Head of Office

**REF: BTWT/HoO/16/05/2025**

**HEAD OF OFFICE**

**INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT**

**BUTTERWORTH LOCAL OFFICE**

Legal Aid SA is a National Public Entity; a key contributor to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, providing quality legal services to indigent and vulnerable persons. The organisation has a national footprint in all nine (9) provinces. Legal Aid SA is a credible employer of choice, boasting Top Employer SA accreditation for 16 consecutive years. We offer an exciting Employee Value Proposition with opportunities for development, career growth and an inspiring workplace.

Applications are invited from persons interested to fill the above-mentioned position. The incumbent will be appointed on a permanent basis. **The position is based in Butterworth.**

**KEY OUTPUTS**
- Provide strong leadership to office staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Develop and implement strategies to achieve organisational objectives and enhance service delivery.
- Manage and mentor office staff, providing guidance and support to promote professional growth and development.
- Oversee the provision of high-quality legal services to clients, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.
- Monitor and evaluate service delivery processes to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Foster a client-centric approach, prioritising the needs and interests of clients in all aspects of office operations.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, Government agencies, community organisations and funders.
- Represent the organisation in meetings, conferences and public events, advocating for the interests of the office and its clients.
- Collaborate with external partners to leverage resources and support initiatives that benefit the community served by the office.
- Oversee the management of the office budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources to support service delivery objectives.
- Monitor financial performance and compliance with budgetary guidelines, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Prepare financial reports and forecasts for Senior Management and stakeholders, providing transparent and accurate information on the office’s financial status.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and organisational policies governing office operations.
- Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats to the organisation’s reputation, financial stability and legal standing.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify compliance gaps and areas of vulnerability, taking proactive measures to address issues and prevent future problems.

**COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES) REQUIRED**
- An LLB degree or any equivalent and related legal qualifications at NQF Level 8.
- Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of SA, in good standing.
- At least 10 years of post-admission experience as a legal practitioner in practice, of which five (5) years must be court/legal management experience.
- Extensive experience and knowledge of court processes, such as those of the Magistrate’s Court, High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Court and the Constitutional Court.
- Experience in budget preparation and management thereof.
- Advanced computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook) are an advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme management and team leadership.
- Strong understanding of legal principles, ethics and standards of practice relevant to the organisation’s mission.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and represent the organisation professionally.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, allocate resources and make sound financial decisions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions and drive results.
- Commitment to social justice, equality and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

**The following additional skills, knowledge, training and competencies are required**:

- Strong communication skills and an ability to manage a diverse workforce.
- Ability to plan, organise, coordinate and present.
- Good facilitation skills.
- Innovative, creative and analytical thinking skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and motivational skills.
- Good leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.

Envisaged for this position is a senior practitioner with a good standing in the legal fraternity and a proven track record in criminal and civil litigation; a motivated, self-driven and mature individual who is a team player.

**SALARY: CM-1 (R1,213,038.00) all-inclusive package per annum**

**Enquiries to Thenjiwe Magazi, Tel**:041 408 2800**

**APPLICANTS NOT CONTACTED WITHIN TWO (2) MONTHS MAY CONSIDER THEIR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL.