POST 09/02 : DIRECTOR: LEGAL SERVICES REF NO: DBE/15/2026
Branch: Finance and Administration
Chief Directorate: Legal and Legislative Services
SALARY : R1 266 714 per annum
CENTRE : Pretoria

REQUIREMENTS : The applicant must in a possession of a relevant Bachelor of Law/Legal Degree (NQF Level 7) or equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA; A minimum of 5 years’ experience at middle/senior managerial level; Experience in Education Law is a pre-requisite; The candidate must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate; Knowledge of the South African legal system and legal practices; Excellent leadership skills and strategic management skills; The post requires a person with excellent leadership and strategic management skills; Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); Computer literate including MS Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access); Research and Policy formulation; Presentation skills; Analytical and problem solving skills; Candidate must be confident, trustworthy, accurate, adaptable and diplomatic; A valid driver’s license; Ability to work long hours and travel extensively. Process Competencies: Knowledge Management; Service Delivery Innovation; Problem Solving and Analysis; Client Oriented, customer focus and
communication skills. Core Competencies: Strategic capability and Leadership; Programme and project management; Financial Management; Knowledge management; People management and Empowerment; Promotion of communication, Innovation and Creativity.

DUTIES : The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Directorate: Legal Services; Providing litigation support to the National Department of Basic Education (DBE) as well as Provincial Education Departments; Providing legal advice to the entire Department; Coordination, monitoring, evaluating and supporting the effective implementation of legislation related to the basic education; Administering legislation of statutory bodies; Managing court cases on behalf of the Minister and Director-General of the Department Basic
Education; Drafting advice on national and international agreements and negotiating the terms of agreement with parties.

ENQUIRIES : Ms M Mahape Tel No: (012) 357 3291 or Ms N Kumalo Tel No: (012) 357 3398.
NOTE : A Certificate for SMS pre-entry programme is required for all SMS appointments, the full details of the outlined requirements and course information can be sourced by following the link https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry programme. All
shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Following the interview and the technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. The incumbent will have to sign an annual performance agreement as well as annually disclose his/her financial interests and be subjected to a security clearance.

The Department of Basic Education is committed to providing equal opportunities and practicing affirmative action employment. It is our intention to promote equity through the filling of all numeric targets as contained in the Employment Equity Plan. To facilitate this process successfully, an indication of race, gender and disability status is required. Preference will be given to underrepresented groups as per the DBE Employment Equity Targets. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATIONS : Submitted via post to: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001 or hand-deliver to: The Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria or you can email your application at Recruitment@dbe.gov.za. Please visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.gov.za or the Department of Public Service and Administration vacancy circulars at www.dpsa.gov.za.
FOR ATTENTION : Ms M Mahape/Ms N Kumalo
CLOSING DATE : 27 March 2026
NOTE : Applications must be submitted on the most recently approved Z83 Application for Employment Form, obtainable from the DBE Website or any Public Service Department/Webpage. Use of the old Z83 Form will result in disqualification. The Z83 must be completed in full and page 2 duly signed. A clear indication of the post and reference number that is being applied for must be indicated on your Z.83. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on application but must submit the Z83 with a
detailed Curriculum Vitae (only).