Jobs

Corruption Watch’s (CW) revised strategy for 2025–2030 aims to combat corruption by driving systemic reforms, enhancing public accountability, and fostering trust. This strategy is built on two primary outcomes:

1. Systemic and policy reforms through evidence-based advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
2. Enhanced report-handling mechanisms to strengthen trust and improve responses to corruption cases.

To support these objectives, CW seeks to fill the position of Project Lead: Policy and Research on a six-month short-term appointment to conduct in-depth research, analyse corruption trends, and contribute to evidence-based advocacy interventions.

Areas of Responsibility

Reporting to the interim leadership, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following responsibilities:

1. Data Gathering & Research:
   • Collect and analyse reports from whistleblowers and other sources.
   • Review and compile reports produced by CW and its partners.
   • Identify gaps and initiate new reports where necessary.
2. Analysis & Strategic Recommendations:
   • Conduct deep analysis of reported corruption cases, identifying systemic issues and potential solutions. Develop insights to inform CW’s advocacy strategy and policy recommendations.
   • Support the development of a framework to improve corruption report handling.
3. Advocacy & Fundraising Support:
   • Assist in drafting concept notes for advocacy interventions and potential campaigns.
   • Support fundraising efforts by identifying opportunities for grant applications based on research findings.
   • Engage with stakeholders to strengthen Corruption Watch’s evidence-based advocacy approach.

Qualification and Experience

•  Advanced degree in public policy, international development, political or social science, economics, or a related field.
• Proven track record with 10 years of experience in the same role.
• Experience in research or policy analysis with a focus on corruption, governance, transparency and accountability is preferred .
• Strong understanding of policing systems, criminal justice, anti-corruption mechanisms, and social justice issues.
• Published articles covering any of the above topics will be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Strong writing skills for reports, policy briefs, and advocacy documents.
• Ability to synthesise complex information and propose practical solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

If you are interested in joining a dynamic team committed to exposing corruption, advancing human rights, and improving the environment for whistle-blowers, then this opportunity may be for you.

Interested applicants should send the following:

• A letter motivating your application for the position.
• A recently updated CV with three (3) contactable references to: admin@corruptionwatch.org.za.

Closing date for applications is 4 April 2025, after which it will be rolling for consideration until we find a suitable candidate.

NB: The ideal candidate must either be able to commute to the Rosebank office or be willing to relocate before commencement of duties.

CW reserves the right to not make an appointment. If you do not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Corruption Watch (CW) seeks to fill the position of a Project Lead: Legal and Investigations on a six-month short-term appointment to manage outputs related to CW’s overall legal requirements, oversee the legal and investigations team’s advocacy activities, monitor team performance, ensure quality control, and manage the team’s reporting requirements. This role will also involve leading collaboration with other units and handling team finances and administration.

Areas of Responsibility

 Reporting to the interim leadership, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following responsibilities:

Legal activities and advocacy:

• Implement CW’s legal, investigatory and litigation strategies, in alignment with the broader organisational strategy, managing activities through an anti-corruption, social justice lens.
• Review and draft legal opinions, correspondence, and communication.
• Build on current relationships with external legal counsel in the implementation of current and agreed upon strategic impact and public interest litigation and manage advocacy strategy.
• Engage public participation processes, using interventions and submissions to influence legislative, law and policy reform.
• Oversee and/or undertake research required for law reform, comparative law projects, public education, and submissions.
• Proactive legislative engagement to share expertise in drafting or amending wide range of anticorruption, public procurement, whistle-blower protection laws and transparency regulations.
• Engagement with regulators, for example: to advocate for stronger measures and oversight of financial institutions, beneficial ownership transparency, and anti-money laundering enforcement.
• Participate in and collaborate with civil society coalitions in the sector.
• Build and manage legally relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as in-house legal counsel, advising on contracts, legal policies etc.

Investigations:

• Align investigations with legal strategy and organisational objectives.
• Assist in evaluating the evidentiary and legal strength of investigative findings dossiers, potential CW litigation or advocacy.
• Prioritise impact-driven cases based on likelihood of legal success and systemic impact.
• Guide investigators on lawful data collection and legally admissible evidence collection.
• Identify risks related to privacy laws and whistleblower protection.
• Ensure that the handling of corruption reports and complaints process aligns with whistleblower protection and data privacy laws.

Management/other activities: 

• Collaborate with other CW units to develop and implement campaigns, advocacy and strategic interventions.
• Manage and provide guidance & mentorship to team members to assist them in meeting performance objectives.
• Oversee quality control of all outputs from the legal and investigations unit.
• Active participation in CW management committee.
• Monitor expenditure against budget and oversee procurement and contracting of third party suppliers.
• Prepare reports including board reports.

Qualification and experience

• An LLB or equivalent. An LLM degree or higher is preferred.
• Must be admitted with right of appearance as an attorney or advocate in the High Court of South Africa.
• Proven track record with 10 years of post-admission experience.
• Public impact litigation experience.
• Proficiency in legal advocacy.
• Knowledge of South African corruption-related laws and legislative environment within which CW operates.
• A working knowledge of public procurement law.
• Leadership and people management aptitudes.
• Research and writing skills.
• Strong communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels and across sectors.
• Extensive project management experience.

If you are interested in joining a dynamic team committed to exposing corruption, advancing human rights, and improving the environment for whistle-blowers, then this opportunity may be for you.

Interested applicants should send the following:

• A letter motivating your application for the position.
• A recently updated CV with three (3) contactable references to: admin@corruptionwatch.org.za.

Closing date for applications is 4 April 2025, after which it will be rolling for consideration until we find a suitable candidate.

NB: The ideal candidate must either be able to commute to the Rosebank office or be willing to relocate before commencement of duties.

CW reserves the right to not make an appointment. If you do not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.