Senior Legal Officer: GEO (AD07). at University of the Witwatersrand

Purpose:

• To serve as the Senior Legal Officer in support of the work of the GEO.  This includes receiving and investigating complaints lodged with the GEO, compiling investigative reports, liaising with complainants and accused individuals and coordinating the Office’s disciplinary inquiries in line with the University’s policy on gender related misconduct.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Receiving and investigating complaints of sexual/gender violence, including assault, bullying, harassment, discrimination and other gendered harms.
• Conducting investigations and producing investigation reports into complaints received at the GEO.
• Coordinating and managing disciplinary inquiries arising within the office.
• Engaging, interpreting and being tuned into processes and policies, and supporting the provision of effective solutions.
• Providing a supportive, understanding and professional service to staff and students in the service of the office.
• Building good relationships with other units/offices within the University, especially where their work intersects with that of the office. 
• Providing support for the preventative/advocacy work of the office, and extending and supporting platforms for engaging staff and students.

Brief Description        
Requirements

• A law degree or equivalent diploma
• At least 3-5 years working experience
• An in-depth understanding of gendered power relations, broader gender dynamics and institutional patriarchy
• Exceptional investigative skills
• Exceptional and advanced analytical and reporting skills
• Excellent and empathetic communication skills
• Ability to multi-task, think outside of the box, and be proactive
• Must have good people skills and be a team player who is willing to learn together with others
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly productive, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Willingness to work overtime when required