If you’re a passionate legal professional with a keen interest in human rights and gender equality, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) presents an exciting Legal Officer opportunity for you to contribute to a meaningful cause. As an independent statutory body established under the South African Constitution, the CGE is dedicated to eradicating gender oppression and fighting inequality in all its forms. The CGE seeks to appoint qualified candidates for the position of Legal Officer in two provinces: Northern Cape (Kimberley) and Free State (Bloemfontein).
Legal Officer Job Overview
Position Title: Legal Officer
Salary Level: 10 (R527,298 per annum excluding benefits)
Location:
- Northern Cape: Kimberley (Ref No: CGE LEG – NC 04/2025)
- Free State: Bloemfontein (Ref No: CGE LEG – FS 04/2025)
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
Legal Officer Job Description
The Legal Officer will be responsible for managing complaints related to gender issues, handling litigation on behalf of complainants, and ensuring the effective functioning of the Equality Courts in the province. These positions offer a challenging and rewarding career opportunity to individuals with a deep understanding of South Africa’s Constitution, human rights law, and gender issues.
Key Responsibilities
As a Legal Officer at the Commission for Gender Equality, your primary duties will include:
- Investigating Complaints: You will handle and investigate complaints lodged by the public relating to gender-based issues and human rights violations.
- Referral to Equality Court: You will refer appropriate matters to the Equality Court for further adjudication.
- Litigation Management: You will represent complainants in legal proceedings, ensuring they receive fair treatment and justice.
- Monitoring Courts: You’ll monitor the operations and functioning of Equality Courts within your designated province to ensure their effectiveness.
- Mediation: Conduct mediation sessions with the aim of resolving disputes and promoting gender equality.
- Policy Input: You will draft submissions with a gender perspective, providing inputs into provincial legislation or law reform on behalf of the CGE.
- Reporting: Prepare monthly and quarterly reports to track progress and outcomes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Forge and maintain strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to advance the CGE’s mission.
- Annual Performance Plan (APP): Ensure that the goals and objectives outlined in the APP are implemented effectively.
- Issue Identification and Litigation: Collaborate with the Head of Department (HOD) Legal to identify systematic issues from complaints and develop litigation strategies.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for the Legal Officer position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Requirements:
- A B. Proc or LLB degree is required (LL.M will be advantageous).
- Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court with a minimum of three years post-admission experience.
- Key Skills and Knowledge:
- Profound knowledge of the Constitution of South Africa and its implications on gender equality and human rights.
- Experience in Human Rights law and litigation is essential.
- An in-depth understanding of the operations of Equality Courts.
- A solid understanding of gender issues and their legal implications.
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How to Apply
If you meet the above requirements and are passionate about working to promote gender equality in South Africa, we encourage you to apply by submitting the following documents:
- Motivational letter detailing your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications.
- Comprehensive CV outlining your educational background, work experience, and skills.
- Certified copies of your ID and qualifications.
- Contact details (telephone numbers and email addresses) of three professional referees.
Please send your application via email to recruitment@cge.org.za. Ensure that you reference the correct position title (either Northern Cape or Free State) in your application.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you hold a foreign qualification, you must submit a SAQA evaluation report confirming its equivalence to South African qualifications. The Commission for Gender Equality reserves the right not to fill this position.
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Contact Details
For any enquiries related to this job opportunity, please contact:
Ms Mesele Matlala
HR Manager
Tel: 011 403-7182
These Legal Officer job opportunities at the Commission for Gender Equality provide a unique chance for legal professionals who are passionate about gender equality and human rights to make a real difference. The CGE offers a supportive environment where you can grow professionally while contributing to a critical mission of building a more just and equitable society for all.
