Commercial Lawyer

Specd; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A legal services firm located in Pretoria is seeking a highly skilled Commercial Lawyer for a 1-year contract. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in contract management and regulatory compliance, particularly within the public sector. Responsibilities include drafting high-value contracts, advising on procurement frameworks, and ensuring compliance with the PFMA. Candidates must hold an LLB degree and have 5-10 years of post-admission experience, with proven expertise working with Eskom, either directly or indirectly.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with a valid practicing certificate.
• 5-10 years of experience in commercial law and contract management.
• Strong experience with Eskom and public procurement legislation.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate high-value contracts.
• Advise on Eskom procurement frameworks and governance.
• Ensure compliance with PFMA and regulatory legislation.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Legal risk assessment

Education

LLB degree

Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa

Job description

Job Title: Commercial Lawyer

Employment Type: 1 Year Contract

Work Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

JOB CONTEXT

Were 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.