Job description
Smart. Start is a social franchise working to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to quality early learning. Our Legal function supports the organisation's contracts, compliance, and regulatory obligations, and plays a critical role in keeping Smart. Start's operations well-governed and protected. We are looking for a Legal Intern to support the Legal Manager with contract administration, document management, and general legal and compliance tasks.
This is a structured, practical internship designed to give you real exposure to legal work in a mission-driven organisation, while helping the Legal team run more efficiently. You will assist with drafting, organising, and tracking legal documentation; support POPIA-related administration; help maintain contract registers and filing systems; and provide general administrative and research support to the Legal function.
This is a paid, 12-month fixed-term internship based in Johannesburg on a hybrid working arrangement.
Requirements
Currently studying towards or have completed a Higher Certificate, diploma or degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Law, Business Administration, or a related field. Good written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and professional documents and correspondence. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Basic understanding of contracts and legal documents, with a willingness to develop this knowledge further. Comfort with document management, filing systems, and working with templates and registers. Highly organised and detail-oriented. Proactive and reliable, able to manage tasks independently and follow through on deadlines.
Professional, discreet, and able to maintain strict confidentiality. Genuine interest in legal and compliance work and alignment with Smart. Start's mission. Prior exposure to contracts, legal documentation, or policy administration is advantageous, even at the entry level.