HEAD OF OFFICE (LEGAL)

About the position

Applications are invited from persons interested to fill the above-mentioned position. The incumbent will be appointed on a permanent basis. The position is based in Johannesburg.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Provide strong leadership to office staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve organizational objectives and enhance service delivery.
• Manage and mentor office staff, providing guidance and support to promote professional growth and development.
• Oversee the provision of high-quality legal services to clients, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery processes to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Foster a client-centric approach, prioritizing the needs and interests of clients in all aspects of office operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, government agencies, community organizations, and funders.
• Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, and public events, advocating for the interests of the office and its clients.
• Collaborate with external partners to leverage resources and support initiatives that benefit the community served by the office
• Oversee the management of the office budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support service delivery objectives.
• Monitor financial performance and compliance with budgetary guidelines, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts for senior management and stakeholders, providing transparent and accurate information on the financial status of the office.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies governing office operations.
• Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats to the organization's reputation, financial stability, and legal standing.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify compliance gaps and areas of vulnerability, taking proactive measures to address issues and prevent future problems.

COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES) REQUIRED

• An LLB Degree or any equivalent and related legal qualifications at NQF level 8
• Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of SA, in good standing.
• At least ten (10) years post admission experience as a legal practitioner in practice, of which five (5) years must be at Court / Legal Management experience
• Extensive experience and knowledge of court processes, such as Magistrate Court, High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court and Labour Courts and the Constitutional Court.
• Demonstrated ability to train Candidate Attorneys.
• Excellent leadership and people development skills with a track record in training Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed legal practitioners.
• Experience in budget preparation and management thereof.
• Advanced computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook) an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program management, and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of legal principles, ethics, and standards of practice relevant to the organization's mission.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and represent the organization professionally.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, allocate resources, and make sound financial decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and drive results.
• Commitment to social justice, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Desired Skills:

• analytical thinking skills
• Good facilitation skills
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills