Basic Education CHIEF DIRECTOR: LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education is seeking a Chief Director for Legal and Legislative Services in Pretoria. This senior leadership role offers an opportunity to provide strategic direction and management to the Chief Directorate, which includes the Directorates of Litigation and Advisory Services and Legislative Services.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in delivering high-level, independent legal advice to the Minister, Director-General, and the Department on complex constitutional, administrative, education, and public law matters. This position also involves managing and overseeing all litigation processes that impact the Minister, Director-General, and the Department.

Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or an equivalent legal qualification (NQF level 7) recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Admission as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
• Must be in good standing with the relevant professional regulatory body.
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant post-qualification legal experience, with at least 5 years at senior managerial level.
• Experience in the interpretation, development, implementation, and/or litigation of legislation, policies, and regulations within the education sector or a comparable public sector environment.
• Demonstrable experience in education law, including advising on, developing, interpreting, or implementing education legislation, regulations, or policy.
• Knowledge of Administrative law and constitutional law as applied to the education sector.
• Ability to deliver legal advisory services to government departments, public entities, or statutory bodies.
• Proven experience in constitutional law, administrative law, legislative drafting, regulatory development, public sector litigation, and regulatory governance will be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management to the Chief Directorate: Legal and Legislative Services, encompassing the Directorates: Litigation and Advisory Services and Legislative Services.
• Offer high-level, independent, and practical legal advice to the Minister, Director-General, and the Department on constitutional, administrative, education, and public law matters.
• Manage and oversee litigation involving the Minister, the Director-General, and the Department. This includes developing litigation strategy, instructing the State Attorney and external counsel, and monitoring court orders and settlements.