Legal Officer - Gender Equality

About the role

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is recruiting a Legal Officer for its Legal unit in the North West Province, reporting to the Head of Department Legal and Provincial Manager. The position handles complaints, litigates on behalf of complainants and supports gender-equality policy work. The advertised salary package is R605 742 per annum.

Key responsibilities

• Handle and investigate complaints lodged by members of the public, and report challenges on complaints handling to the Provincial Manager and the HOD Legal.
• Refer matters to the Equality Court and liaise with courts on matters referred by the CGE.
• Litigate on behalf of complainants and identify issues on systematic complaints for monitoring and litigation.
• Monitor the operation of courts in the province and conduct mediation to resolve disputes.
• Draft inputs with a gender perspective into proposed legislation, regulations and prescripts on gender equality.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports and ensure the Annual Performance Plan is implemented.
• Build working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and perform other duties requested by the Provincial Manager or HOD Legal.

Required profile

• Matric; B. Proc or LLB degree (LL.M advantageous).
• Admitted as an attorney of the High Court with at least three years' post-admission experience.
• Experience in human rights law and litigation, and extensive knowledge of Equality Courts.
• Sound understanding of gender issues and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

Required skills

• Constitutional litigation and court processes, mediation and conciliation (an accredited mediator is an added advantage).
• Legal research and ability to draft legally sound reports.
• Computer literacy, analytical skills and excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently on complaints handling and knowledge of at least one African language.