Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) Legal Internships 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) is offering Legal Internships for individuals passionate about legal processes and dedicated to service delivery within the pension funds sector. This opportunity provides hands-on practical experience by actively managing and resolving complaints lodged under the Pension Funds Act, 24 of 1956.

As a Legal Intern, you will play an important role in assisting members of the public with their pension fund queries, ensuring that justice is administered effectively. This position is ideal for those looking to apply their legal knowledge in a supportive, public service-oriented environment, gaining valuable experience in complaint resolution and legal administration.

Minimum Requirements

• Education:
• LLB degree
• Certificate in Pension Funds Law (added advantage)
• Practical Legal Training (added advantage)
• Skills and Competencies:
• Computer Literacy (MS Word, Excel, MS Outlook)
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Effective listening skills
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Excellent planning and organising abilities
• Resilience in a demanding work environment
• Ability to analyse, interpret, solve problems, and construct legal arguments to reach conclusions
• Ability to make investigative decisions in the resolution of complaints
• Behavioral Attributes:
• Creative thinker
• Passionate about delivering excellent service
• Ability to thrive under pressure and manage deadlines
• Display compassion towards members of the public and complainants
• Maintain an open-door policy
• Energetic, outcomes, and deadlines driven
• Influential team player
• High levels of integrity and professionalism

Key Responsibilities

• Attend to pension fund complaints lodged under the Pension Funds Act.
• Assist with the lodgement of new complaints, including handling walk-in queries.
• Draft and send initial letters, reply/follow-up letters, and other correspondence to involved parties.
• Ensure all documents are sent to the correct recipients and received responses are accurately saved on the designated software system (Respond).
• Engage in the thorough investigation of complaints and draft determinations in accordance with established workflow procedures.
• Communicate with parties to a complaint regarding the administrative aspects of the file and investigation.
• Prepare draft letters based on research findings and direction provided by the team leader.
• Request replies to letters from complainants and seek confirmation of settlement from parties when applicable.
• Peruse responses from parties and advise the team leader if further information or action is required.
• Follow up on undertakings to respond and request all necessary investigation reports.
• Manage all administrative aspects of complaint files, including meticulous record-keeping of allocated files and all related correspondence (e.g., telephone calls, emails).
• Submit weekly and monthly statistics to the team leader.

What the Work Involves

As a Legal Intern at the OPFA in Pretoria, your daily work will primarily be conducted within an office environment, focusing on the processing and resolution of pension fund complaints. You will actively manage complaint files, which involves a blend of administrative duties and legal analysis.

Your responsibilities will include drafting various legal documents and correspondence, engaging in direct communication with complainants and other parties involved in cases, and meticulously documenting every interaction. A significant part of your role will involve investigating complaints by reviewing responses, conducting necessary research, and preparing draft legal determinations. You will report directly to a team leader, who will provide guidance and support. The role requires careful attention to detail for record-keeping and regular reporting on your progress and statistics.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online by clicking the link below:

Apply Here

Ensure you have your CV ready for the application process.