About the Role
The Department of Basic Education in Pretoria is seeking a dedicated and experienced individual for the vital role of Director: Law Reform. This position is fundamental to shaping the legislative framework that governs education in South Africa. As the Director, you will provide essential support in drafting, vetting, and commenting on Bills and policies that impact the educational landscape. The role is based in the heart of Pretoria, where your contributions will help foster a system of education that meets the needs of all South Africans.
In this capacity, you will work closely with various stakeholders including the Cabinet and the Parliamentary process, ensuring that legislation is aligned with the needs of the public and the objectives of the Department. Your expertise will help guide the Department through complex legalities, making a tangible difference in the lives of learners and educators across the country. This role is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of public service and to drive meaningful change within our education system.
About the Department
The Department of Basic Education is tasked with the development and implementation of policies that enhance the quality of education throughout the country. Its mission is to provide accessible and quality education for all, ensuring that every learner receives the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful future. Working here means being part of a team that is dedicated to improving educational outcomes and fostering a culture of lifelong learning across South Africa.
What You’ll Do
- Provide legislative support through drafting and vetting policies, Bills, and regulations.
- Review and assess Socio-Economic Impact Assessments (SEIAS) and Comments and Responses Reports (CRRs).
- Manage the legislative process, including taking Bills through the Cabinet and Parliamentary processes.
- Offer legal advice and research on legislation administered by the Department.
- Coordinate law reform initiatives and policies through the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Process.
- Oversee the management of the Directorate, including staff performance and financial management.
- Represent the Department in various forums, committees, and stakeholder meetings.
What You’ll Need
- An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Law or a relevant qualification recognized by SAQA.
- A minimum of five years’ experience at a middle or senior managerial level in law reform.
- Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG).
- In-depth knowledge of public service policies, legislation, and procedures.
- Advanced skills in policy formulation, legislative drafting, negotiation, and statutory interpretation.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage relationships and engage stakeholders effectively.
- A valid driver’s license is required for this position.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
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Requirements
An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Law or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA.A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at middle or senior managerial level in Law reform.
Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme, as endorsed by the National School of 26 Government (NSG), must be submitted prior to appointment.
Experience in the legislation and policy development process.
Knowledge: public service and departmental policies, legislation and procedures; environmental, administrative and mining legislation; research methodologies and presentation skills; legal administration; strategic coordination/planning; business planning; report/professional writing; business process management; organisation performance management; risk management; audit procedures; project management; planning and performance management legislation.
Skills and Competencies: Advanced skills in policy formulation; advanced skills in legislative drafting; advanced negotiation skills; advanced statutory interpretation skills, adequate skills in computer use; advanced skills in financial and project management; advanced skills in respect of formal presentation and public speaking; good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills; relationship management; stakeholder engagement; public relations; research; strategic capability and leadership; programme and project management; change management; knowledge management; service delivery innovation (SDI); problem solving and analysis; people management and empowerment; client orientation and customer focus; ability to work under pressure and long hours; ability to work individually and in a team; good interpersonal relations, ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict; sense of responsibility and loyalty; objectiveness; integrity; service orientated; self-supervision; highly developed sense of honesty and protect the confidentiality of documents.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Job Duties
Provide legislative support (drafting, vetting and commenting on Bills, policies and subordinate legislation) to the Department.This includes drafting and legally vetting Policies, Bills, Regulations, Notices, Strategies, Plans, Norms, Standards and related workflows.
Review Socio-Economic Impact Assessments (SEIAS) Reports.
Review Comments and Responses Reports (CRRs).
Taking Bills and some sub-ordinate legislation through the Cabinet process, Parliamentary process and engagements with the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor, and Parliamentary Legal Advisors.
Provide legal support (legal opinions/advice/research on legislation administered by the department, submissions, briefing documents, responses to the public, media statements Parliamentary questions, support to interpretation queries and subordinate legislation).
Legally vet applications for exemptions, authorisations, licenses and permits.
Manage Delegations Register for the Department.
Participate and represent the Department in forums, committees, meetings, and related stakeholder platforms.
Coordinate law reform and policies through the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Process.
Management of the Directorate including the performance of the staff, attend management meetings and financial management.
