Director: Contract Management and Legal Opinions

Overview

Direct legal advisory services and contract management for Government Pensions Administration Agency at senior management level.

Requirements

• A relevant Degree/BTech degree in Legal (LLB) or equivalent qualification (NQF 7 with 480 credits).
• Minimum of five (5) years in middle/senior management experience.
• Experience in Financial Services, especially Employee Benefits, Pension Fund and Retirement Benefits Administration, will be a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of Benefits Administration.
• Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (Channel management).
• Knowledge of Relevant legislative requirements and GPAA policies and procedures.
• Industry knowledge.
• Knowledge of financial management including budgeting and forecasting.
• Knowledge of Pension fund Regulations and rules.
• Knowledge of compliance management.
• Knowledge of relevant systems.
• Strategic capability.
• Service delivery innovation.
• Client orientation and customer focus.
• Financial management.
• People management and empowerment.
• Programme and project management.
• Change management.
• Knowledge management.
• Problem solving and analysis. Respect.
• Service excellence. Integrity. Transparency. Courtesy.
• Emotional intelligence.
• Team player.

Duties

• Manage the implementation of the Legal Advisory Services strategy.
• Monitor the implementation of the operational plan for the Directorate to support the achievement of GPAA’s strategic objectives.
• Manage, monitor and review the Directorate policies, procedures and processes, in accordance with best practice and legislation.
• Manage the implementation of an effective short, medium and long-term operating strategy for the Directorate.
• Conduct benchmarks on new developments in practices to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.
• Manage the provision of best practice regarding Directorate functions to all stakeholders.
• Manage the implementation of a management effectiveness and leadership strategy.
• Engage in strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders to serve the interest of the organisation.
• Monitor compliance with relevant legislation throughout all Directorate functions.
• Analyse service delivery gaps, challenges and implement remedial action strategies.
• Manage quality of service provided to internal and external customers/clients/stakeholders.
• Manage the mitigation of identified risks.
• Ensure information flows to and alignment with all stakeholders to ensure effective engagement.
• Conduct trend analyses and forecasting.
• Administer the Legal Advisory Services process.
• Provide legal advice, guidance and opinions to relevant stakeholders in respect of matters of interpretation and/or implementation that may arise.
• Provide well-researched, sound and practical legal advice and opinions to all internal stakeholders on matters relating to the functions of the various components within the Department, on all legal and contract administration and operational issues.
• Comment on draft policies and procedures from other departments from a legal perspective, as requested.
• Provide assistance to the Human Capital department on labour relations issues as requested.
• Administer the Litigation Services process.
• Monitor the correct administration of all the legal and litigation affairs of the department, including legal costs in litigation matters.
• Manage and monitor all litigation matters brought within the responsibility of the Legal Services department.
• Select and appoint appropriate legal counsel to act on behalf of the GPAA when required.
• Liaise between appointed legal counsel and the organisation, providing all relevant information and clarifying status.
• Provide assistance with legal matters by reviewing and commenting on all draft pleadings to ensure that they are in line with the GPAA’s interests.
• Provide feedback to Legal Manager on progress in litigation matters, highlighting any areas of potential risk to the GPAA.
• Provide legal opinions on legal queries in compliance with relevant legislation and within realistic time frames.
• Manage all the resources in the Directorate.
• Ensure the development and management of staff within the Directorate.
• Implement and maintain a relevant management approach to support effective business results within the Directorate.
• Develop and sustain a culture of high performance, professionalism and integrity to support overall quality of service delivery.
• Ensure control of budgeting and expenditure process in-line with strategic objectives and relevant legislation.
• Ensure the effective utilization of all other resources (including IS, Assets, Infrastructure, etc) within the Directorate.

How to apply

To apply visit: https://erecruitment.gpaa.gov.za/

Enquiries: Shandukani Tshiuda Tel No: (012) 312 1102 Enquiries.erecruitment@gpaa.gov.za OTHER POSTS

Notes

Effective from 19 June 2026, the GPAA now utilises an e-Recruitment System which means all applicants must login/register to apply for positions, we only accept e-Recruitment online applications. The applicant’s profile on the e Recruitment is equivalent to the newly approved Z83, and it is the responsibility of applicants to ensure their profiles are fully completed or their applications will not be considered, as per the DPSA Practice Note. Certain documentation will still be required to be uploaded on the system such as copies of all qualifications including National Senior Certificate/Matric certificate, ID, etc., however these documents need not be certified at point of application, however certification will be required prior to attending the interview. The candidate must agree to the following: Shortlisted candidates must avail themselves for a virtual or in-person panel interview at a date and time determined by the GPAA. Please note: All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. It should be noted that the GPAA does not support the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in any of its recruitment and selection processes and will disqualify an application if it picks up the use of AI when completing assessments without acknowledging the source of information. Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government, available as an online course on https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/, prior to finalisation of appointment, is a requirement for all SMS positions. 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. Applicants must note that pre-employment checks and references will be conducted once they are short-listed and the appointment is also subject to a positive outcome on these checks, which include but not limited to: security clearance, security vetting, qualification/study verification, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, previous employment verification and criminal record. Applicants will be required to meet vetting requirements as prescribed by Minimum Information Security Standards in line with the new DPSA Directive effective 01 April 2024. By submitting your application, it also means you consent to the GPAA processing your information for Human Resources Management purposes. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all their foreign qualifications (this includes O and A level certificates) evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), at your own expense. Upon appointment, successful candidates will be required to sign a Performance Agreement within 3 months from date of appointment and for candidates whose appointment exceeds 12 calendar months will be appointed on probation for the period of twelve (12) calendar months excluding leave taken as prescribed by Public Service Regulation 68. The status of your application will be visible on the e-Recruitment system. However, if you have not received feedback from the GPAA within 6 months of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. The candidate must take note: It is the GPAA’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer / promotion / appointment will promote representativeness in line with the numerical targets as contained in GPAA’s Employment Equity Plan. Note: The GPAA reserves the right not to fill the below-mentioned posts, withdraw or to put on-hold a position and/or to re-advertise a post. MANAGEMENT ECHELON