Johannesburg Local Office – Head of Office at Legal Aid South Africa

KEY OUTPUTS

• Provide strong leadership to office staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve organisational objectives and enhance service delivery.
• Manage and mentor office staff, providing guidance and support to promote professional growth and development.
• Oversee the provision of high-quality legal services to clients, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery processes to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Foster a client-centric approach, prioritising the needs and interests of clients in all aspects of office operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, government agencies, community organisations and funders.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, conferences and public events, advocating for the interests of the office and its clients.
• Collaborate with external partners to leverage resources and support initiatives that benefit the community served by the office.
• Oversee the management of the office budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support service delivery objectives.
• Monitor financial performance and compliance with budgetary guidelines, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts for Senior Management and stakeholders, providing transparent and accurate information on the financial status of the office.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and organisational policies governing office operations.
• Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats to the organisation’s reputation, financial stability and legal standing.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify compliance gaps and areas of vulnerability, taking proactive measures to address issues and prevent future problems.

COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES) REQUIRED

• An LLB degree or any equivalent and related legal qualifications at NQF Level 8.
• Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of SA, in good standing.
• At least ten (10) years of post-admission experience as a legal practitioner in practice, of which five (5) years must be Court/Legal Management experience.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of court processes, such as Magistrate’s Court, High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Courts and the Constitutional Court.
• Demonstrated ability to train Candidate Attorneys.
• Excellent leadership and people development skills with a track record in training Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed legal practitioners.
• Experience in budget preparation and management thereof.
• Advanced computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook) are an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme management and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of legal principles, ethics and standards of practice relevant to the organisation’s mission.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and represent the organisation professionally.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, allocate resources and make sound financial decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions and drive results.
• Commitment to social justice, equality and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

The following additional skills, knowledge, training and competencies are required:

• Strong communication skills and an ability to manage a diverse workforce.
• Ability to plan, organise, co-ordinate and present.
• Good facilitation skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies.
• Innovative, creative and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and motivational skills.
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.