Manager:Corporate Legal Services at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) seeks to appoint a Manager: Corporate Legal Services within Governance, Risk, Legal and Compliance Directorate, leading the legal function and ensuring organisational compliance with applicable laws and regulations, while providing strategic legal advice

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate all legal activities across the NRF
• Oversee litigation matters
• Review and finalise legal strategies and briefs
• Leading the development of Regulations and related material pertaining to the NRF’s statutory functions/powers etc
• Provide strategic legal advice to Board, Executive and Senior Management
• Represent NRF in forums and legal bodies
• Develop legal policies and interpretation notes
• Oversee contract lifecycle management (drafting, approval, review, negotiation, risk mitigation)
• Advise on procurement and partnership agreements
• Build relationships with legal panel and external entities (DSI, ICASA, Public Protector, etc
• ) Managing the NRF’s relationships with external providers of legal services on an ongoing basis
• Lead legal oversight of Astronomy Management Authority operations
• Support Intellectual Property Sub-Office (IPsO) and oversee IP compliance (IPR Act)

Minimum Qualification:

• Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Minimum Experience:

• 8-10 years

• Postgraduate degree (LLB) in law or higher
• NQF level 8LLM will be an added advantage

Experience:

• An Admitted Attorney/Advocate of the Hight Court
• Ten (10) years’ experience in a reputable company of which eight (8) years as a Senior/Executive Manager
• Demonstrated legal experience across a broad spectrum of legal disciplines, including but not limited to contract law, litigation, compliance, regulatory affairs, corporate governance, and administrative law

Knowledge:

• Expert knowledge of Corporate Law, Companies Act, PFMA & other applicable legislation
• Expert knowledge of Legal, Compliance and Risk Frameworks
• All relevant legislation and regulations that govern the Public Service including the PFMA, Treasury Regulations and other relevant legislation
• In-depth/above average experience and knowledge of Contract law
• Knowledge of corporate governance principles, practices, and application of King IV
• Knowledge of South African Labour legislation
• A reasonable understanding of Intellectual Property and Treaty law
• Knowledge of international law

Additional Notes:
Problem solvingStrategic leadership, negotiation and advocacyStrong analytical and communication skillsStakeholder managementThe NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with, science. The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best practice research evaluation and support systems.