Legal Administrative Officer - Government Pensions Administration Agency

The purpose of the role is to assist the Manager Legal and Advisory Services in providing legal advice to the authority and other stakeholders.

Duties

The successful incumbent will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks which includes, but is not limited to the following:

Provide Legal Admin Services:

• Assist seniors in providing legal advice, guidance and opinions to the top management and GPAA at large on matters relating to legislative drafting and other legal matters.

• Peruse documents and escalate to seniors where relevant.
• Peruse and comment on a variety of legal documents to ensure that they are legally compliant. Effectively administer legal matters to the department.

Litigation Management:

• Diarise, schedule hearings and ensure court process is attended to;
  • Collect information and documentation as required to proceed with matters referred to Legal in relation to the interpretation of GEP Law, 1996.
  • Explain the process to applicants of submitting divorce, life partner and other relevant claims in terms of GEP Law, 1996.
  • Research inquiries correct errors resolve discrepancies and notify applicants of action decisions taken.
  • Research laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings, and to respond to inquiries from case managers and supervisors.
  • Prepare, assemble and check materials for each hearing session.
  • Prepare a hearing report on decisions and recommendations.
  • Examine case records and official files and ensures that all documents and exhibits are fully documented in the record.
  • Conduct legal research to fully address all legal arguments.
  • Manage litigation and ensure that all panel members complete the claim forms for their fees.
  • Prepare instructions for panel attorneys and implement court decisions.
  • Attend to the payment of a bill of costs.
• Review litigated claims or claims with disputes:
  • Collate relevant information for purposes of handling litigation.
  • Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them. Compile submissions and instruction for a recommendation.

Render Administrative Support:

• Attend to court processes served on the GPAA and any other claims submitted in terms of GEP Law, 1996.
• Prepare written review and evaluate data on documents such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, and physician or employer records.
• Maintain hearing documents, calendar hearing dates and confirms hearing. Adherence to court decisions with written instruction to subordinates to comply with the court decision.
• Ensure that files are kept and updated on statistics relating to court cases.
• Prepare memoranda and drafts of decisions and judgments.
• Prepare and issue written decisions within a timely manner to meet requirements.
• Assist the supervisor with training on legislation and legislative drafting, as well as other legal topics.

Supervision of staff:  

• Allocate work according to skills and competencies.
• Manage staff performance.
• Develop, train and coach staff.
• Maintain discipline.
• Provide monthly statistics.
• Ensure that subordinates are informed about changes in the work environment or management decisions

REQUIREMENTS: 

• A recognized 3 year Degree/National Diploma in Law (at least 360 credits) with three (3) years proven experience in a Legal environment which should include one (1) year supervisory experience.
• Competence in computer literacy that would include good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, especially Excel and Word. Communication skills (written and verbal).
• Planning and organizational skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Operations within GPAA (an advantage).
• Knowledge of GEPF rules (an advantage).
• Knowledge of the Public Service Act.
• Knowledge of SA Pension Fund Legislation.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Attention to detail.
• Customer focus.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Adherence to business ethics.
• Accuracy.

SALARY: R321 543 per annum (Level 08), (basic salary)

CENTRE: Pretoria Head Office