DIRECTOR: LEGAL SERVICES is a South African government vacancy at Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs. This job is part of Circular 25 of 2026 from the DPSA. centre: Glen | closing date: 07 August 2026. Use this page to review the requirements, duties, application instructions and official source links before applying.
Job details
Pension Fund and flexible portion, which may be structured in terms of the rules for the structuring of the flexible portion and which may include a 13th
cheque, motor car allowance, home owner's allowance and medical aid assistance.
Applications
Where to send your application.
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 4 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and readvertise the post at any time in the future. Important: FSDARDEA is an opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. No late applications will be considered. MANAGEMENT ECHELON
Salary
R1 317 384 per annum (Level 13). The remuneration package consists of the basic salary, the Government's contribution to the Government Employee
Pension Fund and flexible portion, which may be structured in terms of the rules for the structuring of the flexible portion and which may include a 13th
cheque, motor car allowance, home owner's allowance and medical aid assistance.
Requirements
- An appropriate NQF level 7 qualification in Law as recognised by SAQA.
- Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.
- 5 years of experience at a middle / senior managerial level in a legal environment.
- Valid driver’s license (code B).
- Compulsory Nyukela SMS pre-entry certificate prior to appointment.
- Knowledge, Skills and Competencies: In-depth knowledge of all legal prescripts applicable to the public service and in particular the Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996).
- Advanced knowledge of South African Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Labour Law, interpretation of statutes, Planning and Development Law, Civil Litigation, and Mediation, the Code of Conduct for the Public Service, Bill of Rights, and any other legal aspect applicable to South African Law.
- Broad knowledge of the interpretation of statutes, good knowledge and experience in drafting all legal matters and interpreting legislation.
- Generic Competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership.
- People Management and Empowerment.
- Programme and Project Management.
- Financial Management.
- Change Management.
- Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation.
- Problem Solving and Analysis.
- Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Communication (Verbal and written).
- Technical competencies: Coordination and monitoring skills;
- Policy formulation & implementation.
Duties
- Provide guidance and support to the entire department, advise the MEC, Senior Management, and staff in all legal matters to manage and mitigate legal risks that might face the department and the office of the MEC.
- Manage the provision of effective litigation management in the department.
- Manage the provision of effective legal drafting of opinions and contracts.
- Coordinate with other departments on all legal-related issues that have a direct bearing on the Department and ensure that the recovery costs of its activities.
- Manage the provision of legal advisory support services.
- Coordinate legislative review and reform program in the department.
- Carry out all administrative legal actions to ensure compliance.
- Handle litigation matters.
- Ensure legal compliance with national, international and continental instruments.
- Advice on the drafting and monitoring of the service level agreements.
- Represent the department at fora, including but not limited to litigation (civil / labour), Bargaining Councils, CCMA, Labour Court, etc.
- Participate in the development of the 5-year strategic plan, the Annual Performance Plan and Operational Plan for the Directorate.
- Monitor implementation and report monthly, quarterly and annually to enhance the overall performance of the Directorate Manage resources which include, inter alia: Budget, Training, mentoring and development, performance management, work allocation.
Enquiries
Mr TM Mabilo at 082 787 9659 OTHER POSTS
Notes
To apply, submit a newly implemented Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF document to a maximum of 10 megabytes) via e-mail or hand delivery. The Department will not be held responsible for server delays. Late applications due to technical issues will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of required documents (Identity Document, qualifications, etc) where necessary and service certificates to support senior management experience to Human Resources before the interviews, including South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign qualifications. Failure to comply will result in disqualification. To be appointed at Senior Management Service (SMS) level, you must complete the SMS Pre-entry programme offered by the National School of Government (NSG). Find course details here: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/ appointment is subject to successful competition of the Nyukela Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to SMS and submission of proof. 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, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity. All shortlisted candidates for other posts, shall undertake a pre-entry assessment which will be in the form of a practical / technical exercise. Candidates will also be assessed on Integrity (Ethical Conduct). Selection panels shall score the technical exercise as an additional criterion in the interview process. NB: Please note that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will be reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS), and a criminal case shall be opened.
Z83 form: Government job applications usually require the Z83 application form. Download the Z83 application form before applying.
Original Text
SALARY : R1 317 384 per annum (Level 13). The remuneration package consists of the basic salary, the Government's contribution to the Government Employee
Pension Fund and flexible portion, which may be structured in terms of the rules for the structuring of the flexible portion and which may include a 13th
cheque, motor car allowance, home owner's allowance and medical aid assistance.
CENTRE : Glen
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate NQF level 7 qualification in Law as recognised by SAQA. Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate. 5 years of experience at a middle /
senior managerial level in a legal environment. Valid driver’s license (code B).
Compulsory Nyukela SMS pre-entry certificate prior to appointment.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies: In-depth knowledge of all legal prescripts applicable to the public service and in particular the Constitution of
South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Advanced knowledge of South African
Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Labour Law, interpretation of statutes, Planning and Development Law, Civil Litigation, and
Mediation, the Code of Conduct for the Public Service, Bill of Rights, and any other legal aspect applicable to South African Law. Broad knowledge of the
interpretation of statutes, good knowledge and experience in drafting all legal matters and interpreting legislation. Generic Competencies: Strategic
Capability and Leadership. People Management and Empowerment.
Programme and Project Management. Financial Management. Change
Management. Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation. Problem
Solving and Analysis. Client Orientation and Customer Focus, Communication
(Verbal and written). Technical competencies: Coordination and monitoring skills; Policy formulation & implementation.
DUTIES : Provide guidance and support to the entire department, advise the MEC, Senior Management, and staff in all legal matters to manage and mitigate legal
risks that might face the department and the office of the MEC. Manage the provision of effective litigation management in the department. Manage the
provision of effective legal drafting of opinions and contracts. Coordinate with other departments on all legal-related issues that have a direct bearing on the
Department and ensure that the recovery costs of its activities. Manage the provision of legal advisory support services. Coordinate legislative review and
reform program in the department. Carry out all administrative legal actions to ensure compliance. Handle litigation matters. Ensure legal compliance with
national, international and continental instruments. Advice on the drafting and monitoring of the service level agreements. Represent the department at fora,
including but not limited to litigation (civil / labour), Bargaining Councils, CCMA,
Labour Court, etc. Participate in the development of the 5-year strategic plan, the Annual Performance Plan and Operational Plan for the Directorate. Monitor
implementation and report monthly, quarterly and annually to enhance the overall performance of the Directorate Manage resources which include, inter
alia: Budget, Training, mentoring and development, performance management, work allocation.
ENQUIRIES : Mr TM Mabilo at 082 787 9659
OTHER POSTS
Official source
This vacancy was imported from DPSA Circular 25 of 2026 for reference.
Disclaimer: This vacancy was imported from the official DPSA circular PDF. Please confirm the reference number, closing date, and application instructions in the original circular before applying. View the official DPSA vacancy circulars.