About the Role
The Department of Consumer Affairs is looking for a passionate and skilled Director: Consumer Protection to join their team in Umnotho House, Johannesburg. This vital role plays a crucial part in safeguarding the rights of consumers across the province, ensuring that businesses adhere to the highest standards of fairness and transparency. The Director will be instrumental in crafting and reviewing consumer protection strategies, policies, and frameworks that align with both provincial and national legislation, making a real difference in the lives of everyday South Africans.
As a leader in the realm of consumer protection, you will be responsible for monitoring compliance with applicable laws and providing expert advice on legislative matters. Your work will not only contribute to a more equitable marketplace but also elevate the overall consumer experience in Johannesburg and beyond. This position is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to serve the public and uphold the values of integrity and justice within the community.
About the Department
The Department of Consumer Affairs is dedicated to promoting fair trade practices, protecting consumers’ rights, and fostering a competitive business environment. Its mission is to empower consumers with knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions while holding businesses accountable for their practices. Working in this department means being part of a collective effort to enhance consumer welfare and drive economic growth in South Africa.
The department focuses on various aspects of consumer protection, including compliance monitoring, complaint resolution, and stakeholder engagement. By joining this team, you will be contributing to vital initiatives that help create a safer and more just marketplace for all citizens.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and review consumer protection strategies, policies, and procedures
- Monitor compliance with national and provincial consumer protection legislation
- Provide legal advice on consumer protection matters
- Manage and resolve consumer complaints, advising on appropriate actions
- Report on consumer complaint trends and risks to inform corrective interventions
- Collaborate with other departments and regulatory bodies for effective consumer protection
- Engage with stakeholders to promote consumer rights and protection initiatives
- Oversee the implementation of new consumer protection legislation
- Perform strategic planning and manage administrative functions within the directorate
What You’ll Need
- A University Degree in Law (NQF 7)
- Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in line with South African legal requirements
- A Nyukela Certificate for entry into Senior Management Service
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in a middle/senior managerial role within a legal environment
- Strong background in civil litigation, consumer protection, and stakeholder relations
- Valid Code 08 driver’s license
How to Apply
Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to the link quoted in the specific advertisement below.
Requirements
University Degree in Law (NQF 7) Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in terms of the laws governing the legal profession in the Republic.Nyukela Certificate for entry into SMS (Senior Management Service) from the National School of Government submitted prior to appointment.
5 years of experience at a middle/senior managerial level in legal environment, preferably in areas or matters relevant to civil litigation, consumer protection/regulatory enforcement, complaints & investigations, compliance inspections, and stakeholder relations at middle management level.
Code 08.
Job Duties
Develop or review the departmental consumer protection strategies, policies, procedures and implementation frameworks aligned with provincial and national legislative requirements.Monitor compliance with applicable National and Provincial Consumer Protection legislation.
Give advice on legislative related matters, including the development or review of consumer protection legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Monitor compliance of businesses and trade with applicable National and Provincial Consumer Protection legislation.
Oversee the implementation of new or amended consumer protection legislation and related transitional and operational arrangements within the Directorate.
Manage complaints lodged and advise on appropriate action to be taken should a complaint fall outside the mandate of the office Report on the status of consumer complaints per business sector and/or industry including perceived consumer impacts and risks that may be harmful to the consumer and how these can be mitigated within the Province.
Monitor and oversee the assessment, allocation, investigation, compliance monitoring and resolution of complaints against applicable turnaround times and performance standards.
Analyse complaint and compliance monitoring outcomes to identify trends, including emerging trends and systemic consumer protection risks to inform corrective interventions.
Oversee the referral of complaints to relevant regulatory bodies, tribunals, or enforcement authorities, where appropriate.
Oversee the appropriate resolution, conciliation, settlement, referral and escalation of consumer matters.
Manage the referral of unresolved consumer complaints to the Consumer Affairs Court.
Assume statutory, delegated and other functions as may be assigned to the Consumer Protector.
Oversee the issuing of prescribed pleadings, notices or other applications or document s .
to persons responsible for unfair business practices / prohibited conduct or business conduct prejudicial to consumers.
Ensure representation of the Consumer in unresolved consumer complaints before the Consumer Court.
Facilitate, where appropriate, the enforcement of Consumer Court orders.
Review and facilitate the handling of reviews, appeals or other statutory remedies on administrative decisions taken.
Engage with cluster Departments in the Province to leverage on Consumer Protection initiatives being implemented by various Departments with the intention to create an investor- friendly province through cohesive and structured consumer participation efforts.
Represent consumers who may have been aggrieved by unfair business practices in the Consumer Affairs Court .
Collaborate with the Communication Unit on Consumer Protection initiatives Engage with Provincial Consumer Protection and other Regulatory Authorities on Consumer 214 Protection related issues.
Facilitate appropriate referrals, coordination and joint interventions where consumer protection matters fall within or overlap with the mandates of other competent authorities.
Perform strategic and operational planning.
Manage stakeholder relationships.
Oversee the administrative support functions.
Perform people management functions.
Perform financial management functions.
Perform asset management functions.
