University General Counsel (P4) (5-YEAR RENEWABLE SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE)
Position Summary
Introduction
he University is seeking to appoint a dynamic, decisive, innovative, motivated, qualified and energetic leader of high professional standing as University General Counsel. Reporting directly to the University’s Vice-Chancellor & Principal, and would be an invited member of the Executive Leadership Group, the University General Counsel acts as the principal legal officer to the University and provides leadership in all matters with legal implications. The individual oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the institution to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law.
Job description
- Determine, articulate and lead the legal office portfolio‘s strategic and executive initiatives/matters in accordance with the University’s Strategic Plan, namely, attaining Global Excellence and Stature (GES) in the context of 4IR;
- Maintain and promote excellence and innovation in the provision of legal services;
- Provide legal counsel and guidance to the University management on all legal matters relevant to a large public institution, including governance, policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and legislation pertaining to students, grants, contracts, liability and insurance matters;
- Anticipate and identify legal issues and counsel office-bearers of the institution to develop legal strategies and solutions, often in situations of great political, public relations or financial risk or significance, and with limited time for assessing alternatives;
- Provide advice on ethical matters and risks that may have legal implications for the University;
- Provide legal advice and legal services to senior management on a wide range of legal issues, including legal liability, labour and employment law and administrative law;
- Oversee the University’s compliance with applicable privacy and access legislation;
- Identify and recommend procedures and practices to protect the University from undue liability and to assist with risk assessment and control;
- Provide training to the UJ’s management on various legal issues through seminars and meetings;
- In conjunction with external counsel and, where appropriate, represent the University at mediations, arbitrations and before a variety of administrative boards, commissions or tribunals;
- Provide legal advice and services directly to faculties and administrative units when requested by Executive Deans, Executive Directors and Senior Directors;
- Work in collaboration with external legal counsel, where appropriate, in providing advice on matters related to labour relations and employment law;
- Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of the latest developments in higher education law and in other related areas;
- Ensure institutional compliance with the relevant local and international statutory and regulatory framework in which the University functions;
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally;
- Effectively manage related administrative and professional support staff, including development (recognition, retention and recruitment);
- Ensure the highest level of portfolio governance, efficient administration and systems functioning;
- Ensure effective and efficient management and utilisation of the portfolio’s finances and resources;
- Respond to Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) academic-related policy documents, draft proposals and reports and initiate policy, when required;
- Advise and present on pertinent issues before the relevant statutory, Senate and MEC Committees of the University and Council; and
- Promote and sustain excellence, and to manage risk within the portfolio.
Minimum requirements
- LLD or relevant PhD with senior management experience (at least 10 years) as a legal practitioner (attorney or advocate) in South Africa; or legal practitioner (attorney/advocate) with a relevant Masters qualification and at least 15 years of senior management experience in higher education in South Africa.
- Membership in good standing or eligible to become a member of the Legal Practice Council of South Africa.
- Previous experience in Public Law.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent conflict management and administrative skills, with established and valuable national and international networks.
- The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
- Established and valuable international networks.
- The ability to initiate and manage transformation and change effectively.
- Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.
- Exemplary personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills.
- An understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and its impact on higher education and society.
- Understanding and commitment to the UJ’s values and the ability to be a credible and effective exponent of these values.
- Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body.
- Understanding of the higher education legal framework.
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
