Assistant Director: Legal Advisor (LEGAL Advisory &

Overview

Assistant Director providing legal advice and administration services to government pensions agency.

Requirements

• A relevant three-year National Diploma/LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree or equivalent qualification (at least 360 credits), with minimum of 3–5 years' experience in Legal environment of which 2 years supervisory/junior management experience.
• Computer literacy that includes working knowledge of Ms Office products.
• Knowledge of the Constitution, Civil procedure, administrative law and contract law.
• Understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Relations.
• Knowledge of the Pension Fund Industry.
• Knowledge of GEPF Fund Rules.
• Knowledge of Public Service Act.
• Knowledge of South African Pensions Fund Legislation.
• Knowledge of Batho Pele Principles.
• Knowledge of the Uniform Rules of Court.
• Knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
• Litigation and Drafting skills.
• Analytical and Research skills.
• Verbal and Written communication skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to interpret statutes.
• Negotiation and Dispute Resolution skills.
• Ability to interact with senior stakeholders and external legal counsels effectively.
• Meet strict court/regulatory deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.
• Adherence to business ethics. Confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Professional Integrity.
• Accuracy when reviewing contracts and legal files.
• Ability to interact with senior stakeholders and external legal counsels effectively.

Duties

• The incumbent will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks which include but are not limited to the following: Provide Legal Administration Services.
• Assist in providing legal advice, guidance and opinions to the top management and GPAA at large matters relating to legislative drafting and other legal matters.
• Peruse documents and escalate to seniors where relevant.
• Peruse and comment on a variety of legal documents to ensure that they are legally compliant.
• Effectively administer legal matters to the department.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with key legislations (e.g., PFMA, PAJA, PAIA, POPIA).
• Assist in reviewing and formulating internal policies.
• Litigation Management.
• Oversee GPAA's litigation portfolio.
• Draft and review legal pleadings, instruct and liaise with the State Attorney or external counsel, and prepare witnesses for hearings.
• Diarise, scheduled hearings and ensure court process is attended.
• Collect information and documentation as required to proceed with matters referred to Legal in relation to interpretation of GEP Law, 1996.
• Explain the process to applicants of submitting divorce, life partner and other relevant claims in terms of GEP Law, 1996.
• Research inquiries, corrects errors, resolve discrepancies and notify applicants of action decisions taken.
• Research laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings, and to respond to inquiries from case managers and supervisors.
• Prepare, assemble and check materials for each hearing session /dispute resolution.
• Prepare a report on decisions and recommendations.
• Examine case records and official files and ensure that all documents and exhibits are fully documented in the record.
• Conduct legal research to fully address all legal arguments.
• Manage that all panel members complete the claim forms for their fees.
• Prepare instructions for administration in respect of court decision.
• Attend a bill of costs and to appeal emanating of high court.
• Render Administrative Support.
• Attend to court process served on the GPAA and any other claims submitted in terms of GEP Law, 1996.
• Prepare written review and evaluate data on documents such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, and/or employer records.
• Maintain hearing documents, calendars, hearing dates and confirms hearing.
• Adherence to court decisions with written instructions to subordinates to comply with court decision.
• Manage that files are kept and updated on statistics records of court cases.
• Prepare memoranda and drafts of decisions within timely manner to meet requirements.
• Assist the supervisor with training in legislation and legislative drafting, as well as other legal topics.
• Review of litigated claims or claims with disputes (Stakeholder Relations).
• Confer with individuals or organisations involved in cases to obtain relevant information.
• Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them.
• Compile submissions and instruction for recommendation.
• Liaise with internal business units, external legal practitioners, government officials, and other regulatory bodies to resolve disputes.
• Supervision of staff.
• Allocate work according to skills and competencies.
• Manage staff performance.
• Develop, train and coach staff.
• Maintain Discipline.
• Provide monthly statistics.
• Ensure that subordinates are informed about changes in work environment or management decisions.

How to apply

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

Enquiries: Mapule Mahlangu Tel No: (012) 399 2639 Enquiries.erecruitment@gpaa.gov.za

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