Opportunity: Law Researcher – Intellectual Property Law and Competition Law (11 July 2025)
HJI is seeking to appoint a Law Researcher on a one-year fixed-term contract.
Main purpose of the job:
- Lead and support research and advocacy initiatives in Intellectual Property Law and Competition Law
Location:
- Cape Town (Hybrid working)
Key performance areas:
- Design, implement and complete legal research projects addressing the impact of IP and competition law
- Monitor legislative and policy developments in South Africa and internationally
- Support research for existing cases being led by HJI
- Produce legal briefs, policy papers, and advocacy documents grounded in rigorous research
- Ensure compliance with ethical research standards and donor reporting requirements
- Support HJI’s advocacy strategies by contributing legal and policy expertise to projects and cases
- Engage with relevant stakeholders through submissions, oral presentations, and consultations
- Translate legal research into advocacy tools such as fact sheets, op-eds, and infographics
- Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and administrative aspects of research and advocacy projects
- Work with civil society coalitions, community-based organisations, academics, and international partners to promote equitable policy outcomes
- Represent the HJI at forums, conferences, and workshops to build networks and promote collaboration
- Facilitate / Present information sessions relating to IP and competition law issues as and when required
Required minimum education and training:
- LLB Degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record
Required minimum work experience:
- 5 years’ experience in legal research, policy analysis, or advocacy work in the field of IP/Competition Law
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding key issues in the following areas: Intellectual Property Law, Competition Law, Public Sector Governance, Human Rights, Legislative and Regulatory processes
- Experience working with human rights, legal and health research methodologies and organisations
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
- LLM in Intellectual Property Law, Competition Law
- Experience in the non-profit sector is an advantage
- Team player, ability to work in a small team remotely, self-motivated
- Willingness to travel locally and at times abroad
Closing date: 11 July 2025
To apply: For more information and to apply, visit the Career Junctions applications page for this post here.