Director: Legal Services at Free State Department: Agriculture and Rural Development

REQUIREMENTS :

• An appropriate NQF level 7 qualification in Law as recognised by SAQA. Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate. 5 years of experience at a middle / senior managerial level in a legal environment. Valid driver’s license (code B). Compulsory Nyukela SMS pre-entry certificate prior to appointment.
• Knowledge, Skills and Competencies: In-depth knowledge of all legal prescripts applicable to the public service and in particular the Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Advanced knowledge of South African Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Labour Law, interpretation of statutes, Planning and Development Law, Civil Litigation, and Mediation, the Code of Conduct for the Public Service, Bill of Rights, and any other legal aspect applicable to South African Law. Broad knowledge of the interpretation of statutes, good knowledge and experience in drafting all legal matters and interpreting legislation.
• Generic Competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership. People Management and Empowerment. Programme and Project Management. Financial Management. Change Management. Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation. Problem Solving and Analysis. Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Communication (Verbal and written). Technical competencies: Coordination and monitoring skills; Policy formulation & implementation.

DUTIES :

• Provide guidance and support to the entire department, advise the MEC, Senior Management, and staff in all legal matters to manage and mitigate legal risks that might face the department and the office of the MEC. Manage the provision of effective litigation management in the department. Manage the provision of effective legal drafting of opinions and contracts. Coordinate with other departments on all legal-related issues that have a direct bearing on the Department and ensure that the recovery costs of its activities. Manage the provision of legal advisory support services.
• Coordinate legislative review and reform program in the department. Carry out all administrative legal actions to ensure compliance. Handle litigation matters. Ensure legal compliance with national, international and continental instruments. Advice on the drafting and monitoring of the service level agreements. Represent the department at fora, including but not limited to litigation (civil / labour), Bargaining Councils, CCMA, Labour Court, etc. Participate in the development of the 5-year strategic plan, the Annual Performance Plan and Operational Plan for the Directorate. Monitor implementation and report monthly, quarterly and annually to enhance the overall performance of the Directorate Manage resources which include, inter alia: Budget, Training, mentoring and development, performance management, work allocation.