Head: Legal Services

• To be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the Legal Services department and provide oversight to the management of the organization’s attorneys in line with the strategic objectives of the organisation as determined by the Board.

Key Performance Areas:

• Oversee and implement specific key performance indicators and measures against outcomes detailed in the departmental strategic plans as set out by the Executive.
• Provide strategic input into the plan of the current and future interventions necessary to achieve acceptable levels and standards of the organization’s strategy and operational plans to the Executive forum.
• Provide strategic direction to the Policy department on legislative compliance, emerging issues, risks, and the implementation of changes required on policy matters.
• Lead and direct the management, monitoring and reporting on legislative processes affecting the organization.
• Prepare motivations to the Board for approval, for referral to the Minister regarding new provisions or amendment of existing provisions.
• Lead and direct the preparation of drafting Acts, Amendment Acts, Regulations and Notices.
• Manage, monitor, and report on legal advice provided to the Legal Advice section, the Board, Executive Management, and business units.
• Collaborate with the Training Department on specific training requirements and the development of training material.
• Prepare motivations to the Board for approval, for referral to the Minister regarding new provisions or amendment of existing provisions.
• Lead the implementation and annual review of the overall Strategic Plan for the Legal Services department.
• Prepare motivations to the CEO for submissions to other national government departments and other bodies pertaining to new provisions or amendment provisions of other legislations.
• Provide strategic input into annual planning and budget development to support strategic operational goals.
• Develop and implement the organization’s operational Legal Services budget.
• Ensure that the periodic financial and strategic goals of the organization as well as the performance expectations of the various teams within are achieved.
• Ensure sufficient internal control measures are implemented for adherence to PFMA, and other relevant legislation and regulation.
• Lead and manage staff in the department to ensure that they achieve their objectives in line with the strategic objectives of the organization.
• Oversee the implementation of human capital processes and procedures to control/regulate workplace conflict and/or institute corrective measures and consultation processes to address deviations from standards.
• Lead the development of functional reporting systems, for management, project, or performance reporting.
• Lead and direct the development of reports/ policies/ procedures and guide the process through the alignment of these documents to the overall RAF’s Strategy.
• Ensure regular and periodic reports are prepared and submitted as and when required to provide progress updates and/or inform management decisions.

Minimum Requirements:

• 4 year Bachelor’s Degree/Postgraduate qualification in Law or Legal related qualification, plus a postgraduate qualification in Business Management or Administration will be an added advantage.
• Admission as an Advocate or Attorney.
• Corporate Counsel Association of South Africa (CCASA) Membership will be an added advantage.
• Relevant 10 - 12 years’ experience in Corporate Legal/Legal Advisory of which 5 (five) years must have been on senior management level.
• Experience in Constitutional Law and Administrative Law will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years appropriate post qualification litigation/advisory experience.
• Proven contract drafting, vetting and negotiation experience.
• Proven Legal Advice experience.

Technical Competencies:

• Knowledge of Contract and Administrative law.
• Legal research and legislative drafting.
• Analytical and report writing skills.
• Knowledge of MVA law.
• Proven Contracts Drafting and negotiation experience.
• Proven prior experience in a public law environment.
• Extensive knowledge of legislation applicable to public entities.
• Knowledgeable about the Association of Legal Advisers of South Africa.
• Through knowledge of PFMA and its Regulations.
• Through knowledge of legislation and laws that are applicable to the organisation.
• Negotiation skills.
• Business and financial acumen.
• Brand and stakeholder orientation.
• Talent management.
• Change management.
• PFMA, PAIA, PAJA and other relevant legislation.