputs, repackaging research for different audiences, and contributing to our policy and advocacy engagements.

Key responsibilities:

• Designing and conducting policy, desktop and field research (and making the links between these forms of research) on a range of housing and social justice issues;
• Writing a range of compelling research and advocacy outputs for an array of different audiences, including research reports, popular education and advocacy materials, policy submissions, pamphlets for our community and social movement partners, and opinion pieces for popular media. We are always looking for fresh ideas for how to share our work in an engaging way;
• Conducting policy and legislative analysis;
• Contributing to our policy and advocacy engagements, campaigns and communications strategy by offering ongoing research support; and
• Responding to direct research requests from our social movement and community partners. 

Requirements:

• Between 2-10 years of experience working as a researcher in a non-profit organisation or in another relevant field such as advocacy or campaigning;
• Post-graduate degree (preferably a degree in humanities, social sciences, urban planning, law or related field) or equivalent work experience in research;
• Proven ability to plan, conduct and execute qualitative research;
• Excellent verbal and written English communications skills (additional language skills in isiXhosa and/or Afrikaans would be an advantage);
• Proven ability to work well under pressure, independently and as a team member;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to easily relate to, and work constructively and respectfully with people across race, class, gender and age;
• Self-motivated and productive; 
• Attentive to detail; and
• A commitment to social justice and our mission.

Desirable skills:

• Familiarity with the South African legal and policy frameworks governing land, housing, basic services, urban and spatial planning;
• Experience with communications, including experience in media relations, social media, website management, drafting newsletters, and/or developing content for public-facing communications; 
• Experience developing feasibility and bulk modelling of land use on land parcels; 
• Experience with design software (such as PhotoShop, InDesign or Canva), mapping software (such as ARCGIS or QGIS) or software using for development proposals (such as CAD, Sketchup or Revit);
• Ability to analyse spatial plans, frameworks, land use and planning applications; and
• Experience in workshop facilitation. 

Location: Cape Town.

Salary: A salary commensurate with experience and with Ndifuna Ukwazi’s designated salary bands will be offered. 

How to apply:
Submit your CV, letter of motivation and two (2) unedited samples of your written work by email to employment@nu.org.za with the subject “NU Vacancy: Researcher”. In your motivational letter, please give a detailed explanation of why you would like to work at Ndifuna Ukwazi and what qualities and experience you would bring to the post (generalised cover letters that do not engage with Ndifuna Ukwazi and our work will not be considered).

Only complete applications will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Ndifuna Ukwazi is committed to transformation and equity in its recruitment processes.

Deadline: 15 May 2022

We’re looking for a new treasurer to join our board of trustees.

Our board of trustees plays a critical role in our work, and we’re looking to strengthen, diversify and grow our governance structure. Additionally, the board of trustees provides management advice about the direction that Ndifuna Ukwazi should follow, including advice on Ndifuna Ukwazi’s strategy, stakeholder relations, fundraising and objectives in a manner that promotes Ndifuna Ukwazi’s reputation, values and theory of change. The appointed trustee should therefore possess the qualifications, skills, expertise and commitment which will support the organisation in achieving its objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Suitably qualified candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas of expertise, are encouraged to apply:

• Financial management and audit experience;
• Fundraising, donor engagement and management expertise and experience;
• Board membership of non-profit companies or trusts;
• Human resource management and expertise;
• Academic credentials in the areas of financial management, environmental law and governance, public interest law and/or social justice;
• Governance expertise;
• Risk management and risk monitoring for organisations; and
• Strategic leadership and strategic management.

Requirements:
Candidates must have a clear understanding of the social activism and the fiduciary duties of a treasurer, and demonstrate the following personal qualifications:

• Degree-level education (with a substantial understanding of the accounting and financial management);
• Political, economic and socio-legal context of our work will be an added advantage;
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in the accounting or financial space;
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice; and
• A record of leadership abilities, including:
  • Experience relating to financial and funder management; and
  • Strong human resource management skills.

Desired skills:

• Experience in, or familiarity with, land and housing rights; and
• Experience in a social justice, activist or similar civil society organisation.

Ndifuna Ukwazi conducts its recruitment processes with a commitment to transformation and equity. Non-executive trustee positions are not remunerated, but all reasonable and agreed travel expenses will be covered by the organisation. The position will also entail a comprehensive induction that includes training in best practices of non-profit organisation governance, as required.

Location: Cape Town (all reasonable travel and agreed travel expenses for non-Cape Town based appointees will be financially supported by the organisation).

How to apply:
Interested applicants must email their application to employment@nu.org.za with the subject “NU Vacancy: Board Treasurer”.

1. Please include the following in your application:
   A motivation letter and full CV; and
2. Two referees who can attest to the candidate’s professional experience.

Deadline: 26 May 2022

We offer internships and volunteer opportunities at our Cape Town office on a rolling basis. We welcome students, graduate students or volunteers from South Africa and the Global South who want to contribute to our community organising, research, advocacy or legal work by assisting our staff. We’re always looking for people working in our areas of work, including urban planning, architecture, human geography, politics and law. We want to bring talented young people into social justice work and to offer an opportunity to be employed, gain experience, and ultimately find decent work. To apply, send a short description of your expertise and a copy of your most recent CV to employment@nu.org.za.