CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL SERVICES
CHIEF LEGAL ADVISER: PARLIAMENT (IRC7139)
We offer a market and industry competitive total cost package.
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is a premier institution in the country given its status as the legislative authority of South Africa.
It is the only institution that has the power to make laws for the country. Parliament is not just a building, it’s the heart of our democracy where
the country’s representatives gather to discuss important issue affecting the people, pass laws meant to promote the public good and promote
accountability and transparency in governance. The two houses that make up Parliament, the National Assembly, and the National Council of Provinces,
each with its own distinct role and functions set out in the Constitution, work together to oversee the promotion of the constitutional values of human dignity,
equality, non-racialism and non-sexism, human rights, and freedom.
JOB SUMMARY
Parliament is seeking a capable and dynamic legal professional to serve as the Chief Legal Adviser. The ideal candidate will be responsible to serve as the principal legal counsel to the Parliament, by providing strategic, expert and objective legal advice to support the constitutional and legislative mandate of Parliament. The Chief Legal Adviser plays a key role in advising the Secretary to Parliament on matters relating to the administration and litigation, and the Presiding Officers and Committees of Parliament. The incumbent will play a critical role in advising parliamentary leadership, committees, and members on the Constitutionality of legislation, parliamentary decisions, and the legal implications of decisions made within the Parliament.
As a successful candidate your key responsibilities will be to:
- Provide Strategic Planning and management of the Constitutional and Legal Services;
- Provide legal advice and support to Parliament (Houses, Presiding Officers and Committees), Executive Authority and the Secretary to Parliament;
- Lead and oversee the management of litigation and disputes involving Parliament;
- Lead and oversee the editing and processing of legislation before Parliament;
- Lead the provision of corporate legal advice and services for the Administration of Parliament
- Operational Management of the workstreams in the Division; and
- Human Resources, Records and Financial Management.
To qualify, you must have a minimum of:
- LLB Degree at an NQF level 8.
- A Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) is highly advantageous. Specialisation in Constitutional/Public Law will be a distinct advantage.
- A minimum of 10 years post-admission legal advisory or legal practice experience, of which at least 5 years must have been in a Public Service environment, and at an executive level; and
- Admission as an advocate with right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa.
You must also demonstrate:
- In-depth knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Law of Contract, Finance and Procurement Statutes and Regulations, Public International Law, Interpretation of Statutes Legislation processing, Administrative Law, and Parliamentary Rules and Procedures.
- Experience working within or advising government institutions, ideally on legislation or legislative processes.
- Exceptional legal analysis, drafting, and advisory skills.
- Knowledge of bills editing and processing
- Excellent negotiation, legal drafting and contract management skills.
What you will experience working at Parliament:
In return for your hard work, we offer meaningful and engaging work. We are passionate about making a difference. Joining us means you will be tackling exciting challenges and working on innovative projects that have a positive impact on the nation and the world. We are committed to recognising and rewarding your dedication and high performance. We are invested in your growth and development and offer numerous growth-promoting opportunities and resources such as bursary scheme and numerous learning and development opportunities. Our culture is collaborative and inclusive. We value teamwork and believe that together, we can achieve extraordinary results. When you join us, you will become part of a community that is driven by the need to serve the nation. Hard work is not all there is to us. Your well-being is important to us, and we promote work practices that enable a healthy work-life integration, supported by our hybrid work arrangements that combines in-office and remote work. Our wellness program, including various sporting codes, is designed to promote emotional and physical well-being. In addition to the above, we offer a highly competitive remuneration package.
About Us
Working at the Parliament of South Africa is a unique opportunity like no other. No matter where you are placed in this premier institution, you will be part of a truly remarkable and exceptional team that serves the people of our great country and shapes the course of our nation's history every day. If promoting the public good is what drives you, if you are passionate about shaping a brighter future for the citizens of South Africa, and you are ready to be part of something extraordinary where you can shine and make a real impact on the people of our country, then Parliament is the place to be. If you are also a dynamic individual who values professionalism, openness, integrity, teamwork, accountability, responsiveness and shows mutual respect, we would like to hear from you. Our doors are open, and we are inviting you to become a part of this incredible journey.
This position is a 5-year contract with a 6-month probationary period.
CLOSING DATE: 18 July 2025
To Apply, Please Select the Appropriate Button Below:
“Parliamentary Services Administration promotes and applies the principles of Affirmative Action and equal opportunities”.