Legal Administration Officer MR-3 (12-month contract)

📝 About the role

A 12-month contract legal post managing the Gauteng Department of Environment’s litigation through the State Attorney. It suits a law graduate with some litigation experience.

✅ Key duties

• Administer the Department's litigation through the Office of the State Attorney, including the issuing of instructions, ongoing monitoring of matters, and engagement with State Attorneys and briefed Counsel
• Ensure that all statutory and court-imposed time frames are met in respect of every matter on the litigation portfolio, including compliance with the applicable Rules of Court
• Draft, vet and settle the various forms of court applications and processes, including review applications, urgent applications, interdicts, opposing and answering affidavits, heads of argument instructions, and appeals
• Compile, maintain and submit contingent liability reports for the Department, including reporting to executive management, the Audit and Risk Committee, and relevant oversight and treasury structures
• Maintain an up-to-date case management system and litigation register, ensuring accurate and current status reporting on all matters
• Conduct legal research and provide professional legal advice and opinions on litigation risk and strategy
• Provide statutory support services pertaining to, amongst others, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, the Promotion of Access to Information Act and the Protection of Personal Information Act
• Facilitate and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the State Attorney, Counsel, and other government departments and entities

🎓 Requirements

• Grade 12 plus Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) (NQF Level 8) or related qualification as otherwise determined by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
• At least 2 years’ appropriate post qualification legal experience
• Valid driver's licence
• Competencies: Expert knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and all relevant legislation, including the Public Service Act and the Public Service Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Treasury Regulations
• Expert knowledge of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
• In-depth knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the Specific Environmental Management Acts (SEMA)
• Expert knowledge of civil litigation processes and procedure, including the various forms of court applications (urgent applications, review applications, interdicts, opposed and unopposed motions, appeals and related interlocutory processes)
• Sound knowledge of Review Applications the law of contract and the supply chain management process

🎁 Benefits

• 37% in lieu of benefits