Legal & Compliance Officer

Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

About the Role:
We are searching for a Legal and Compliance Officer who will ensure that our organization adheres to laws, regulations, and ethical standards which will include the following key responsibilities:

- Legal Support and Regulatory Compliance:

- Provide administrative and drafting support to the overall business for third-party claims, litigation, mediation and arbitration matters.
- Provide assistance in drafting, analysing, reviewing, and preparing of contracts, standard terms and conditions, service level agreements, licences, and any other legal documents.
- Assist in general business law issues including corporate matters, procurement, and governance.
- Assist in reviewing and updating internal policies and ensure that they are in compliance with all statutory or legal requirements.
- Provide support on the implementation of governance, risk and compliance programmes.
- Identify and monitor compliance issues that require follow up or investigation.
- Monitor and ensure the company complies with South African laws, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., Companies Act, Consumer Protection Act, POPI Act, etc.).
- Consult with relevant departments to ensure that where legal risks have been identified, appropriate courses of action were taken.
- Stay up-to-date with developments in local and international law that may affect the company’s operations.
- Advise and guide management and departments on compliance with all relevant regulations and legislative frameworks.
- Risk Management and Mitigation:

- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks that could impact the company’s operations.
- Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the organization’s legal and financial interests.
- Proactively address issues to prevent legal disputes, including reviewing and advising on potential risks in new business ventures.
- Contract Drafting and Review:

- Review, draft, and negotiate various commercial contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
- Manage and oversee contract lifecycle processes to minimize legal risks.
- Work closely with business units to provide legal advice on contract terms and resolve any potential disputes.
- Corporate Governance and Policies:

- Advise senior management and the board of directors on governance and compliance matters.
- Ensure the company’s corporate governance practices are aligned with the South African corporate laws and best practices.
- Develop, review, and enforce internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal standards.
- Compliance Program Management:

- Establish and maintain a comprehensive compliance program within the company.
- Develop and implement compliance training programs for employees across the organization.
- Ensure all staff are educated about compliance obligations, including data privacy, consumer protection, and anti-corruption practices.
- Internal Investigations:

- Conduct internal investigations regarding potential legal violations or breaches of compliance policies.
- Collaborate with HR, external legal counsel, and other relevant departments to address any violations and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Litigation Management and Dispute Resolution:

- Oversee and manage any potential or ongoing litigation matters, working with external legal teams when required.
- Provide advice and support on dispute resolution, settlements, or negotiation strategies.
- Reporting and Documentation:

- Prepare regular legal and compliance reports for senior management and the board of directors.
- Ensure that the company adheres to reporting requirements set out by regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) or the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
- Assist in preparing submissions to regulators, government agencies, and auditors when required.

Minimum Requirements:

- Degree: Commercial Law or a Legal qualification / LLB
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar position
- Project / Operational Contract Management experience
- Meticulous, Accurate, Systematic, Strong organisational skills, Strong interpersonal skills