Are you an experienced legal professional passionate about strengthening governance, compliance, and education in South Africa? The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is recruiting for a highly skilled Senior Legal Administration Officer (MR6) to join its Legal and Legislative Services team based in Pretoria. This pivotal position offers a chance to contribute directly to national education legislation, policy formulation, legal administration, and litigation management, helping to positively impact learners, educators and education institutions across the country.
The DBE is committed to equal opportunity employment and advancing the principles of the Employment Equity Act. Applications are strongly encouraged from women and persons with disabilities in line with the Department’s Employment Equity Plan.
To explore more high-quality Government and Legal career opportunities, visit our Government Jobs & Public Sector Careers category or browse the latest Legal Jobs in South Africa.
About the Department of Basic Education (DBE)
The Department of Basic Education is the national authority responsible for transforming South Africa’s schooling system. Through strategic governance, policy development, legislative oversight, and school support initiatives — the DBE ensures that each learner in the nation has access to inclusive, quality learning that can pave the way for global competitiveness and lifelong success.
The successful candidate will join the Directorate: Legal Services within the Branch: Finance and Administration, supporting senior management through the delivery of high-level legal advice and administrative oversight aligned with DBE’s mission to advance fair, compliant and effective basic education.
Position Overview
📌 Job Title: Senior Legal Administration Officer (MR6)
📌 Reference Number: DBE/15/2025
📌 Centre: Pretoria, Gauteng
📌 Salary: R586 956 – R1 386 972 per annum (OSD Determination applies)
📌 Type: Permanent – Public Service Appointment
📌 Closing Date: 07 November 2025
This senior-level legal role requires an experienced Attorney or Advocate who can manage litigation, provide expert legal opinions, support legislative processes, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation such as the PFMA, POPI, PAJA and civil procedure regulations.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Legal Administration Officer, your duties will include:
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Providing legal opinions, advice, and guidance to the Minister, senior management, and internal departments
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Managing and supporting litigation processes, including drafting legal documents and overseeing instructed counsel
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Drafting and amending primary and secondary legislation, and facilitating related processes in Parliament
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Conducting thorough legal research on policies, regulatory frameworks and education-related legislation
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Monitoring compliance with legislation affecting the education sector
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Assisting in contract drafting and ensuring legal risk mitigation in agreements and service-level arrangements
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Supporting PAIA, PAJA, and POPI Act compliance across departmental operations
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Drafting legal correspondence and responding to administrative enquiries
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Delivering legal education and awareness sessions to departmental officials
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Providing legal intervention and dispute resolution support when required
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Contributing to policy improvements, governance assurance and timely decision-making
Minimum Requirements
✅ An appropriate LLB degree (recognised in South Africa)
✅ Admitted Attorney or Advocate
✅ A minimum of 8 years post-qualification legal experience, with strong focus on:
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Litigation management
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Drafting legal opinions
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Contract drafting and review
✅ Demonstrable managerial experience in a legal environment
✅ Knowledge of:
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Public Service Regulations and governance
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PFMA and Treasury Regulations
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Law of Contracts and Civil Procedure
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Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA)
✅ Additional Competencies:
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Strong legal research capability
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Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
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Good verbal and written communication
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Presentation and negotiation skills
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Problem-solving and multi-tasking ability
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Willingness to work irregular hours when required
Core Competencies and Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
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High levels of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
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Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
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Strategic legal thinking and policy advisory capability
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Ability to support senior government stakeholders confidently
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Leadership and people management experience
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Strong decision-making skills
Why Join the Department of Basic Education?
Working at DBE is a highly impactful career opportunity for legal professionals who expect more from their work than just a monthly salary. You will directly contribute to:
⭐ National development
⭐ Legislative improvements
⭐ Governance reforms
⭐ Quality education for millions of learners
As part of a respected Public Service team, you’ll gain:
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Secure long-term employment benefits
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Exposure to high-level legal and legislative matters
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Opportunities for career progression within government
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Ongoing professional development and performance rewards
Browse more exciting public sector openings here:
🔗 Government Jobs in South Africa
Personnel Suitability Checks
Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
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Criminal record screening
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Citizenship verification
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Financial/asset checks
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Qualification and employment verification
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Assessment of social media profiles
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Security clearance
Additionally:
✅ Pre-interview practical legal exercise required
✅ Annual performance agreement and annual financial disclosure required upon appointment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 Application for Employment Form (the old form will result in disqualification). The form must be completed in full, with page 2 signed, and accompanied by a detailed, updated CV.
No certified documents are required at the application stage — only provide them if shortlisted.
Applicants must clearly indicate:
📌 Post Title & Reference Number: Senior Legal Administration Officer (MR6) – DBE/15/2025
Submit your application via one of the methods below:
📮 Post submissions:
Private Bag X895
Pretoria, 0001
📍 Hand Delivery:
Department of Basic Education
222 Struben Street
Pretoria
📧 Email submissions:
Recruitment@dbe.gov.za
Contact for Enquiries
For assistance or additional information, contact:
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Mr M. Segowa – Tel: (012) 357 4291
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Ms N. Monyela – Tel: (012) 357 3294
Important Notes
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Late or faxed applications will not be considered
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Applicants must declare any conflict of interest, including board memberships
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DBE prioritises candidates who support Employment Equity objectives
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Preference is given to underrepresented groups including women and people with disabilities
Discover More Career Opportunities
Explore more high-paying and impactful government roles here:
🔗 https://jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za/
If you have the expertise, leadership capability and passion to deliver strategic legal services in South Africa’s education sector — apply before 07 November 2025.
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