Legal Administration Officer (MR5) Jobs

Requirements:

• A Matric certificate plus a Bachelor of Law (LLB) or a 4-year legal qualification recognized by SAQA. At least 8 years of relevant post-qualification legal experience.
• A postgraduate degree in Law and admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court is an added advantage.

Competencies and Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office packages and knowledge of legislation on litigation, drafting contracts, legislative drafting, civil litigation, criminal procedures, practices, and court rules.
• Skills in communication (verbal and written), trial advocacy, analytical thinking, policy analysis, conflict resolution, research, and negotiation.

Duties:

• Provide legal advice and support for litigation to the department.
• Investigate and prepare documents for the State Attorney.
• Handle litigation for the department through the State Attorney, manage cases, track dates, ensure court appearances by officials, and prevent prescription of cases.
• Research and advise on legal issues and proceedings related to the department.
• Research cases to determine liability and provide informed opinions.
• Offer legal opinions and support to Human Resources, Legal, and Labour Relations staff on administrative matters, policies, and relevant laws.
• Facilitate legislative processes and advise on new legislation and policies.
• Advise the MEC on appeals against administrative decisions under relevant legislation.
• Recommend settlements to avoid unnecessary legal costs. Manage consultants and prepare court documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with court rules and deadlines.
• Appear in court, lead evidence, and present legal arguments.
• Represent the department in legal proceedings.
• Deliver persuasive legal arguments to judges or magistrates, applying the law to case facts.
• Ensure compliance with PAIA, PAJA, and POPIA. Conduct data inventories and risk assessments to identify personal information processing, storage, and sharing. Develop and implement data protection policies, including privacy notices, retention schedules, and secure destruction processes.
• Ensure lawful processing by following the eight conditions, often requiring explicit consent from data subjects unless another legal basis applies.
• Compile and publish a PAIA Manual (combined with POPIA manual) detailing the organization’s structure, functions, records, and access request procedures.
• Assess requests for access, granting or refusing based on PAIA grounds (e.g., protecting third-party information, commercial confidentiality, national security).
• Manage information requests using prescribed forms and respond within 30 days.
• Give instructions to the State Attorney during court proceedings.
• Compile evidence from staff and management.
• Assist the State Attorney in preparing briefs for advocates when needed. Verify invoices for State Attorney payments.
• Advise on new legislation and policies through reports on handled cases. Analyze success prospects and recommend actions.
• Liaise with legal experts in relevant fields.
• Appoint and register an Information Officer with the Information Regulator.
• Set up internal appeal procedures for dissatisfied requesters.
• Ensure administrative actions are lawful and within granted powers.
• Provide fair procedures in decision-making, especially when affecting rights or expectations.
• Adhere to the Code of Good Administrative Practice.
• Integrate PAJA requirements into all administrative decisions for public bodies.

Closing Date: 13-02-2026

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements’ official channels.