About the Role
The Chief State Law Adviser is an essential position within the National Office in Pretoria, directly contributing to the legal framework that supports South Africa’s governance. This role is not just a job; it is an opportunity to play a pivotal part in shaping legislation and ensuring that the laws of our country uphold the values of justice and equity. As a leader in the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser, you will oversee the strategic drafting and certification of Bills, providing invaluable legal opinions and advisory support that influence the parliamentary process.
Working in Pretoria, you will be at the heart of South Africa’s legal and legislative landscape. Your expertise will help ensure that all legislation aligns with both the Constitution and international obligations, significantly impacting the lives of citizens across the nation. This role is vital for maintaining the integrity and functionality of our public service and reflects a commitment to legal excellence and ethical governance.
About the Department
The Office of the Chief State Law Adviser plays a crucial role in the South African government, tasked with providing legal advice and support to various government departments and organs of state. The department’s mandate includes overseeing the legislative process, ensuring compliance with domestic and international laws, and enhancing the legal framework that governs public service operations. Working here means being part of a team dedicated to upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance in South Africa.
The department fosters an environment where strategic legal thinking meets practical application, allowing you to influence significant legal matters and contribute to the nation’s development through sound legal policy and advice.
What You’ll Do
- Provide strategic leadership in the certification and drafting of Bills and subordinate legislation.
- Offer authoritative legal opinions and advisory services to government departments.
- Oversee the scrutiny of international agreements to ensure alignment with the Constitution.
- Direct the management and governance of the Office, including strategic planning and operational performance.
- Ensure legal documents are accessible by overseeing their translation into official languages.
- Lead the provision of legal advice on contracts, settlements, and disputes.
- Uphold effective governance and compliance with public service regulations.
What You’ll Need
- An NQF Level 8 qualification in Law or an equivalent qualification recognized by SAQA.
- Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa.
- A minimum of eight years of experience at a senior management level in a similar environment.
- Extensive knowledge of legislative drafting, legal advisory services, and public law.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on stakeholder engagement.
- Proven leadership capabilities in managing multidisciplinary teams and strategic projects.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
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Requirements
An NQF Level 8 in Law or as recognised by SAQA.Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa is essential.
A minimum of eight (8) years' experience at senior management level in a similar environment.
Extensive knowledge of Bills and legislation, legislative drafting and certification processes, legal advisory services, public and international law, public administration, government decision-making processes, and the statutory and regulatory framework governing the Public Service, including the Public Service Act, Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations and related prescripts.
Sound understanding of Government priorities, 64 organisational governance, strategic planning and professional legal ethics.
Skills and Competencies: Exceptional strategic capability and leadership with the ability to provide strategic direction, develop legal policy and lead a specialised legal advisory environment.
Demonstrated capability in programme and project management, financial management, organisational transformation, change management, knowledge management and service delivery innovation.
Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving capability, with excellent people management, stakeholder engagement, communication and client orientation skills.
Proven ability to build strategic partnerships, manage complex legal matters, influence decision-making and lead multidisciplinary professional teams.
High levels of professionalism, ethical leadership, accountability and commitment to the values and principles of the Public Service.
Job Duties
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the certification and drafting of Bills, including the provision of preliminary legal opinions, certification of legislation and legal advisory support throughout the parliamentary process.Oversee the scrutiny, drafting and certification of subordinate legislation and provide authoritative legal opinions and advisory services to Government departments and other organs of state.
Direct the scrutiny of international agreements to ensure consistency with the Constitution and domestic law and oversee the provision of legal advice relating to international legal obligations.
Lead the strategic management and governance of the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser through effective strategic planning, operational performance monitoring, risk management, audit compliance, financial management and resource utilisation.
Oversee the translation and editing of legislation and other legal documents into the official languages to support legislative accessibility and constitutional compliance.
Provide strategic legal opinions on contracts, legal documents, settlements and disputes referred by Government departments and organs of state.
Ensure sound governance, people management, financial stewardship, asset management, organisational performance and compliance with all statutory and regulatory prescripts within the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser.
