Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services Ref No: Dhet02/10/2026

In brief

**Job Title**: Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services Ref No: Dhet02/10/2026 **Company**: Department of Higher Education and Training --- **Overview** This role is for a Chief Director of Legal and Legislative Services within the Department of Higher Education and Training. It involves overseeing the provision of legal and legislative support across various educational institutions and skills development initiatives, as well as managing the Chief Directorate's operations and resources. The position requires senior managerial experience in a legal environment, focusing on strategic direction, policy development, and risk management within the public service framework. **What you will do** * Manage the provision of legal and legislative services. * Provide legal and legislative services for Education Institution. * Provide legal and legislative services to skills development. * Provide legal support to corporative services and planning and policy development. * Render legal support for university institutions, technical vocational education and training institution. * Provide strategic direction for the functioning of the Chief Directorate. * Promulgate internal management directives and procedures for the Chief Directorate. * Present and obtain approval for the strategic business plan of the Chief Directorate. * Define goals and objectives for the Chief Directorate. * Manage the performance target for the Chief Directorate. * Control the allocated budget of the Chief Directorate according to departmental prescripts. * Compile performance agreement for sub-ordinates and ensure the development and mentoring of allocated members. * Manage the budgetary programme and ensure sound record management of the Chief Directorate. * Give legal advice and draft legal opinions on the application and effects of national legislation. * Provide strategic direction to the Unit and quality assurance on all legal issues and legal documentation in support of the Minister, Director-General, and the Department. * Provide day-to-day management of the Legal Services Unit and provide overall legal support. * Manage and administer information and documents for the Department as a Deputy Information Officer. * Conduct Strategic Planning, Budgeting and MTEF processes of the Chief Directorate to ensure high performance and cost effectiveness of legal services. * Manage Legal risks. * Manage all resources of the Directorate. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * An appropriate Undergraduate Qualification LLB degree NQF Level 7 as recognised by SAQA. * A minimum of five (5) years' relevant experience at the Senior Managerial level in Law environment. * Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programmed as endorsed by NSG. * Strong knowledge and understanding of Public Service Regulation, Public Service Act, TVET College operation and Governance, White Paper on PSET and South Africa post-school education and training landscape particularly its legislative framework, policies and regulations as well as legislation applicable in the public service. * Expertise in the government corporate management framework, financial management, problem solving and analysis, people management and empowerment, risk management, strategic planning and supply chain management prescripts. * Proven strategic management and leadership capabilities. * Strong communicator with the ability to interact with the TVET College management. * Expertise in litigation, contract drafting, and interpretation of statutes. * Skills required: strategic capability and leadership; people management and empowerment; programme and project management; change management; client orientation and excellent verbal and written communication. * Be proactive, committed with integrity. * A valid driver's license and willingness to travel. **Who should apply** The ideal candidate for this role will hold an LLB degree (NQF Level 7) and possess a minimum of five years' relevant senior managerial experience in a legal environment. They must have successfully completed the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme and demonstrate strong knowledge of Public Service Regulations, the Public Service Act, TVET College operations and governance, and the legislative framework of South Africa's post-school education and training landscape. Essential expertise includes government corporate management, financial management, problem solving, people management, risk management, strategic planning, supply chain management, litigation, contract drafting, and statute interpretation. The candidate should exhibit proven strategic management and leadership capabilities, strong communication skills (both verbal and written), and the ability to interact with TVET College management. They are expected to be proactive, committed, possess integrity, and hold a valid driver's license with a willingness to travel. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/chief-director-legal-and-legislative-services-ref-no-dhet02-10-2026-department-of-higher-education-and-training Source: myjobmag

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At a glance

• At least 5 years of experience.

• Project management

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