The Department of Communications and Information System (DCIS) is a vital department within the South African government responsible for facilitating communication and information technology services for government departments and citizens alike. As part of its commitment to providing efficient and effective services, the DCIS seeks to fill the Director: Legal Services position.
This position will play a vital role in ensuring that all the legal aspects of the department’s operations are handled effectively and that the department is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
Director: Legal Services vacancy Overview:
- Job Title: Director: Legal Services
- Reference Number: 3/1/5/1-24/01
- Salary: R1 162 200 per annum, (an all-inclusive package)
- Location: Hatfield, Pretoria
- Closing Date: 06 May 2024
Minimum Requirements Director: Legal Services Vacancy
- Applicants must be in possession of an LLB or relevant Legal Degree (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA
- At least five (5) years’ verifiable experience at middle management level in the legal field, as well as experience in the legal practice.
- The candidate must be an admitted Attorney.
- Admission as an Advocate will be an added advantage.
- Legal practice in legislation drafting, contracts drafting and vetting is a prerequisite.
- Pre-entry certificate for Senior Management Services is a requirement for appointment.
Key Skills and Competencies:
- Strategic capability and leadership: Strategic capability involves understanding the big picture, identifying opportunities and threats, and aligning resources effectively. Leadership encompasses inspiring and guiding teams, making tough decisions, and fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Together, they drive organizational success by charting a clear path forward and mobilizing people to achieve common goals.
- Programme and project management: are crucial competencies for orchestrating complex initiatives effectively. They involve setting goals, planning, resource allocation, risk management, and coordination to achieve desired outcomes within constraints. These skills ensure timely delivery, cost efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction, vital in various sectors from IT to construction and beyond.
- Financial management: Financial management skills are crucial in the workplace as they ensure efficient allocation of resources, budget adherence, and strategic decision-making. Employees with these competencies can analyze financial data, forecast future trends, and make informed decisions that drive the company’s growth and stability. Whether it’s managing budgets, optimizing investments, or assessing financial risks, these skills are valuable across industries and organizational levels. They contribute to organizational success by fostering financial sustainability and agility in dynamic market environments.
- Service delivery and innovation: Service delivery ensures that customer’ needs are met efficiently and effectively, fostering satisfaction and loyalty. Innovation drives growth and adaptation to changing market demands, enabling organizations to stay competitive and relevant. Together, they form a powerful combination for success.
- Problem-solving and analysis: The ability to identify, understand, and address challenges effectively. Employees who excel in these areas can devise innovative solutions, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances, ultimately driving organizational success. Employers value these skills because they contribute to efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in today’s dynamic business environment.
- Risk management: It involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to achieve organizational objectives effectively. Strong risk management skills help in making informed decisions, improving resilience, and minimizing negative impacts on projects, operations, or investments. It’s a skill set valued in many industries, from finance and healthcare to cyber security and project management.
- Change management: refers to the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to effectively lead, implement, and navigate organizational change. These competencies often include communication, leadership, adaptability, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and project management skills. They enable individuals to facilitate smooth transitions, mitigate resistance, and achieve desired outcomes during periods of change within an organization.
- Knowledge management and people management: Integrating these competencies involves fostering a culture that values knowledge sharing, providing training and development opportunities, promoting collaboration, and aligning individual and organizational goals to ensure that knowledge is effectively leveraged for the benefit of both employees and the organization.
Knowledge:
- The candidate must have operational knowledge of, and exposure to Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Corporate Law, the legislation and other prescripts applicable in public administration and the Public Service.
- Knowledge of all legislation administered by GCIS and its Entities, Protection of Personal Information Act, Magistrates Court Act, Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, Supreme Court Act, Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, Public Service Act, Public Finance Management Act, Financial Regulations, Government Policies, Public service regulations.
- The candidate must have ability to analyse and develop policy. He/she must have excellent communications skills (both written and verbal), client orientation and customer focused, and time management skills. A valid driver’s license is essential.
Duties for Director: Legal Service:
- The successful candidate will be responsible to manage all legal services matters of the Department.
- Draft Legislation for GCIS and or for its entities, Management of the litigation processes for the department.
- Receive instructions for drafting and/or vetting of contracts, drafting and/or vetting of contracts, vetting and advising on international agreements, liaising with DIRCO and the Office of Chief State law adviser.
- Develop and update the GCIS Regulatory Universe, monitor compliance with legislative requirements, Conduct awareness sessions and information sharing sessions on areas of non-compliance.
- Provide legal advice to limit legal disputes, research relevant case law, legislation and legal literature applicable to the legal question, and review departmental policies to ensure that they are constitutional and compliant with primary legislation.
- Manage all litigations for the department. Receiving summonses and defending matters. Advocate for legislation, regulations, acts and policies.
- Manage legal strategies and ensure compliance.
- Consult with stakeholders on matters related to legal services.
- Effectively manage human and financial resources in line with the PFMA.
- Manage the drafting and amendment of the legislation administered by the department.
- Ensure effective governance and compliance within the Directorate.
- Draft contracts, memorandum of understanding, legal instructions and provide general legal advice as required by the department.
How to Apply
- Interested candidate please submit your applications at: The DG of Government Communication and Information System, Private Bag X745, Pretoria 0001, hand deliver to Tshedimosetso House, 1035 cnr Francis Baard & Festival streets, Hatfield, Pretoria, or email to recruitment@gcis.gov.za
- Applicants should Submit their completed Z83 Form and Updated CV
Related: How to Write a Job Application Email in 8 Easy Steps
In conclusion, the Department of Communications and Information Systems is in need of a qualified and experienced individual to fill the vacancy for Director of Legal Services. This position is crucial in ensuring that the department operates within the confines of the law and protects the organization from legal risks.
The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in legal matters, as well as strong leadership skills to effectively manage the legal team and guide the department in making sound legal decisions. It is imperative that the hiring process for this position is thorough and diligent to ensure that the department continues to operate efficiently and effectively.
