General Counsel: Rector's Responsibility Centre at Stellenbosch University

Duties        

• Providing strategic legal advice and high-level legal oversight;
• Analysing the University and higher education landscape to anticipate and identify legal risks, ensure compliance, and advise the Rectorate;
• Providing expert legal input into the development of policies and procedures related to the management of legal risk within the University;
• Serving as a sounding board for complex legal matters escalated by heads within various divisions;
• Oversight regarding collaboration on specific legal matters, where required;
• Engaging with government agencies and relevant authorities regarding legal and regulatory matters impacting the University;
• Representing the University at mediations, arbitrations, litigation and administrative boards or tribunals, in conjunction with external legal practitioners, where appropriate. 

Job Requirements    

• LLB degree;
• Admitted as an attorney or advocate;
• At least twenty years' experience of which at least five years have been in senior legal or managerial positions;
• Experience in working in highly regulated environments, negotiating complex agreements, managing litigation, and assessing legal risk;
• In-depth understanding of the South African legal system and knowledge of the legislative framework governing higher education;
• The ability to exercise sound judgment;
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus and navigate complex situations;
• Experience in managing contentious situations comfortably with diplomacy, tact, and patience;
• Managerial skills, including the ability to direct, supervise, coordinate, and review the activities of direct reports, teams or individuals.

Recommendation    

• Extensive experience in higher education institutions or in close collaboration with higher education institutions.