Commercial Lawyer

SPECD (Pty) Ltd; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A South African law firm is seeking a skilled Commercial Lawyer with expertise in PFMA and experience with Eskom. The role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, providing legal advice on procurement frameworks, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The ideal candidate should possess an LLB degree, be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate, and have a strong track record in commercial law and contract management. This position is pivotal for navigating the legal landscape of South Africa’s energy and infrastructure sector.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in commercial law and contract management.
• 5+ years post-admission experience.
• Proven experience with Eskom.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate high-value commercial contracts.
• Provide legal advice on Eskom procurement frameworks.
• Ensure full compliance with the PFMA and other applicable legislation.

Skills

Drafting contracts

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Legal compliance

Education

LLB degree

Admission as Attorney or Advocate in South Africa

Job description

Are you a sharp, hands‑on Commercial Lawyer with a deep understanding of the PFMA, a talent for contract management, and experience working for or with Eskom? We’re looking for someone who can navigate the legal, commercial, and regulatory landscape of large‑scale projects while ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and driving smooth contract execution. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of commercial and public‑sector transactions, making an impact on South Africa’s energy and infrastructure sector.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job Title: Commercial Lawyer

Employment Type: 1 Year Contract

Work Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

JOB CONTEXT:

We’re seeking a highly skilled and proactive Commercial Lawyer who combines deep expertise in the PFMA with a proven track record in contract management and experience working for or with Eskom. In this pivotal role, you will navigate the intricate legal, commercial, and regulatory landscape of large‑scale projects, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and driving seamless contract execution. You will provide strategic legal guidance across complex commercial and public‑sector transactions, playing a key role in shaping South Africa’s energy and infrastructure landscape while delivering tangible impact for both the organisation and the communities it serves.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft, review, and negotiate high‑value commercial contracts related to Eskom and other public‑sector projects.
• Provide legal advice on Eskom procurement frameworks, governance requirements, and internal policies.
• Ensure full compliance with the PFMA, PPPFA, and other applicable public procurement and regulatory legislation.
• Support tender processes, bids, and contract awards, including legal due diligence and risk assessment.
• Advise on commercial and legal risk, including liability, penalties, variations, and contract management issues.
• Interpret and apply complex contractual terms in a practical, business‑focused way.
• Manage disputes, claims, and contractual disagreements, including liaison with external legal counsel.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to align legal advice with business objectives and operational needs.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting Eskom and the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Assist with developing and improving internal legal, compliance, and governance processes.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• LLB degree and admission as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
• Qualified lawyer with a valid practicing certificate (jurisdiction‑specific).
• 5‑10 Years experience.
• 5+ years’ post‑admission experience in commercial law and contract management.
• Strong post‑admission experience in commercial law.
• Proven experience working with Eskom (directly or via contractors/suppliers).
• Solid working knowledge of the PFMA and public procurement legislation.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• A practical, solutions‑focused mindset in a regulated environment.

PACKAGE & REMUNERATION:

• Compensation will be determined based on qualifications, applicable experience, and previous earnings.