Legal Advisor at South African Local Government Association

ROLE OVERVIEW

• Reporting to the Senior Advisor: Legal & Compliance this role would be responsible for providing legal advice, interpretation, and guidance to clusters, executives and any other stakeholders in relation to legal and compliance matters. The incumbent will also coordinate and facilitate engagements with external lawyers or legal service providers engaged to provide a range of legal services, as well as implement processes, procedures, systems and tools to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of relevant and best-fit solutions of the Legal & Compliance unit.

THE CANDIDATE PROFILE

• A general understanding of South African law is a prerequisite
• Knowledge of the SALGA business
• Contract management principles
• A fair understanding of the compliance discipline
• Business Acumen & Organisational Awareness
• Stakeholder Management
• Logistical and organising skills
• Contract Management
• Excellent writing and research skills
• Ability to collaborate and work in team settings as well as independently
• Ability to conduct research, review rules and legislation and synthesize relevant information
• Proficiency in (legal) technology and software and electronic document management
• Investigative mind
• Effective communication skills
• Strong legislative knowledge and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to tackle complex problems
• Culture fit: SALGA desires an individual who will share and buy-in, in our core values, mission and vision, demonstrating a commitment to our ethos beyond just doing the job.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Applicants must be in possession of an LLB Degree or equivalent qualification

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court
• Certificate in compliance (added advantage)
• 5 years’ experience in legal services, of which at least two (2) years should have been specifically in the local government sector
• Previous experience in a multidisciplinary unit is essential
• Proven track-record in, drafting and vetting contracts; drafting legal opinions; and provision of legal advisory services in a multidisciplinary environment
• Proven track-record in attendance to compliance matters

KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS

• Legal & Compliance Services: Provide legal support to SALGA (the various clusters within SALGA) and oversee, co-ordinate and facilitate the sourcing of expert legal opinions and the outsourcing of legal support services when the need arises. Draft legal opinions for approval. Communicate with various stakeholders in respect of drafting legal documentation. Liaise with affected stakeholders in respect of applications in terms of Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) and legal implications of such disclosure.  Give timely feedback to stakeholders/clients on various legal matters. Interpret Legislation and legal prescripts. Revision and formulation of policies (internal). Attendance to contractual matters (drafting and vetting) and preparation of relatable approval memorandums. Facilitate legal library access for various stakeholders and organise appropriate training. Receive, acknowledge,nperuse and interpret new instructions. Contact various stakeholders (e.g. to clarify an instruction received, request documents, fact checking, arranging of consultations with various stakeholders etc.). Conduct legal research. Receive, analyse, summarise and file pleadings received by SALGA. Keep track of changes in the legal framework and provide timely updates on the changes. Attend to any adhoc activities that may be required.
• Compliance Services: Innovation on how to improve compliance possesses and procedures. Revision of the compliance matrix. Facilitation of the disclosure of interest system. Attendance to the quarterly compliance certificates. Attendance to the Compliance Risk management Plan (CRMP). Attend to any adhoc activities that may be required.
• Research & Advise: Be a repository of knowledge and information on legal & compliance matters relating to SALGA. Explore and scrutinise laws and legal resources to find facts and precedents that support legal opinions. Read through legal documents to ensure correctness. Use Law Library and other platform to undertake legal research.
• Planning: Provide input to the development and monitoring of implementation of procedures, systems and mechanisms to ensure the effective delivery of services within area of responsibility.
• Risk management: Support the identification and mitigation of organisational and operational risks identified in the area of responsibility/professional discipline.
• Stakeholder Relations: Within the scope of area of accountability, build and maintain relevant stakeholder relationships/partnerships in the area of responsibility/professional discipline.
• Reporting: Co-ordinate and compile applicable reports/memorandums (e.g. approval memorandums) for both the Legal and Compliance discipline.

Deadline:8th December,2025