About the Role
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a Senior Legal Administration Officer (MR6) specializing in litigation to join their team in Pretoria. This pivotal role is essential in ensuring that the department effectively manages litigation matters that affect the conservation and protection of South Africa’s rich natural resources. By providing high-quality legal support and advice, you will directly contribute to the department’s mission of fostering an environment that adheres to legal standards and compliance, ultimately benefiting the community and the environment at large.
In this role, you will be immersed in a dynamic environment, working to determine liability for damages to state property and managing various legal cases. Your expertise will not only assist in the recovery of losses but will also ensure the department operates within the legal framework established by environmental legislation and administrative justice. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact in public service and to uphold the values and standards of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
About the Department
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment plays a crucial role in the stewardship of South Africa’s natural resources. Its mandate encompasses the protection and sustainable management of forests, fisheries, and the environment. By working here, you contribute to the mission of promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring that South Africa’s biodiversity is preserved for future generations. Your efforts will empower various stakeholders and enhance service delivery across the nation.
What You’ll Do
- Manage litigation matters related to state property losses and damages.
- Provide legal support and advice on environmental legislation and administrative justice.
- Assist in determining liability for damages caused by officials or third parties.
- Facilitate the recovery of obligations with the help of the State Attorney.
- Conduct training and information sharing sessions on litigation processes.
- Draft ministerial submissions and compile court records.
- Collaborate with legal counsel in preparing for appeals.
What You’ll Need
- An LLB degree or a relevant qualification recognized by SAQA.
- A minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience in legal services.
- Strong knowledge of Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, and Environmental Law.
- Familiarity with the rules of various courts, including High Courts and Magistrate’s Courts.
- Proven experience in judicial review applications is essential.
- Excellent organizational, planning, and communication skills.
- A valid Code B driver’s license and willingness to travel.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
LLB degree or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA.A minimum of 8 years post qualification experience in the provision of legal services.
Knowledge of Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, PAJA, the rules of the various courts, including but not limited to the rules of the various High Courts and Magistrate’s Courts.
Knowledge and experience in judicial review applications.
Knowledge of environmental laws will be an added advantage.
Skills: Sound Organising and Planning; computer literacy; creativity; basic project management; good communication; presentation and reporting; good analytical and research skills, good drafting skills, an ability to work in a team, a pro-active, problem-solving and positive attitude and an ability to adhere to deadlines are essential, leadership and facilitation.
Strong diplomatic skills.
The successful candidate should be able to work long hours 25 and to travel to the various courts and do site inspections when required.
A Valid Code B drivers’ license and willingness to travel.
Job Duties
Manage Litigation Matters.Determine liability on Losses and Damages to State Property.
Provide high-quality litigation and related legal support services, including alternative dispute resolution assistance, which enables the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (Department) to protect and conserve the environment.
Create an enabling environment for compliance with the prescripts of the Department.
Assist the Department to improve co-operative and corporate governance, improved service delivery and promotion of empowerment.
Provide litigation management services and general legal advice and ensure compliance by the Department with the legislative framework relating to its core business and adherence to the Rules of Court.
Attend to matters related to the determination of liability of officials who have caused losses/damages to State property and/or vehicles, where officials or third parties are found liable for any obligations towards the Department.
Manage and facilitate the recovery of such obligations with the assistance of the State Attorney.
Assist the Department to ensure compliance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act No.
3 of 2000) (PAJA) for the Department.
Periodically conduct training and information sharing sessions regarding litigation and losses and damages to State Property.
Provide legal support and legal advice on the interpretation of environmental legislation and the Promotion of Access to Information Act or the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act in appeal related matters.
Provide litigation support, including compilation of court records, and attend to consultations with legal counsel on appeal decisions taken on review.
Draft ministerial submissions.
