The incumbent, who reports to the University Registrar, will be responsible for leading and overseeing the provision of professional legal services within the University, in support of all University endeavors, to ensure legal compliance and protect the Institution from risk and liability.

The key responsibilities of the incumbent include: Providing general legal advice and opinion, including drafting legal documentation; Managing both civil and employment litigation; Overseeing contracts management, assessment and drafting; Management of Student Discipline; Oversight of legal and regulatory compliance; Leading and managinga diverse cohort of staff ( - 16 staff members including legal advisors and their personal assistants; the proctor(s) and student discipline staff;  and legal compliance and contracts management staff); and undertaking a range of other administrative duties, including controlling a large budget, and serving as a designated Deputy Information Officer.

The incumbent will also be required to work closely with a range of  key stakeholders, including but not limited to UKZN Executive Management, and other senior staff in the Academic and Professional Services.  Externally, the incumbent will be required, at times, to engage with Council members and other key University stakeholders; counterparts from other HE Institutions; external legal practitioners; government departments; and other external service providers as necessary.

The incumbent will be responsible for strategic leadership within the division, and must have the aptitude to lead and manage a diverse team.  The incumbent will also need to work independently, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and service orientation, all undertaken while under pressure from a range of sources and situations.  Sound and wide knowledge of South African law, particularly, constitutional, commercial, employment and administrative law, is required.

The incumbent may be required to travel between campuses.