Legal Manager

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) and is governed by a Board. The organisation is an authoritative
voice for weather and climate related services in South Africa and is a member of the World
Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to fulfil a range of international obligations of the government.
South African Weather Service (SAWS) strives to be a Weather and Climate Centre of Excellence
providing innovative solutions to ensure a weather-smart region, sustainable development, and
economic growth.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is therefore seeking to appoint an efficient and enthusiastic
person to undertake the role of:
Legal Manager
Salary total package: Negotiable
Centre: Head Office, Centurion
(Ref. WS03/012024)

Job Summary:
Advising on legal matters relevant to SAWS, including but not limited to the drafting, negotiating and
reviewing of contracts and Service Level Agreements, drafting of legal opinions, briefing Attorneys,
Consultation with Attorneys and representing the entity at the Commission for Conciliation and
Arbitration (CCMA) and any other Tribunal, as and when required to do so. Attending Court and
assisting the organisation with Criminal matters.

Key Performance Areas:
Contract Management and Review of Legal Documents and Policies

• Is responsible for the drafting of all contracts, Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Professional negotiation or vetting of contracts and SLAs and requirements to safeguard the
  rights and interests of SAWS.
• Assess and discuss the risk impacts of specific terms
• Negotiate the merits of specific clauses and changes to the agreements/contracts with
  customers, suppliers, and sub-contractors
• Review and sign-off on all company policies to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
• Maintain an updated record of all SAWS contract drafted, negotiated, reviewed, interpreted
  and vetted by the Legal Unit.
• Safeguarding of the SAWS contracts and other legal records

Litigation

• Pro-active management of legal action/litigation in a timely manner in the best interests of
  SAWS with due regard to costs and the reputation of the organisations
• In complex matters or where representation in court is required, brief the external legal
  advisors, and ensure that the scope and Terms of Reference are clearly articulated.
• Attend Court and any other Tribunal when required to do so.

Dispute

• Manage the dispute resolutions in accordance with the SAWS policies and the legislative
  framework.
• Attend to Court and where necessary, represent the employer at various dispute resolution
  mechanisms, e.g., the CCMA and participate in the Bargaining Forum when required with the
  aim of managing the SAWS Interests.

Stakeholder Management

• Provide adequate advice, quality opinions, proper support to internal stakeholders in a timely
  manner to minimize any actual or potential risk for SAWS.
• Keep abreast of changes in legislation to guide and educate internal stakeholders on the
  implications of the changes in legislations for SAWS.
• Serve on relevant bodies and structures when required.

People Management

• Lead and manage the day-to-day activities of the Legal team and maintain a motivated team
  that delivers on the SAWS mandate within the allocated resources.
• Ensure that the Legal team is trained and up to date with the relevant piece’s legislations.
• Ensure skills transfer and the development of the team members and that they have the
  personal development plans where applicable.

Required Minimum Education/Training:

• An LLB
• Admitted Attorney or Advocate
• CCMA Commissioners Course will be an advantage.

Required Minimum Work Experience:

• At least 8 years of post-admission experience.
• Experience in Case Management and Litigation
• Experience in conducting legal research and documents and present findings to a diverse
  audience.
• A good professional record and reputation of providing good legal advice at the highest
  organisational levels, including legal support/advise to the Board and Board Committees
• Good planning and organisation skills and a proven ability to delicately solve sensitive matters.

Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required

• Drafting of legal documents
• Sound knowledge of risk management
• Litigation, arbitration, and mediation processes
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Organisational skills
• Ability to prioritize matters and accommodate relevant turnaround times

Please Note:
Register as user on our website using this link: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies to apply
for the above position and upload your (Comprehensive CV with certified copies of qualifications)

Enquiries for the above-mentioned positions must be directed to: Ms Zoleka Makongolo, at Tel. (012)
367 6094.
Closing Date: 06 February 2024

Preference will be given to People living with disabilities in line with SAWS EE targets. This is an EE
position and preference will be given to females, Africans, Indians and Coloureds (AIC).
Correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only. Candidates who have not been
contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your
application was unsuccessful. The South African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer.

Record Reference HCM-ADVERT- WS03/012024

All the best with your applications