ActionAid International is hiring a Legal Intern in Johannesburg or Nairobi for a six-month internship supporting governance, compliance, legal research and policy review.
ActionAid International is offering a Legal Intern opportunity within its Governance function, with the internship based in Johannesburg or Nairobi on a hybrid basis.
The six-month internship provides early-career legal professionals with practical exposure to international non-profit governance, legal compliance, policy review and governance administration.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | ActionAid International |
| Opportunity | Legal Intern |
| Department | Governance |
| Locations | Johannesburg, South Africa / Nairobi, Kenya |
| Work arrangement | Hybrid |
| Contract | 6 months, possible 6-month extension |
| Experience | Entry-level |
| Qualification | LLB or equivalent legal qualification |
| Stipend | Fair internship stipend |
| Deadline | October 1, 2026 at 11:59 GMT |
Background & Internship Description
The Legal Intern will support ActionAid International’s Governance function across its federation.
The role provides exposure to:
- International federation governance
- Board and committee administration
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Agreement review and legal document management
- Governance and constitutional frameworks
- Risk management and organisational accountability
- Human rights-based approaches
- Feminist leadership principles within international development organisations
The internship is designed as a learning and development opportunity, including professional mentorship and practical experience.
Tasks
The successful intern will support several areas of ActionAid’s governance and legal work.
Legal Research
- Conduct legal research relating to corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
- Support guidance notes and legal resources for staff and governance bodies.
Governance Support
- Assist with documentation for International Board, Board Committee and General Assembly meetings.
- Follow up on governance actions and decisions.
- Maintain governance records, registers, legal maps and filing systems.
- Assist with reviewing constitutional documents, policies, governance manuals and terms of reference.
- Support governance reviews and improvement initiatives.
Legal Documentation
- Ensure legal documents are properly filed and maintained according to organisational requirements.
Compliance and Risk
- Assist with monitoring statutory and regulatory obligations.
- Support initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability and good governance.
Policy Review
- Support the review and updating of organisational policies to ensure compliance with applicable legal and governance requirements.
Qualifications
Education
Applicants should have:
- A bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
- Recent graduate status or be awaiting admission to legal practice is suitable for the opportunity.
Experience and Skills
Candidates should have:
- Strong written and spoken English.
- Legal research and document-review skills.
- Ability to analyse information and present findings accurately.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
An interest in corporate governance, compliance and legal support within an international non-profit organisation is desirable.
Knowledge of international development, human rights, gender justice or social justice, as well as experience in a multicultural or international environment, would be an advantage.
Additional Information
ActionAid states that the internship includes a fair internship stipend, structured mentorship, ongoing feedback, professional development and meaningful hands-on experience.
The internship is for six months, with the possibility of a further six-month extension.
Applicants must have the right to work in the specified location.
ActionAid also states that shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Candidates who have not received feedback within two weeks after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Application Deadline
Applications close on:
October 1, 2026 at 11:59 GMT.
Applicants should submit their application before the deadline.
Documents Required
Applicants should provide:
- An up-to-date CV
- A covering letter explaining their suitability against the essential criteria
- Academic institution documentation where applicable
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through ActionAid International’s official careers platform.
ActionAid International Job Openings
Applicants should review the essential criteria carefully before submitting their application.
FAQs
Where is the ActionAid Legal Intern position based?
The position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, or Nairobi, Kenya, with a hybrid working arrangement.
How long is the internship?
The initial contract is six months, with the possibility of a further six-month extension.
What qualification is required?
Applicants should have an LLB or equivalent legal qualification.
Is this an entry-level opportunity?
Yes. The vacancy is listed as entry-level and is suitable for recent graduates or candidates awaiting admission to legal practice.
Does ActionAid provide an internship stipend?
Yes. ActionAid states that the position includes a fair internship stipend, but the specific amount is not provided.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on October 1, 2026 at 11:59 GMT.
What documents are required?
Applicants should submit an up-to-date CV, covering letter and, where applicable, documentation from their academic institution.
Can applicants work remotely from another country?
The supplied vacancy states that candidates must have the right to work in the specified locations. It does not state that applicants can work remotely from countries outside Johannesburg or Nairobi.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this vacancy for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with ActionAid International and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
SEO Keywords: ActionAid International Legal Intern 2026, ActionAid internship 2026, legal internships Johannesburg, legal internships Nairobi, ActionAid jobs, NGO legal internship, international NGO internships, legal graduate internships Africa
