The City of Johannesburg (CoJ), through its Office of the Ombudsman, is inviting applications from suitably qualified and unemployed graduates for its Trainee Investigator Internship Programme. This is a meaningful opportunity for law graduates who are passionate about justice, accountability, and good governance to gain hands-on experience within a dynamic and impactful public sector environment.

About the Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman plays a critical role in upholding the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity in municipal governance. Established under the Ombudsman By-Laws of 2023, the office is mandated to independently investigate complaints lodged against the City of Johannesburg, ensuring that residents receive fair and accountable service delivery. As a Trainee Investigator, you will be at the heart of this mandate — supporting investigative processes that directly impact the lives of Johannesburg’s citizens.

Position Details

Position Title: Trainee Investigator
Department: Office of the Ombudsman
Reference Number: STC005/2026
Duration: 18 Months (contract)
Monthly Stipend: R10 104,26 (total cost to company)
Location: 48 Ameshoff Street, SAPPI Building, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Key Responsibilities

As a Trainee Investigator, you will be exposed to a broad range of functions within the Office of the Ombudsman, including:

• Complaint Intake and Initial Assessment — Receiving and evaluating complaints submitted by members of the public against the City of Johannesburg.
• Investigative Support — Assisting senior investigators in conducting formal investigations in accordance with the Ombudsman By-Laws.
• Research and Analysis — Conducting in-depth research and analysing data to support investigative findings and recommendations.
• Documentation and Reporting — Compiling accurate and well-structured reports that document investigative processes and outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement — Liaising with complainants, City departments, and other relevant parties throughout the investigation process.
• Awareness and Outreach — Supporting initiatives to educate the public about the role and mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance — Ensuring that all investigative work adheres to prescribed standards, procedures, and legislative frameworks.
• Professional Development — Actively participating in learning and development activities to build competence in public sector investigation and governance.

Minimum Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) from a recognised institution.
• Relevant experience in a legal, compliance, or investigative environment will be an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following:

• Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical and data analysis skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to write and edit content with precision
• Report writing ability
• Project management and coordination skills
• Critical thinking — the ability to evaluate complex information, identify key issues, and draw sound, logical conclusions
• Research aptitude — capable of conducting thorough research to support investigative findings
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach, underpinned by strong values and integrity
• Commitment to the Batho Pele principles of customer and service delivery management
• High standards of ethics and professionalism

Why Apply?

This internship offers law graduates a rare opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world public sector investigation environment. Working within the Office of the Ombudsman, you will develop practical skills in governance, complaint investigation, legal research, and stakeholder management — all of which are highly valued in both the public and private sectors. With an 18-month contract and a structured programme, this is an excellent launchpad for a career in law, compliance, or public administration.

How to Apply

Interested and qualifying candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 29 April 2026.

Apply Here for the City of Johannesburg Trainee Investigator Internship