The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of the changing social, political and economic fortunes of Africa”.

• Consider, vet, comment and draft a wide variety of contracts and commercial matters across a wide range of disciplines, from procurement to Higher Education related contracts.
• The capability to draft contracts and template contracts from scratch and accordingly must be an exceptional drafter capable of drafting contracts of high quality whilst maintain a high level of productivity.
• Provide legal advice in respect of UJ related contracts and commercial matters.
• Engage with external and internal customers and suppliers regarding contracts.
• Have expanded conceptual and practical knowledge of contract review process, meaning of terms and clauses and acceptable level of risk for the institution.
• Must be highly experienced in the law of contract.
• Compile contract risk analysis and draft risk summaries.
• Strong negotiation experience to drive appropriate risk reduced contracts to finality.
• The ability to rapidly determine key issues and any conflicts or dispute
• The ability to deliver solutions to a wide range of challenging situations.
• The review and drafting of standard terms and conditions within UJ.
• The development and drafting of a wide variety of UJ policies and the management of the policies to adoption.
• The supply of adequate and relevant reports.
• Reporting to and making presentation to relevant UJ structures in relation to the function.
• Perusing tender documents and formulating tender conditions.
• Formulating and closing out contractual claims.
• Manage entire contract process and serve as the primary resource to UJ on contractual matters;.
• Ensure compliance with contractual commitments and provide clear communication and exceptional delivery.
• Able to explain complex information related to contract review process to others in straightforward situation.
• Independently review and edit agreements to meet the contractual requirements established by UJ.
• Identify and implement appropriate contractual risk and other risk management structures and procedures.

• The provision of ongoing legal advice to UJ in respect of all areas impacting UJ; to include advice with regard to any new legislation that could have an impact on UJ and its operations. This would include, for example, relevant significant amendments to the legislation governing environmental, health and safety, environmental and mining issues.
• All relevant assistance in relation to general compliance and corporate governance.
• Assist, where required, with litigation.
• Apart from the University’s faculties and college, the domains that rely heavily on the assistance of the OGC for legal services include the Office of the Registrar, the Operations Division of the University (including Protection Services), Student Affairs (including the office dealing with Privately-Owned Student Accommodation and Student Judicial Services), the Procurement Division and divisions dealing with commercialisation. The OGC does not normally deal with Human Resources matters but occasionally provides support to the colleagues in this division.
• Creating awareness and conducting training of the legal provisions that regulate particular portfolios and providing advice in respect thereof (for example the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act 51 of 2008 (IPR Act); Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA); Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) 3 of2000).

• A Master’s qualification or studying towards a Master (an LLM in this instance) will be a strong recommendation. Exceptions may be considered on the basis of extensive and relevant practical experience.
• Admitted attorney or advocate.
• More than 8 years’ requisite experience in legal practice (or equivalent corporate or higher education experience) (as attorney or advocate) at an appropriate level.
• The highest level of proficiency in contract and commercial law.
• Communication skills in English at the highest level (both oral and written). 
• Demonstration of practical skills by way of an assessment set by and at the election of the General Counsel for shortlisted candidates .

• Exceptional analytical ability.
• The utmost level of attention to detail.
• A strong ability to reason logically.
• The highest level of persuasiveness.
• Sound and fair judgment.
• Outstanding ability to present arguments clearly and coherently.
• The ability to collaborate with persons of varying levels of seniority.
• Displays a high level of adaptability.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Negotiation.
• Ability to manage various work streams.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence.
• A high level of financial literacy.
• A high level of managing and driving projects.
• Strong accountability and integrity.
• A high level of technological affinity.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressured environment.
• The highest aptitude relating to time management and task prioritization.
• Able to produce quick turnaround whilst providing expert contractual advice and mitigating risks.

• Experience, in relation to Higher Education Institution would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of Administrative and Public Law.