SUMMARY:
Since its bold founding in 1916, the University of Fort Hare has embodied courage, resilience, and the pursuit of transformation. From its proud legacy as a cradle of African leadership and intellectual liberation to its continued determination to overcome contemporary challenges, Fort Hare’s spirit of renewal endures. The University has been steadily advancing its transformative journey over the years — the Decade of Renewal, marked by accountability, innovation, and academic excellence.
Located in the heart of the Eastern Cape, Fort Hare offers more than just a place to work; it offers a purpose. Here, you can help shape the future of one of South Africa’s most historic and culturally rich institutions, while enjoying the province’s natural beauty, sense of community, and space for professional growth.
Are you ready to be part of this journey and help reposition this iconic institution to the place it so richly deserves?
Applications are invited from visionary and committed professionals ready to make a lasting impact in the University’s ongoing renewal.
POSITION INFO:
JOB DESCRIPTION: To provide comprehensive legal support and guidance to the university administration in managing legal matters, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. This position oversees legal affairs, managing legal risks, and promoting legal integrity across all institutional activities. This position manages a team of legal specialists. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS Strategic leadership and governance Financial Planning & Budgeting Organizational Unit Staff Management Legal risk management, compliance and litigation oversight Institutional legal advisory and commercial support MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Honour's degree in Law (LLB) 6 years minimum experience in the higher education sector as Legal Advisor Experience in practicing law, with significant experience in higher education, corporate law, or public sector legal affairs Knowledge of South African law, including constitutional law, administrative law, labor law, and commercial law ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES: LLM Conflict resolution and de-escalation in complex institutional environments Experience in labour matters Legal research COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES: Business Acumen. Change Leadership Critical Thinking Partnering Information Analysis Resilience Conflict management and negotiation skills Emotional intelligence and stakeholder diplomacy REMUNERATION A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with the seniority of the position, experience and qualifications, will be offered. ENQUIRIES: Queries can be directed to Ms Mandlakazi Kwaza on and The University reserves the right to make an appointment or not to fill the post. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not hear from us within eight weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. APPLICATIONS: Interested candidates who meet the criteria are invited to visit the website for a more comprehensive advert. Applications must be made online before the closing date, and the following documents must be attached: A completed University of Fort Hare application form, Detailed Curriculum Vitae, A Cover letter stating how you satisfy the requirements of the advertised position, Names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees, Copies of all your academic qualifications and proof of registration with professional bodies, If applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and\/or a portfolio of your creative output. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date will not be considered. CLOSING DATE: 4 October 2026 University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
