About the Role
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is seeking a dedicated Legal Administration Officer (MR-5) to join their team in Polokwane. In this vital role, you will provide essential legal advisory services to the Limpopo Office of the Chief Magistrate, assisting in ensuring compliance with the law and supporting the broader objectives of public service in South Africa. Your work will directly impact the community, helping to uphold justice and provide legal guidance that enhances the functioning of the legal system.
This position is crucial for maintaining the integrity of legal processes within the department. As a Legal Administration Officer, you will be at the forefront of legal matters, ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected and upheld. Your expertise will contribute to a more informed and effective public service, making a real difference in the lives of those you serve.
About the Department
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is committed to promoting the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all South Africans. With a mandate to develop and implement policies that uphold constitutional rights, the department plays a pivotal role in the country’s legal landscape. Working here means being part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to fostering fairness and equality within the justice system.
As an employee of this department, you will engage with a diverse range of legal issues and collaborate with passionate professionals who share a commitment to public service. Your contributions will support the department’s goal of providing a transparent, accessible, and efficient justice system that serves all citizens.
What You’ll Do
- Provide legal advisory services and support to LOCMA and its functionaries.
- Conduct research, analyze case law, and mentor junior staff on legal matters.
- Draft, vet, and review contracts on behalf of LOCMA, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
- Support criminal prosecutions related to the National Water Act and negotiate agreements.
- Monitor litigation matters, maintaining accurate records and liaising with the Office of the State Attorney.
- Document legal consultations and maintain compliance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).
- Guide lower-level employees on advanced interview techniques and service delivery targets.
What You’ll Need
- An LLB degree or equivalent qualification.
- At least eight years of post-qualification legal experience.
- In-depth knowledge of government legal processes, legislation, and contracts.
- Proficiency in the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).
- Strong legal research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to negotiate and draft contracts and legal documents.
- Strong planning, decision-making, and leadership capabilities.
How to Apply
All applications must be hand delivered at: 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria. To submit an application online, click the link under the post you wish to apply for.
Requirements
An LLB degree or equivalent qualification.At least eight (8) years' appropriate post-qualification legal experience.
Knowledge of policy development and implementation.
Knowledge of government legal processes, legislation and contracts.
Knowledge of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA), the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (PAJA), the Constitution and all relevant legislation, including the Treasury Regulations.
Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Ability to negotiate and draft contracts and international instruments.
Ability to interpret specific environmental legislation and issues affecting the environment, as well as general environmental law.
Legal research and interpretation.
Analytical and report-writing skills.
Programme and project management.
Computer literacy.
Good planning and decision-making skills.
Language proficiency.
Confidentiality.
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
Strategic capability and leadership skills.
Accountability and ethical conduct.
Job Duties
The incumbent will be responsible for providing legal advisory services to LOCMA and its functionaries.Conduct, analyse, interpret, advise and mentor juniors on research that will provide information and case law relevant to the legal matter at hand, including providing legal support to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, collecting and analysing data and information for planning, decision-making and management reporting, analysing current policies and strategic objectives, developing standard operating procedures, and compiling research memoranda.
Draft legal documents and advise and mentor juniors on legal drafting, including drafting legal documents, memoranda, reports and submissions, drafting, vetting and reviewing contracts on behalf of LOCMA, drafting legal opinions and documents to support criminal prosecutions for contraventions of the National Water Act, negotiating and drafting multilateral and bilateral agreements, ensuring compliance with the Constitution and domestic and international legal obligations, rendering legal support in all litigation matters, and obtaining outstanding information and initiating the recovery process, including issuing letters of demand.
Present on and advise and mentor juniors on proposals on how specific cases should be approached, including receiving, recording and assessing new matters, advising clients on possible courses of action during consultation, and drafting legal opinions on behalf of LOCMA.
Conduct interviews to determine clients' goals and objectives, including handling litigation matters and appeals, including National Water Tribunal appeals, on behalf of LOCMA, monitoring court cases from inception to final stage, liaising with the Office of the State Attorney on litigation matters, and keeping the litigation register updated.
Document interviews and all legal advice given during legal consultation in writing, including monitoring the implementation of PAIA and PAJA, ensuring compliance and handling PAIA and PAJA matters on behalf of LOCMA, and submitting recommendations, queries and comments to clients.
Provide advice and guidance to lower-level production employees on advanced interview techniques to address sensitive or complicated issues, and guide employees on the advice to be rendered to clients, including monitoring performance and service delivery targets, measuring and improving work methods, procedures and systems, and researching new methodologies and best practices.
