Manager: Maritime Legislation at South African Maritime Safety Authority

• To manage and support the strategic drafting of maritime legislation and regulations aimed at driving the maritime legislative agenda and to support establishment and maintenance of a well governed South African maritime transport system aligned with national and international standards.

Job Description
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Strategic Maritime Legislative Support and Implementation

• Plan, coordinate, and manage maritime legislation promulgation processes ensuring adherence to legal and procedural requirements.
• Support the provision of technical support to the Department of Transport (DoT) with regards to the drafting of maritime legislation.
• Provide support to the Office of the CEO and COO in the drafting and amending of regulations.
• Provide legal advice and opinions as requested by Line Management with particular reference to maritime matters.
• Support and facilitate bilateral agreements with international maritime counterparts, ensuring alignment with South Africa’s legislative priorities.
• Research, monitor, and promote the adoption and implementation of international maritime conventions and protocols, ensuring domestic legislation compliance with international maritime obligations.
• Conduct ongoing environmental scanning of maritime legislative developments and trends, preparing detailed reports and recommendations for management consideration.

Internal Business Process Management

• Manage resources allocated for maritime legislative activities efficiently, including financial budgets, data management, and documentation.
• Develop, implement, and monitor compliance frameworks such as annual business plans, progress reports, and management information requests.
• Provide accurate and timely financial projections and budget inputs to support resource allocation and fiscal discipline.
• Identify potential departmental risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies to safeguard operational continuity.
• Undertake special or ad-hoc projects as mandated by Line Management, contributing to continuous improvement in legislative processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Represent SAMSA at national and international maritime legislative and regulatory forums, advocating for South Africa’s maritime interests.
• Maintain robust relationships with internal stakeholders within SAMSA to facilitate cohesive legislative development and implementation.
• Collaborate proactively with maritime industry partners, research institutions, and government entities to identify emerging opportunities, fostering the alignment of legislation with economic and technological advancements.
• Contribute to multi-stakeholder initiatives and special projects, including comprehensive legislative reviews in partnership with the Department of Transport’s Maritime Branch.

Job Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS

• LLB degree or equivalent qualification

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

• Admitted as an Attorney of South Africa

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Seven (7) years related legal experience post-admission as an Attorney.
• Extensive law, legislative drafting, or regulatory affairs experience is preferred. 
• Experience in maritime law, legislative drafting, or regulatory affairs would be an added advantage.
• Solid understanding of policy and legislative development, including drafting, interpretation, and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to draft comprehensive legal opinions, memoranda, and advisory notes.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), contracts, and other legal agreements.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• In-depth knowledge of maritime legislation, regulatory frameworks, and international maritime conventions.
• Strong legal drafting, research, and analytical skills specific to maritime law.
• Ability to manage complex legislative processes and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail and problem-solving aptitude.
• Proficiency in resource management, budgeting, and compliance monitoring.