Requirements
An undergraduate qualification in Law or relevant qualification on (NQF7) within the related field as recognized by SAQA. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at a middle/senior managerial level in the relevant field. Successful completion of the Public Service Senior Management Leadership Programme. Extensive drafting and negotiation experience, with an ability to provide innovative legal solutions in a highly litigious sector. Experienced litigation attorney or advocate with knowledge of the relevant environmental legislation or related experience. Advanced knowledge of South African High Court and Magistrate Court Rules, and experience in appearing in courts representing clients. Knowledge of litigation legal administration, demonstrable experience in dispute resolution mechanisms, policy development, project management, risk management, audit and legislation procedures. Knowledge: Strategic coordination/ planning, Business planning, Report/professional writing, Policy development, Business process management, Organisation performance management, Risk management, Audit procedures, Research methodologies and presentation, Project management, Groupwise, Policies, legislation and procedures, Legal Administration, Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts, Planning and performance management legislation, DFFE legislation and other supporting legislation, Skills & Competencies, Advanced skills in policy formulation, Advanced negotiation skills, Ability to work individually and in a team, Good interpersonal relations, Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict, Sense of responsibility and loyalty, Objectiveness, Integrity, Service orientated, Self- supervision, Highly developed sense of honesty, Protect the confidentiality of documents, Adequate skills in computer use, Advanced skills in financial, Advanced skills in respect of formal presentation and public speaking; negotiation skills, management and project management, Good interpersonal relations and diplomatic skills Relationship Management, Stakeholder engagement, Public Relations, Research, Strategic Capability and Leadership, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management, Change Management, Knowledge Management, Service Delivery Innovation (SDI), Problem Solving and Analysis, People Management and Empowerment, Client Orientation and Customer Focus, issues affecting the environment and general environmental law is required.
Duties
Manage and provide strategic leadership to the Directorate. Manage civil litigation by and against the department; ensure adequate information and complete briefs for counsel; prepare submissions to Minister; give instructions to State Attorneys; provide support during trials and coordinate and ensure that affidavits are correct and complete. Alert the Minister and DG of judgments, implications and risks. Consult with stakeholders to obtain instruction to forward to the State Attorney or to provide oral legal advice, where applicable. Determine liability in respect of damages and losses. Recover debts and losses on behalf of the department. Provide legal education and awareness.
Salary
R1 266 714 per annum, (all-inclusive salary package)
Apply before 24 November 2025
How to Apply:
Must be submitted to the Director-General, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001 or hand-delivered to: Environment House, Erf 1563 Arcadia Extension 6, Cnr Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria. or can be emailed to the respective email address quoting the reference number on the subject email. CLOSING DATE : 24 November 2025, 16:00