Climate Justice Legal Counsel
Center for Strategic Litigation
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Closing Date:
Monday, 10 August 2026
Open
About the African Climate Legal Fellowship Program
This role is part of the African Climate Legal Fellowship Program, an 18-month program designed to build capacity at African public interest law organizations, further strategic climate and environmental legal action, and bring new attorneys to the public interest sector.
Now entering its second cohort, the Fellowship places participants (“Fellows”) in climate and environmental legal organizations in Africa (“Host Organizations”) for a fulltime, 18-month placement to advance strategic legal action, therefore helping organizations achieve their critical missions.
Fellows join a cohort-based learning journey that includes:
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Tailored climate, legal and leadership development modules
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Professional coaching and support
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Peer learning and community exchange
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Access to professional networks in climate and environmental law
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Launch convening (in-person in an African location)
About the Organisation
The Centre for Strategic Litigation (CSL) is a Tanzania-based public interest legal organisation that promotes the rule of law, constitutionalism, human rights and access to justice through strategic litigation, legal advocacy and public education. Since its establishment in 2018, CSL has worked to strengthen democratic accountability and civic space while advancing progressive legal reform. Through its Climate Justice Programme, the organisation addresses issues including climate change, environmental governance, community land rights and corporate accountability, working with communities, civil society and regional partners to ensure climate action is grounded in human rights, environmental justice and the rule of law.
About the Job
The Climate Justice Legal Counsel will support the development and implementation of CSL's Climate Justice Portfolio through legal research, strategic litigation, policy analysis, evidence development, community engagement, and regional collaboration. This Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience in strategic climate litigation while working on complex legal questions involving climate change, environmental governance, human rights, and corporate accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct legal research on climate change, environmental law, human rights, and other issues relevant to CSL's Climate Justice Portfolio.
Prepare legal memoranda, litigation briefs, pleadings, legal opinions, and other litigation-related documents.
Support the development and implementation of strategic litigation before domestic, regional, and international forums.
Contribute to CSL's work on carbon markets and climate finance, including carbon credit governance, community rights, land tenure, benefit-sharing, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Produce policy briefs, reports, legal publications, and other knowledge products to support litigation, advocacy, and public engagement.
Participate in field missions and stakeholder consultations in support of research, litigation, and legal advocacy.
Assist in organising workshops, and coordinating regional collaborations with partners and stakeholders.
Support resource mobilization efforts by contributing to concept notes, funding proposals, donor reports, and other fundraising materials, as appropriate.
Requirements
Qualifications
A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. A Master's degree in Law or a related field will be an added advantage.
Admission as an Advocate to practise law.
At least four (4) years of professional legal experience.
Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
Demonstrated interest in public interest law and a willingness to transition into climate and environmental law.
Willingness to travel for fieldwork and to participate in national, regional, and international conferences, workshops, and other professional engagements.
Desirable Attributes
Intellectual curiosity
Initiative and sound judgement
Strong legal reasoning
Excellent communication skills
Collaborative working style
To apply
To apply, email your application by Monday, 10th August to callum@actionappointments.co.za. Further submission instructions will be shared with candidates during the process.
