Human Science Research Council (Hsrc) Vacancies
Human Science Research Council (Hsrc)
- Contract
- Permanent
- Minimum qualification
- Bachelor's degree
- Closing date
First listed . Last checked at source .
In brief
Overview This permanent position is for a Director: Legal and Compliance Services within the Human Science Research Council (HSRC), based in their Pretoria office with potential travel to other HSRC offices. The HSRC is a public-purpose organisation, established by the Human Sciences Research Council Act No.17 of 2008, that delivers 'social science that makes a difference' in South Africa and the region. The Legal and Compliance Services Unit, where this role is situated, provides legal and compliance services to all units of the HSRC, managing legal matters effectively and efficiently. The successful incumbent will be responsible for monitoring legal compliance across the organisation and leading the provision of legal advice and strategic inputs to the CEO, Executives, Management, and other staff as required. What you will do * Provide strategic direction and lead the development of legal services management to ensure it is managed with a long-term perspective linked to the HSRC’s strategy. * Organise and establish day-to-day management of the HSRC’s legal staff and processes in line with agreed objectives, policies and procedures, and strategic plans. * Lead and develop a diverse legal and compliance team, promoting accountability, collaboration, and conduct aligned with the HSRC’s values. * Review and approve legal documentation as prepared by the HSRC’s lawyers, where applicable. * Provide guidance on the proper application and interpretation of laws and regulations as applicable to the HSRC’s business and ensure adequacy of controls to mitigate legal and other risks or concerns. * Establish and maintain effective legal processes to ensure the timely delivery of all required business documentation and foster the development of appropriate forms of standardised documentation. * Coordinate the engagement of external legal counsel to ensure value for money. * Lead the provision of legal advice to management and staff in all areas of the HSRC’s activities and in offering solutions to legal problems, constraints, risks, options, consequences, and approaches. * Provide strategic labour law and industrial relations advice to the CEO, Executive Management, and People & Culture, supporting fair, consistent, and legally sound employment practices. * Represent the HSRC’s Legal and Compliance Services Unit internally and externally in negotiation, disputes, consultations, and other proceedings that require legal representation. * Carry out such other tasks as may be assigned by Executive Management. Requirements (from the original advert) * **Minimum Education Level:** NQF8 - Hons Degree or equivalent. * A postgraduate degree in law and proof as an admitted attorney. * A minimum certification as Compliance Officer with the Compliance Institute of South Africa. * At least ten years’ experience in legal practice and/ or legal advisory services coupled with compliance advisor services. * Demonstrated experience in leading and managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams, including performance management, staff development, conflict resolution, and building a collaborative working environment. * Substantial practical experience in labour law and industrial relations, including advising on disciplinary and grievance processes, employment disputes, collective bargaining, and engagement with recognised trade unions. * Experience in managing labour disputes and coordinating matters before the CCMA, bargaining councils, and Labour Court. * Experience in professional legal practice and advisory services of not less than 10 years. * Strong knowledge of corporate and labour law, industrial relations, litigation, public-sector governance and regulatory compliance, including PFMA, POPIA, BBBEE, and intellectual property protection. * Demonstrated ability to lead and develop diverse, multidisciplinary teams, manage performance, and resolve conflict in a changing organisational environment. * Ability to provide sound, practical legal and compliance advice to the CEO, Executive Management, and Board, exercising independent judgement, integrity, and discretion. * Excellent negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, including engagement with trade unions and collaboration with People & Culture and other professionals. * Advanced legal drafting, contract review, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex matters clearly and work accurately under tight deadlines. * Ability to manage litigation and labour disputes, oversee external legal counsel, and coordinate case reviews to ensure effective service delivery and value for money. * Ability to develop and implement compliance controls, monitor regulatory risks, and fulfil statutory reporting requirements. * Commitment to accountability, confidentiality, inclusive leadership, and conduct aligned with the HSRC’s values. * **Advantages:** * A Compliance Practitioner certification. * A specialist qualification in labour law. Who should apply The HSRC is seeking a dynamic individual who demonstrates a commitment to accountability, confidentiality, inclusive leadership, and conduct aligned with the HSRC’s values. The ideal candidate should be capable of exercising independent judgement, integrity, and discretion, and possess excellent negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills. Deadline 2026/10/30 Reference Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/human-science-research-council-hsrc-vacancies-4 Source: govpage
Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.
Job description
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