Director: Contract Management & Legal Opinions at The Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA)

Qualification/s Requirements

• A relevant Degree/BTech degree in Legal (LLB) or equivalent qualification (NQF 7 with 480 credits). Minimum of five (5) years in management/middle management experience. Experience in Financial Services, especially Employee Benefits, Pension Fund and Retirement Benefits Administration, will be a distinct advantage. Knowledge of Benefits Administration. 

Key Performance Areas

• Manage the implementation of the Legal Advisory Services strategy. Monitor the implementation of the operational plan for the Directorate to support the achievement of GPAA’s strategic objectives. Manage, monitor and review the Directorate policies, procedures and processes, in accordance with best practice and legislation. Manage the implementation of an effective short, medium and long-term operating strategy for the Directorate. Conduct benchmarks on new developments in practices to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation. Manage the provision of best practice regarding Directorate functions to all stakeholders. Manage the implementation of a management effectiveness and leadership strategy. Engage in strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders to serve the interest of the organisation. Monitor compliance with relevant legislation throughout all Directorate functions. Analyse service delivery gaps, challenges and implement remedial action strategies. Manage quality of service provided to internal and external customers/clients/stakeholders. Manage the mitigation of identified risks. Ensure information flows to and alignment with all stakeholders to ensure effective engagement. Conduct trend analyses and forecasting. 
• Administer the Legal Advisory Services process. Provide legal advice, guidance and opinions to relevant stakeholders in respect of matters of interpretation and/or implementation that may arise. Provide well-researched, sound and practical legal advice and opinions to all internal stakeholders on matters relating to the functions of the various components within the Department, on all legal and contract administration and operational issues. Comment on draft policies and procedures from other departments from a legal perspective, as requested. Provide assistance to the Human Capital department on labor relations issues as requested.
• Administer the Litigation Services process. Monitor the correct administration of all the legal and litigation affairs of the department, including legal costs in litigation matters. Manage and monitor all litigation matters brought within the responsibility of the Legal Services department. Select and appoint appropriate legal counsel to act on behalf of the GPAA when required. Liaise between appointed legal counsel and the organisation, providing all relevant information and clarifying status. Provide assistance with legal matters by reviewing and commenting on all draft pleadings to ensure that they are in line with the GPAA’s interests. Provide feedback to Legal Manager on progress in litigation matters, highlighting any areas of potential risk to the GPAA. Provide legal opinions on legal queries in compliance with relevant legislation and within realistic time frames. 
• Manage all the resources in the Directorate. Ensure the development and management of staff within the Directorate. Implement and maintain a relevant management approach to support effective business results within the Directorate. Develop and sustain a culture of high performance, professionalism and integrity to support overall quality of service delivery. Ensure control of budgeting and expenditure process in-line with strategic objectives and relevant legislation. Ensure the effective utilization of all other resources (including IS, Assets, Infrastructure, etc) within the Directorate