Director (Legal Services)

About the role

eThekwini is recruiting a Director (Legal Services) to plan, lead and direct the Legal and Compliance Directorate. The role sets strategic short-, medium- and long-term plans, directs key functional areas, establishes standards and performance measures, and provides an independent, objective legal and compliance function.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, advice and support to the Directorate and the Municipality.
• Set and align objectives and plans for Litigation Services, Legal Support Services, Legislative Drafting Services, Employment Law Services, Municipal Court and Prosecution Services and Legal Compliance Services.
• Direct and oversee legal support and employment law services, legislative drafting, and civil litigation affecting the municipality, and oversee the smooth running of municipal courts.
• Establish, direct and control an effective, accessible, fair and accountable municipal court system.
• Oversee a specialized contract management service and a specialized compliance function and legal compliance service.
• Plan and prepare capital and operating estimates, control expenditure against the approved budget, and manage personnel outcomes.
• Mentor, train and develop subordinates, and manage administrative and reporting requirements for the Directorate's performance indicators.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7) in Law or another related qualification; admitted as an Attorney or Advocate in good standing with the Practice Legal Council.
• Valid motor vehicle driving licence.
• 9 years of relevant experience at management level, of which 5 years at senior management level.
• Preferred: postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Law or a related field, and 10 years of relevant management experience, 6 at senior management level.

Required skills

• Strategic direction and leadership, people management and financial management.
• Planning and organising, communication, advocacy and negotiation.
• Ethics and professionalism, organisational awareness, interpersonal relationships, service delivery orientation and influence.