Senior Officer: Legal Advisor at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

Vetting of legal contracts and agreements/MOUs

• Scrutinise contracts and agreements.
• Research relevant legislation and case law pertaining to the agreement or contract.
• Redraft contracts or agreements to incorporate proposed amendments or changes.
• Consult with and advise clients on terms and provisions contained in the contract or agreement.
• Ensure soundness of contract or agreement for compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and policies and issue confirmation to this effect.
• Provide legal opinions and conduct investigations
• Scrutinise instructions to prepare legal opinion.
• Assist in reviewing the legal material and any other relevant documents by providing a legal opinion.
• Research relevant laws and latest case-law.
• Prepare and draft legal opinion.
• Conduct investigations as directed.

Render legal advice and support

• Advise and assist with interpretation of contracts or agreements and various directives.
• Advise and assist with interpretation of the institution’s statute, rules, policies and/or guidelines.
• Advise on compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts.
• Keep abreast of the law, jurisprudence and legislative developments to advise and assist the institution on compliance matters.
• Conduct research and render legal advice and support on all legal functions.
• Provide oral or written legal advice upon request to senior management.
• Research and evaluate different legal risk factors and to identify legal priority areas.
• Offer proactive advice on possible legal issues detrimental to the institution.
• Advise on the implementation of various legal statutes like POPIA, PAJA and PAIA.

Render support in litigation and arbitration matter

• Advise and assess litigation cases and to engage with external legal practitioners.
• Assist external attorneys and/or advocates briefed by the institution with litigation or arbitration matters involving the institution.
• Assist with identifying and arranging relevant witnesses.
• Assist with obtaining relevant supporting documentation necessary to conduct litigation or arbitration.
• Provide feedback on litigation or arbitration matters and submit progress reports.
• Advise on contract negotiations and contract management.

Draft, interpret and review policies, rules, procedures and guidelines

• Draft and/ or assist with policy formulation, rules, procedures and /or guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with the Institution’s Statute and applicable rules.
• Interpret and advise on relevant provisions of the policy, rule, procedure or guideline to ensure compliance with legal prescripts and law.
• Review and where necessary propose amendments to policy, rule, procedure and/or guideline.

Conduct student disciplinary matters

• Advise on student and/ or staff disciplinary matters.
• Enforce, monitor and evaluate student disciplinary processes including mediation processes.
• Consult with complainant and relevant witnesses in preparation of disciplinary matter.
• Draft charge sheet.
• Conduct student and/or staff disciplinary matters and applies rules and policies of the Institution.
• Keep abreast of the law, jurisprudence and legislative development to assist the Institution with successful institution of disciplinary matters.
• Advise and assist with appeals or CCMA matters.

Administration duties 

• Administer all case and project documents.
• Provide regular reports and feedback.
• Ensure accurate monthly time recording/recovery process of service providers.
• Contribute towards the drawing up of projects annual budget.
• Monitor expenditure of own projects and identify early warning reports.
• Ensure efficient administration of casework.
• Execute tasks relating to the effective and efficient handling of any student disciplinary matters.
• Direct the effective process of adjudication until conclusion of the matter in all instances of student discipline, involving the serious infringements of the University of the Free State’s Rules.
• Oversee and guide the Case Officer and the Administrative Officer in all entrusted matters of student discipline to ensure the adherence to all the applicable rules and policies.
• Act as Prosecutor/Evidence Leader.
• Facilitate mediations.
• Compile reports.
• Draft rules, procedures and related processes.
• Compile and/or coordinate monthly reports on the work of the unit.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• An LLB on NQF Level 8.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience as a practicing attorney/advocate.
• Admission as an Attorney or an Advocate (attach proof).
• Post-admission experience of three (3) years. 
• Legal background in litigation, disciplinary hearings, investigations and/or in alternative resolutions. 

Recommendations:

• Experience within the higher education environment, especially in Student Disciplinary matters. 
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
• Member of or registration at a professional body/Council (e.g., LPC)(attach proof).
• Relevant certificates, experience in mediation, and forensic investigations would be advantageous (attach proof).
• Preference will be given to candidates with three (3) years of experience as an initiator in disciplinary hearings.