Director: Legal Advisory Services

Requirements

Matric certificate plus (NQF Level 7) qualification in Legal/ Law (LLB) or relevant qualifications as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of 5 years of experience at middle/senior managerial level in Legal Services environment. Valid Driver’s license. Nyukela SMS pre-entry certificate. Competencies: GPG and GDARD policies and procedures, relevant legislation and Public Service Regulations, understanding of expectations of customers, Knowledge of Contracts and Legal Prescripts, Management information knowledge, Project management methodologies, Policy development, change management, Financial Management, presentation Skills, Report Writing, Communication and Negotiation Skills, Planning and Organising, Analytical skills and Leadership Skills. Expert knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and all relevant legislation, including the Public Service Act and Public Service Regulations. In-depth knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations. Thorough knowledge of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), the Promotion of Access to 63 Information Act (PAIA), and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Expert knowledge of Agricultural legislation. Expert knowledge of the law of contract, supply chain management processes, and litigation management. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and organisational skills. Excellent report writing, facilitation, and legal drafting skills. Service delivery innovation and change management capability.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic legal leadership and direction to the Directorate: Legal Services, ensuring alignment with the Department's strategic objectives and legislative mandates. Manage, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary legal team, ensuring optimal capacity utilisation and performance in line with the Department's human resources policies. Develop, implement, and review the legal services operational plan, service delivery model, and annual performance targets. Report to the Head of Department and senior management on all legal matters affecting the Department. Oversee and ensure the effective management of the legal services budget, resources, and assets in accordance with the PFMA and applicable prescripts. Legal Advisory Services. Oversee and provide authoritative legal opinions and advice to the Department, including the MEC, Head of Department, and senior management on all matters pertaining to the Department's functions. Ensure the provision of expert legal research and professional legal opinions on complex constitutional, administrative, and environmental law matters. Provide strategic legal guidance to management on compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and policies. Oversee the drafting, vetting, and review of all forms of agreements, including contracts, memoranda of understanding, service level agreements, and contractual documents arising during the Department's procurement and operational processes. Ensure legal compliance in all supply chain management processes, including participation in bid evaluation and adjudication committees. Manage contractual disputes and provide strategic guidance on remedies available to the Department. Oversee and manage all litigation matters involving the Department, including coordination with the State Attorney, Senior Counsel, and external legal representatives. Maintain and ensure the accuracy of the Departmental litigation register and provide GRAP 19 provisional assessments for financial reporting purposes. Ensure timely and effective responses to all court processes, legal proceedings, and litigation threats. Brief and debrief Senior Counsel and provide strategic litigation guidance to management. Oversee the drafting, reviewing, and amendment of legislation, regulations, and policies relevant to the Department's mandate. Provide statutory support services in respect of PAJA, PAIA, POPIA, and other applicable legislation. Ensure compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements applicable to the Department. Monitor legislative developments and advise management on the implications for the Department's operations. Facilitate and promote effective working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, including other government departments, organs of state, entities, and the public. Represent the Department in intergovernmental forums, committees, and consultative processes on legal matters. Support governance structures including the Business Continuity Management Committee and Risk Management Committee on legal and compliance matters.

How to Apply

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