Manager: Ethics and Legal Services at Office of the Valuer-General

DUTIES:                                

• Legal Advisory and Compliance. Provide expert legal advice to OVG leadership and staff on various legal matters. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Property Valuation Act, 2014 (Act No. 17 of 2014). Monitor changes in legislation and regulations that may impact the OVG's operations and advise on necessary actions. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement legal compliance initiatives. 
• Contract Vetting. Review and provide legal input on contracts and agreements. Ensure that contracts align with legal requirements and OVG policies. Collaborate with relevant departments to negotiate and finalise contracts. 
• Litigation Management. Manage and oversee litigation matters involving the OVG. Engage with external legal counsel when necessary and manage legal proceedings. Develop strategies to minimise legal risks and costs associated with litigation. Maintain records of all litigation matters and outcomes. Manage liaisons with OVG’s legal representatives. Manage consultations with legal representatives. 
• Property Valuation Act, 2014 (Act No. 17 of 2014) Compliance. Ensure strict adherence to the Property Valuation Act, 2014 (Act No. 17 of 2014) in all OVG activities. Collaborate with the Valuations Business Unit and relevant stakeholders to implement Standard Operating Procedures aligned with the Act's requirements. Provide training and guidance to staff on compliance matters related to the Property Valuation Act. 
• Information Regulatory Compliance. Ensure compliance with information regulatory requirements, including data privacy and protection. Develop and implement information security and privacy policies. Manage data breaches, if they occur, in accordance with regulatory requirements. Stay informed about changes in data privacy regulations and update policies and practices accordingly. 
• Legal Documentation and Reporting. Draft, review, and maintain legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and legal opinions. Prepare and submit regular legal reports to OVG leadership. Ensure that legal documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Maintain records of legal activities and correspondence. 
• Risk Management. Identify and assess legal risks associated with OVG operations and initiatives. Develop risk mitigation strategies and action plans. Monitor and report on the status of identified legal risks. Collaborate with other departments to integrate risk management into their processes.
•  Legal Expertise. In-depth knowledge of South African legal frameworks and regulations. Strong understanding of the Property Valuation Act, 2014 (Act No. 17 of 2014). Excellent legal research and analysis skills. Proficiency in drafting legal documents and agreements. 
• People Management. Manage employees as appropriate within the Legal Services Business Unit to optimize business performance and the underwriting service to customers. Plans, organizes, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned professional and technical support staff. Ensure staff have the required skills and experience to execute their tasks. Conduct Performance Planning Sessions. Compile the Performance Management documentation in collaboration with the staff member in terms of: Job Profile requirements;
• Strategic Performance Objectives; Key Performance Areas; Personal Development Plan. Track and monitor performance in accordance with policies and procedures and performance planning documentation. Continuously provide feedback and coaching to ensure that the staff member/s performs at optimum productivity level. Conduct performance reviews in accordance with policies and procedures and take corrective actions where necessary. Appraise performance at the end of each performance period in accordance with policies and procedures. Provide feedback to the relevant role players. 
• Stakeholders Engagement and Management. Manage relationships across the business, and with external service providers. Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to promote the OVG brand through collaboration and partnerships with business heads, trade, and broader industry/sector players. Communicate and engage employees on strategic directions and decisions taken for by the business. Interface with business units to understand strategic and functional business Legal needs, and monitor and measure the services provided by the Legal Services Business Unit to ensure delivery improvement recommendations are built into the delivery model and services. Establish credible networks with influential OVG service partners, and institutions, industry leaders, and professional bodies. Influence stakeholders through effective and persuasive communication. Respond to and address Legal related issues, concerns, and suggestions as the SME within the OVG environment. Lead and participate in regular Legal Services team meetings and MANCO meetings. Operate within delegated authorisations. Participate and represent the Legal Services Business Unit in respective committees, and governance structures. Adhere at all times to the values of the OVG. Actively participate in management meetings, committees, and relevant governance structures (i.e., REMCO, Innovation Committee). 
• Participate as an active member of the OVG. To operate within delegated authorizations. Prepare monthly reports and make presentations as required. Participate in management meetings, committees, and relevant governance structures. Support the implementation of all management decisions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Formal Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent. Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa. Postgraduate qualification in a relevant legal field (e.g., LLM) is advantageous. 
• Job-Related Work Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in the public sector. Proven experience in providing legal advisory services, contract vetting, and litigation management. Proven experience in managing and leading a team of legal professionals. Experience in negotiating contracts, resolving disputes, and representing organisations in legal matters.