The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and UCT's Law Faculty are pleased to announce the call for applications for a one-year Fellowship at the PCA.

The call for applications is pursuant to the signed Memorandum of Understanding between the PCA and the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Town. More information on the relationship between UCT and the PCA, and the signing of the memorandum can be found on the PCA website and also on the UCT News site.

The PCA-UCT Fellowship Program offers a candidate from UCT’s LLM Program a Fellowship at the PCA’s Headquarters in The Hague for one full year. Over the course of the year, the Fellow will gain experience in the operations of the PCA’s International Bureau, with an emphasis on both the practical and legal aspects of international arbitration. While in The Hague, the Fellow will work with the PCA’s legal staff on legal, policy, and organisational matters arising from the PCA’s activities. Fellows hold the title of Assistant Legal Counsel for the period of the Fellowship.

Please note:

1. The successful candidate will receive a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses when in The Hague; travel costs to and from The Hague will also be covered by the PCA.
2. Fellowships run for twelve months, and the 2023 Fellowship will commence at an agreed date in September 2023.

Requirements

The candidate must:

• Have an African nationality; and
• Have either completed UCT’s Commercial Arbitration LLM Course with distinction or graduated with distinction from UCT’s LLM programme.

Qualifications

• A law degree that qualifies the applicant to apply for bar admission in their home jurisdiction (through examination, traineeship, or otherwise) is a minimum requirement. The program is also open to applicants whose qualifications exceed this minimum requirement (e.g., advanced law degree candidates and holders, practicing lawyers, and other legal professionals).
• An interest in international dispute resolution and public international law.
• Fluency in either English or French is essential.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to send an email to Fellowships-UCT@pca-cpa.org attaching in a single PDF the following documents:

1. A cover letter of not more than one page that indicates: (a) how you expect to benefit from the program; and (b) how you hope to contribute to the PCA;
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. A letter of recommendation from a professor or senior professional;
4. Copies of academic transcripts (scans or photos are sufficient); and
5. Proof of proficiency in English or French (for non-native speakers) (which may include having obtained an English-language or French-language undergraduate degree).

Fellowships are awarded to individuals with outstanding academic and/or professional records who meet the qualifications outlined above, and who seek work experience in the field of international arbitration. Former Fellows from the PCA Fellowship Program have continued their career paths mainly in private law practice in their home jurisdictions, drawing on their PCA experience to better serve clients involved in international disputes. Former Fellows have also pursued positions in government service, academia, and international organisations.

The deadline for applications is extended to 31 March 2023.