Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.Duties and responsibilities:

• Scrutinise contracts and agreements.
• Research relevant legislation and case law pertaining to the agreement or contract.
• Redraft contract or agreement to incorporate proposed amendments or changes.
• Consult with and advise clients on terms and provisions contained in contracts or agreements.
• Ensure soundness of contract or agreement for compliance with applicable laws and UFSs statute and policies and issue confirmation to this effect.
• Scrutinise instructions to prepare a legal opinion.
• Assist in reviewing the legal material and any other relevant documents by providing legal opinion.
• Conduct research on relevant laws and the latest case law.
• Prepare and draft legal opinion.
• Advise and assist with the interpretation of contracts or agreements.
• Advise and assist with the 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 identify legal priority areas.
• Offer proactive advice on possible legal issues detrimental to the institution.
• Advise and assess litigation cases and 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 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.
• Advise on student and/ or staff disciplinary matters.
• Enforce, monitor, and evaluate student disciplinary processes including mediation processes.
• Consult with the complainant and relevant witnesses in preparation of disciplinary matter.
• Draft charge sheet.
• Conduct student and/or staff disciplinary matters and apply the rules and policies of the Institution.
• Keep abreast of the law, jurisprudence, and legislative development to assist the Institution with a successful institution of disciplinary matters.
• Advise and assist with appeals or CCMA matters.
• Supervise Administrative Assistant.
• 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.
• Provide procedural and administrative assistance to the Assistant Director: Legal Services and Student Discipline in the day-to-day running of the Directorate.
• 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 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 requirements:

• Bachelors degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 or a 3-year National Diploma on NQF level 6 with specialization in legal subjects.
• A minimum of Two (2) years of relevant experience as a legal advisor.

Recommendations:

• Admission as an Attorney or an Advocate.
• Relevant certificates or experience in mediation, investigation, and consultation would be advantageous.
• Legal background in litigation, hearings, investigations and in alternative dispute resolutions.
• Higher education experience, especially in Student Disciplinary matters would be advantageous.
• Post-admission experience of three (3) years.

CompetenciesRequired competencies:

• 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 focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

• Business Acumen:

- Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading.

- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building coalitions

- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your drivers license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties:
01 September 2024.Closing date:
28 July 2024.Salary:
The salary is available on request.Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 7659 or email SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9810/ 9813/ 2979/ 9848 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 Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdfThe 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 unsuccessfulAdditional Information

University of the Free State