Legal Advisor

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: LEGAL ADVISOR

CEF SOC

 CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Legal Advisor provides expert legal support to CEF, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policies in the energy sector. The role focuses on offering strategic legal advice on investments, managing contracts, supporting regulatory compliance, and mitigating risks associated with the organization’s operations and projects.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Matric, LLB and/or Bachelor of Law degree (NQF 8) or equivalent legal qualification
• Certificate of Admission as an Attorney
• A minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience performing legal advisory or related functions/duties
• A postgraduate qualification (NQF 9) in the field of Law will serve as an added advantage.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES

• Advanced knowledge of contract law, corporate governance and public sector regulations
• Energy Sector Regulatory Knowledge
• Knowledge in compliance within the energy industry, including environmental and data privacy laws.
• Knowledge of Public Procurement and Tendering Law
• Knowledge of Anti-bribery and Anti-corruption controls
• Legal research and analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex legal frameworks and draft legally sound documentation.
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Risk management and compliance
• Dispute resolution and litigation management
• Facilitation skills, ethical decision making, Interpersonal skills
• Critical Reasoning Skills, Consultative & Integrity
• Confidentiality, Independence & Conservative
• Informed decision maker

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Legal Advisory and Compliance

• Provide legal guidance on corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and compliance matters related to the energy sector.
• Advise on industry-specific regulations, ensuring compliance with energy sector laws, environmental policies, and corporate governance standards.
• Monitor legal developments and update relevant departments on changes affecting the organization’s operations.
• Provide legal support to ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and health regulations governing the energy industry.
• Support internal teams in understanding legal obligations under environmental and safety laws and assist with reporting and audit requirements.
• Support corporate governance efforts, ensuring compliance with board requirements, state-owned enterprise regulations, and public sector legal frameworks.
• Advise on adherence to corporate governance codes, public procurement laws, and other requirements specific to state-owned entities.

Contract Drafting and Negotiation

• Draft, review, and negotiate various contracts and agreements, including joint ventures, supply contracts, service agreements, and licensing.
• Ensure contracts protect the organization’s interests, comply with applicable laws, and are aligned with business goals.
• Manage contract lifecycle processes, from initial drafting through to renewals, amendments, and termination.

Risk Management and Dispute resolution

• Identify and assess potential legal risks related to operational and strategic activities and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Support the organization in managing disputes, including handling claims, engaging in pre-litigation discussions, and coordinating with external counsel.
• Provide guidance on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods and assist with litigation management when necessary.

Intellectual Property and data privacy

• Oversee protection of intellectual property (IP) assets, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights relevant to the organization’s operations.
• Provide guidance on data privacy compliance and cybersecurity laws to protect organizational and client data.

Publish date:    03 July 2025

Closing Date:  07 July 2025

NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which includes, criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right not to fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Equity Plan.