VACANCY: Information Analyst, Freedom of Information Programme

The South African History Archive (SAHA) is an independent human rights archive committed to documenting and raising awareness of past struggles against apartheid, as well as ongoing struggles in the making of democracy in South Africa. In line with this central mission, SAHA is dedicated to using South Africa's Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to extend the boundaries of access to information in South Africa.

For more information about SAHA's Freedom of Information Programme, please visit http://foip.saha.org.za

SAHA is looking for a dynamic individual with a strong commitment to building a career in human rights advocacy to join its Freedom of Information Programme (FOIP).

Summary of key responsibilities:

• Contributing to the management of PAIA requests for records on behalf of members of the public, partner organisations and SAHA itself, and preparing related correspondence, appeals against refusals of access to information, and complaints to relevant authorities;
• Creating and analysing a global data-set of PAIA requests submitted by SAHA, identifying opportunities for compliance case studies, further research, etc.
• Writing research reports, case studies, news stories, press releases related to FOIP's work;
• Investigating and testing emerging data journalism techniques and tools for incorporation into SAHA outreach and advocacy work;
• Keeping abreast of developments in freedom of information within South African and globally;
• Maintaining and updating FOIP-related web products.

Required qualifications and skills

• Degree in Journalism, Law, Political Science, or related field;
• At least 1 years related experience working in a legal or civil society environment;
• Ability to work with individuals and organisations with human rights sector and a strong commitment to human rights;
• Excellent research and computer skills, including experience in compiling and analyzing statistics, and working with web content management systems;
• Excellent critical thinking and communication skills, with interest and / or experience in repackaging data into accessible stories for both internal and external audiences.

Preferred qualifications and skills

Understanding and experience working on access to information and related issues.

This is a contract post: 1 year fixed period post, starting January 2014, renewable depending on funding and performance.

The successful candidate will report to the FOIP Advocacy and Training Outreach Officer.


Application process

To apply, please prepare a one-page letter of motivation (no more than 500 words) that addresses the following three questions:
• What are some of the barriers to the right of access to information in South Africa today?
• Provide an example of how you think PAIA could be used to challenge corruption and combat impunity in South Africa.
• How can the value of PAIA be demonstrated in a meaningful way to more South Africans today?

Submit this letter of motivation with your CV (no longer than 3 pages) and the contact details for at least 2 professional referees by email to catherine@saha.org.za by 1 December 2013. Late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted at the SAHA offices in Johannesburg on Monday 9 December 2013.