CHIEF DIRECTOR: LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

Department of Higher Education and Training

Branch: Planning, Policy and Strategy

Reference number: DHET02/10/2026
Salary: R1 554 696 per annum (Level 14), (all-inclusive remuneration package)
Centre: Pretoria
Province: Gauteng
Closing date: 23 October 2026
Circular: No 36 of 2026

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Requirements

An appropriate Undergraduate Qualification LLB degree (NQF Level 7) as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience at the Senior Managerial level in Law environment. Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programmed as endorsed by NSG. Strong knowledge and understanding of Public Service Regulation, Public Service Act, TVET College operation and Governance, White Paper on PSET and South Africa post-school education and training landscape particularly its legislative framework, policies and regulations as well as legislation applicable in the public service, expertise in the government corporate management framework, financial management, problem solving and analysis, people management and empowerment, risk management, strategic planning and supply chain management prescripts. Proven strategic management and leadership capabilities and strong communicator with the ability to interact with the TVET College management. Expertise in litigation, contract drafting, and interpretation of statutes. Skills required: strategic capability and leadership; people management and empowerment; programme and project management; change management; client orientation and excellent verbal and written communication. Be proactive, committed with integrity. A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

Duties

To manage the provision of legal and legislative services. Provide legal and legislative services for Education Institution. Provide legal and legislative services to skills development. Provide legal support to corporative services and planning and policy development. Render legal support for university institutions, technical vocational education and training institution. Provide strategic direction for the functioning of the Chief Directorate. Promulgate internal management directives and procedures for the Chief Directorate. Present and obtain approval for the strategic business plan of the Chief Directorate. Define goals and objectives for the Chief Directorate. Manage the performance target for the Chief Directorate. Control the allocated budget of the Chief Directorate according to departmental prescripts. Compile performance agreement for sub-ordinates and ensure the development and mentoring of allocated members. Manage the budgetary programme and ensure sound record management of the Chief Directorate. Giving legal advice and drafting legal opinions on the application and effects of national legislation, providing strategic direction to the Unit and quality assurance on all legal issues and legal documentation in support of the Minister, Director-General, and the Department. Provide day-to-day management of the Legal Services Unit and provide overall legal support. Manage and administer information and documents for the Department as a Deputy Information Officer. Conduct Strategic Planning, Budgeting and MTEF processes of the Chief Directorate to ensure high performance and cost effectiveness of legal services. Management of Legal risks. Manage all resources of the Directorate. N.B. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise.

Where to send your application

DHET invites applicants to apply online on the New Z83 form by accessing the Departmental Website (click the ‘apply now’ button) or http://z83.ngnscan.co.za/apply and follow the easy prompts/instructions.

Enquiries

Mr R Kgare Tel No: (012) 312 5442, Ms X Rikhotso Tel No: (012) 312 5513

Note

Upload the supporting document namely, (1) a comprehensive CV and any other document (where required). A fully completed and signed Z83 form and a detailed Curriculum Vitae will be considered. A helpful user guide and videos are available on the DHET website careers page to enable completion of the digital Z83. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents/copies of qualifications and other relevant documents to support the application on or before the day of the interviews. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Candidates whose appointments promote representativity in terms of race, gender, and disability will receive preference. 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. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. One of the minimum entry requirements for the SMS position is the Pre-entry Certificate. No appointment will occur without successfully completing the pre-entry certificate and submission thereof. For more details on the pre-entry course visit: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/. The candidate(s) will be required to sign an annual performance agreement, disclose his/her financial interests, and be subjected to security clearance. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks (criminal record check, citizenship verification, qualification/study verification, and previous employment verification). Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. DHET is committed to providing equal opportunities and practising affirmative action employment. It is our intention to promote representatives in terms of (race, gender, and disability) in the organisation.”

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 9 October 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 9 October 2026.