Senior Officer Legal Advisor (post level 9) (Contract appointment 1 year) Legal Services and Compliance (Job ID 6427)

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:http:// - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements as well as the following standard documentation:
A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications please include SAQA accreditation).
A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter appointment contract service certificate or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

Vetting of legal contracts and agreements/MOUs
Scrutinise contracts and agreements.
Research relevant legislation and case law pertaining to the agreement or contract.
Redraft contracts or agreements to incorporate proposed amendments or changes.
Consult with and advise clients on terms and provisions contained in the contract or agreement.
Ensure soundness of contract or agreement for compliance with applicable laws statutes and policies and issue confirmation to this effect.
Provide legal opinions and conduct investigations
Scrutinise instructions to prepare legal opinion.
Assist in reviewing the legal material and any other relevant documents by providing a legal opinion.
Research relevant laws and latest case-law.
Prepare and draft legal opinion.
Conduct investigations as directed.

Render legal advice and support
Advise and assist with interpretation of contracts or agreements and various directives.
Advise and assist with interpretation of the institutions statute rules policies and/or guidelines.
Advise on compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts.
Keep abreast of the law jurisprudence and legislative developments to advise and assist the institution on compliance matters.
Conduct research and render legal advice and support on all legal functions.
Provide oral or written legal advice upon request to senior management.
Research and evaluate different legal risk factors and to identify legal priority areas.
Offer proactive advice on possible legal issues detrimental to the institution.
Advise on the implementation of various legal statutes like POPIA PAJA and PAIA.

Render support in litigation and arbitration matter
Advise and assess litigation cases and to engage with external legal practitioners.
Assist external attorneys and/or advocates briefed by the institution with litigation or arbitration matters involving the institution.
Assist with identifying and arranging relevant witnesses.
Assist with obtaining relevant supporting documentation necessary to conduct litigation or arbitration.
Provide feedback on litigation or arbitration matters and submit progress reports.
Advise on contract negotiations and contract management.

Draft interpret and review policies rules procedures and guidelines
Draft and/ or assist with policy formulation rules procedures and /or guidelines.
Ensure compliance with the Institutions Statute and applicable rules.
Interpret and advise on relevant provisions of the policy rule procedure or guideline to ensure compliance with legal prescripts and law.
Review and where necessary propose amendments to policy rule procedure and/or guideline.

Conduct student disciplinary matters
Advise on student and/ or staff disciplinary matters.
Enforce monitor and evaluate student disciplinary processes including mediation processes.
Consult with complainant and relevant witnesses in preparation of disciplinary matter.
Draft charge sheet.
Conduct student and/or staff disciplinary matters and applies rules and policies of the Institution.
Keep abreast of the law jurisprudence and legislative development to assist the Institution with successful institution of disciplinary matters.
Advise and assist with appeals or CCMA matters.

Administration duties
Administer all case and project documents.
Provide regular reports and feedback.
Ensure accurate monthly time recording/recovery process of service providers.
Contribute towards the drawing up of projects annual budget.
Monitor expenditure of own projects and identify early warning reports.
Ensure efficient administration of casework.
Execute tasks relating to the effective and efficient handling of any student disciplinary matters.
Direct the effective process of adjudication until conclusion of the matter in all instances of student discipline involving the serious infringements of the University of the Free States Rules.
Oversee and guide the Case Officer and the Administrative Officer in all entrusted matters of student discipline to ensure the adherence to all the applicable rules and policies.
Act as Prosecutor/Evidence Leader.
Facilitate mediations.
Compile reports.
Draft rules procedures and related processes.
Compile and/or coordinate monthly reports on the work of the unit.

Inherent Job Requirements:

An LLB on NQF Level 8.
Minimum of two (2) years relevant working experience as a practicing attorney/advocate.
Admission as an Attorney or an Advocate (attach proof).
Post-admission experience of three (3) years.
Legal background in litigation disciplinary hearings investigations and/or in alternative resolutions.

Recommendations:

Experience within the higher education environment especially in Student Disciplinary matters.
Knowledge of university systems policies and procedures.
Member of or registration at a professional body/Council (e.g. LPC)(attach proof).
Relevant certificates experience in mediation and forensic investigations would be advantageous (attach proof).
Preference will be given to candidates with three (3) years of experience as an initiator in disciplinary hearings.

Key Competencies Required:

Results-Oriented:
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to be reliable responsible dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:
- The ability to lead take charge of situations and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:
- The ability to negotiate sell influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

Assumption of duties:
01 July 2026 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:
28 April 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Enquiries:
For enquiries please feel free to contact or email . Additionally kindly contact / 7659 / 2558 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.