Legal Manager - Centurion at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job Summary: 
Advising on legal matters relevant to SAWS, including but not limited to the drafting, negotiating and reviewing of contracts and Service Level Agreements, drafting of legal opinions, briefing Attorneys, Consultation with Attorneys and representing the entity at the Commission for Conciliation and Arbitration (CCMA) and any other Tribunal, as and when required to do so. Attending Court and assisting the organisation with Criminal matters. 

Key Performance Areas: 
Contract Management and Review of Legal Documents and Policies 

• Is responsible for the drafting of all contracts, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) 
• Professional negotiation or vetting of contracts and SLAs and requirements to safeguard the rights and interests of SAWS. 
  • Assess and discuss the risk impacts of specific terms 
  • Negotiate the merits of specific clauses and changes to the agreements/contracts with customers, suppliers, and sub-contractors 
• Review and sign-off on all company policies to ensure compliance with applicable legislation. 
• Maintain an updated record of all SAWS contract drafted, negotiated, reviewed, interpreted and vetted by the Legal Unit. 
• Safeguarding of the SAWS contracts and other legal records 

Litigation

• Pro-active management of legal action/litigation in a timely manner in the best interests of SAWS with due regard to costs and the reputation of the organisations 
• In complex matters or where representation in court is required, brief the external legal advisors, and ensure that the scope and Terms of Reference are clearly articulated. 
• Attend Court and any other Tribunal when required to do so. 

Dispute

• Manage the dispute resolutions in accordance with the SAWS policies and the legislative framework. 
• Attend to Court and where necessary, represent the employer at various dispute resolution mechanisms, e.g., the CCMA and participate in the Bargaining Forum when required with the aim of managing the SAWS Interests. 

Stakeholder Management 

• Provide adequate advice, quality opinions, proper support to internal stakeholders in a timely manner to minimize any actual or potential risk for SAWS. 
• Keep abreast of changes in legislation to guide and educate internal stakeholders on the implications of the changes in legislations for SAWS. 
• Serve on relevant bodies and structures when required. 

People Management 

• Lead and manage the day-to-day activities of the Legal team and maintain a motivated team that delivers on the SAWS mandate within the allocated resources. 
• Ensure that the Legal team is trained and up to date with the relevant piece’s legislations. 
• Ensure skills transfer and the development of the team members and that they have the personal development plans where applicable. 

Required Minimum Education/Training: 

• An LLB 
• Admitted Attorney or Advocate 
• CCMA Commissioners Course will be an advantage. 

Required Minimum Work Experience: 

• At least 8 years of post-admission experience. 
• Experience in Case Management and Litigation 
• Experience in conducting legal research and documents and present findings to a diverse audience. 
• A good professional record and reputation of providing good legal advice at the highest organisational levels, including legal support/advise to the Board and Board Committees 
• Good planning and organisation skills and a proven ability to delicately solve sensitive matters. 

Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required 

• Drafting of legal documents 
• Sound knowledge of risk management 
• Litigation, arbitration, and mediation processes 
• Maintaining confidentiality 
• Organisational skills 
• Ability to prioritize matters and accommodate relevant turnaround times. 

Record Reference: HCM-ADVERT- WS03/012024