Assistant Director: Legal Advisor (Legal Advisory & Litigation Services) at The Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA)

Qualification/s Requirements

A relevant three-year National Diploma/LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree or equivalent qualification (at least 360 credits), with minimum of 3–5 years' experience in Legal environment of which 2 years supervisory/junior management experience. Computer literacy that includes working knowledge of Ms Office products. Knowledge of the Constitution, Civil procedure, administrative law and contract law. Understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Relations. 

Key Performance Areas

The incumbent will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks which include but are not limited to the following: 

• Provide Legal Administration Services. Assist in providing legal advice, guidance and opinions to the top management and GPAA at large matters relating to legislative drafting and other legal matters. Peruse documents and escalate to seniors where relevant. Peruse and comment on a variety of legal documents to ensure that they are legally compliant. Effectively administer legal matters to the department. Monitor and enforce compliance with key legislations (e.g., PFMA, PAJA, PAIA, POPIA). Assist in reviewing and formulating internal policies. 
• Litigation Management. Oversee GPAA's litigation portfolio. Draft and review legal pleadings, instruct and liaise with the State Attorney or external counsel, and prepare witnesses for hearings. Diarise, scheduled hearings and ensure court process is attended. Collect information and documentation as required to proceed with matters referred to Legal in relation to interpretation of GEP Law, 1996. Explain the process to applicants of submitting divorce, life partner and other relevant claims in terms of GEP Law, 1996. Research inquiries, corrects errors, resolve discrepancies and notify applicants of action decisions taken. Research laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings, and to respond to inquiries from case managers and supervisors. Prepare, assemble and check materials for each hearing session /dispute resolution. Prepare a report on decisions and recommendations. Examine case records and official files and ensure that all documents and exhibits are fully documented in the record. Conduct legal research to fully address all legal arguments. Manage that all panel members complete the claim forms for their fees. Prepare instructions for administration in respect of court decision. Attend a bill of costs and to appeal emanating of high court.
•  Render Administrative Support. Attend to court process served on the GPAA and any other claims submitted in terms of GEP Law, 1996. Prepare written review and evaluate data on documents such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, and/or employer records. Maintain hearing documents, calendars, hearing dates and confirms hearing. Adherence to court decisions with written instructions to subordinates to comply with court decision. Manage that files are kept and updated on statistics records of court cases. Prepare memoranda and drafts of decisions within timely manner to meet requirements. Assist the supervisor with training in legislation and legislative drafting, as well as other legal topics.
•  Review of litigated claims or claims with disputes (Stakeholder Relations). Confer with individuals or organisations involved in cases to obtain relevant information. Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them. Compile submissions and instruction for recommendation. Liaise with internal business units, external legal practitioners, government officials, and other regulatory bodies to resolve disputes.
•  Supervision of staff. Allocate work according to skills and competencies. Manage staff performance. Develop, train and coach staff. Maintain Discipline. Provide monthly statistics. Ensure that subordinates are informed about changes in work environment or management decisions