Senior Legal Administration Officer (MR6): Litigation Support at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Requirements & Qualifications

• LLB degree or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of eight (8) years post qualification experience in the provision of legal services.

Duties

• Manage Litigation Matters. Determine liability on Losses and Damages to State Property. Provide high-quality litigation and related legal support services, including alternative dispute resolution assistance, which enables the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (Department) to protect and conserve the environment. Create an enabling environment for compliance with the prescripts of the Department.
• Assist the Department to improve co-operative and corporate governance, improved service delivery and promotion of empowerment. Provide litigation management services and general legal advice and ensure compliance by the Department with the legislative framework relating to its core business and adherence to the Rules of Court.
• Attend to matters related to the determination of liability of officials who have caused losses/damages to State property and/or vehicles, where officials or third parties are found liable for any obligations towards the Department. Manage and facilitate the recovery of such obligations with the assistance of the State Attorney. Assist the Department to ensure compliance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act No.3 of 2000) (PAJA) for the Department.
• Periodically conduct training and information sharing sessions regarding litigation and losses and damages to State Property. Provide legal support and legal advice on the interpretation of environmental legislation and the Promotion of Access to Information Act or the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act in appeal related matters. Provide litigation support, including compilation of court records, and attend to consultations with legal counsel on appeal decisions taken on review. Draft ministerial submissions.

Candidate Profile

• Knowledge of Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, PAJA, the rules of the various courts, including but not limited to the rules of the various High Courts and Magistrate’s Courts. Knowledge and experience in judicial review applications. Knowledge of environmental laws will be an added advantage.
• Skills: Sound Organising and Planning; computer literacy; creativity; basic project management; good communication; presentation and reporting; good analytical and research skills, good drafting skills, an ability to work in a team, a pro-active, problem-solving and positive attitude and an ability to adhere to deadlines are essential, leadership and facilitation.
• Strong diplomatic skills. The successful candidate should be able to work long hours and to travel to the various courts and do site inspections when required.​​​​​​