Legal Intern

Job Description

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking applications from enthusiastic students in South Africa who are looking to gain professional experience in the field of law under IWMI’s internship program. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to interact with IWMI staff at its headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and regional offices across Asia and Africa. The intern will be based at IWMI’s office in Pretoria, South Africa, and will telecommute to the institute’s headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

During this internship period, the intern will assist in the following areas:

• Support the day-to-day operations of the legal department by reviewing donor agreements and regulations and identifying main compliance areas in donor agreements.
• Compare laws from different jurisdictions where IWMI has regional/project offices.
• Review and check the laws and regulations governing the incorporation and operation of international organizations in South Africa.
• Review and check the laws and regulations granting immunities and privileges to international organizations in South Africa.
• Check the procedure for registering trademarks and patents in South Africa.

Requirements

• Undergraduates or recent graduates with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree.
• Familiarity with national laws in South Africa related to employment, taxation, social security, intellectual property, and environmental regulations.
• Strong proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
• A demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to changing priorities, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Good attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines.

Benefits

IWMI will provide a monthly stipend to the selected candidate during the internship period.

The duration of the initial internship contract will be 3 months. This is a nationally recruited internship and only citizens of South Africa are eligible to apply. During the internship period, the intern will work under the supervision of the Legal Manager at IWMI’s headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

To apply, visit www.iwmi.org/jobs. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 (SAST) on October 3, 2025 (Friday).

About the Organization

The International Water Management Institute is a nonprofit scientific research organization focusing on the sustainable use of water and land resources in agriculture and on the water needs of developing countries. IWMI works with partners in the South to develop tools and methods to help these countries eradicate poverty through more effective management of their water and land resources. Mission: Improving water and land resources management for food livelihoods and nature. The objectives of IWMI's work: - Identify the larger issues related to water management and food security that need to be understood and addressed by governments and policymakers. - Develop, test and promote management practices and tools that can be used by governments and institutions to manage water and land resources more effectively, and address water scarcity issues. - Clarify the link between poverty and access to water and to help governments and the research community better understand the specific water-related problems of poor people. - Help developing countries build their research capacities to deal with water scarcity and related food security issues.