Chief Director: Legal And Legislative Services
Department of Higher Education and Training
- Location
- Pretoria, Gauteng
- Salary (as advertised)
- R1 554 696 per year
- Minimum qualification
- Bachelor's degree
- Closing date
First listed . Last checked at source .
In brief
Overview This is a Chief Director: Legal And Legislative Services position (Reference No: DHET02/10/2026) within the Planning, Policy and Strategy Branch of the Department of Higher Education and Training. The role is based in Pretoria and offers an all-inclusive remuneration package of R1 554 696 per annum (Level 14). This senior managerial role is responsible for the overall management and provision of legal and legislative services across various functions of the department, including support for educational institutions, skills development, and corporate services. What you will do * Manage the provision of legal and legislative services. * Provide legal and legislative services for Education Institutions. * 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 institutions. * 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 * South Africa post-school education and training landscape particularly its legislative framework, policies and regulations * Legislation applicable in the public service * Government corporate management framework * Financial management * Problem solving and analysis * People management and empowerment * Risk management * Strategic planning * 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 * Excellent verbal and written communication * Be proactive, committed with integrity. * A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel. * All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise. * All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise (to determine suitability based on technical and generic requirements) and one integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. * All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. * Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. * One of the minimum entry requirements for the SMS position is the Pre-entry Certificate, and no appointment will occur without successfully completing and submitting it. * The candidate(s) will be required to sign an annual performance agreement. * The candidate(s) will be required to disclose his/her financial interests. * The candidate(s) will be subjected to security clearance. * Suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks (criminal record check, citizenship verification, qualification/study verification, and previous employment verification). Who should apply An individual with an LLB degree and a minimum of five years of relevant senior managerial legal experience within a law environment. The ideal candidate must have successfully completed the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programmed and possess strong knowledge of public service regulations, the PSET landscape, and legislative frameworks. Expertise in litigation, contract drafting, and statutory interpretation is essential, alongside proven strategic management, leadership capabilities, and excellent communication skills. Proactiveness, commitment, integrity, a valid driver's license, and willingness to travel are also required. Deadline 23 October 2026 Reference Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/department-of-higher-education-and-training-vacancies-circular-36-of-2026#spani-ref-dhet02-10-2026 Source: govpage
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