Junior Legal Counsel

Mezzanine Ware; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions company in Stellenbosch is seeking a Junior Legal Counsel to support legal compliance and contracting operations. The candidate will provide legal advice, manage contracts, and assist with compliance to internal policies. Ideal candidates possess an LLB degree, and strong negotiation skills with 12 years of experience. This full-time role offers a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 12 years of work experience in an in-house counsel role or law firm.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple legal workstreams.
• Familiarity with Vodacom / Vodafone compliance processes advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support business teams by reviewing commercial frameworks and providing legal guidance.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts; manage the full contracting process.
• Conduct internal legal risk assessments and support ad-hoc legal queries.

Skills

Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Sound understanding of compliance and risk management principles

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney (completed articles)

Tools

Document management tools

Productivity tools

Job description

Junior Legal Counsel

About Mezzanine

Mezzanine designs and builds digital technology solutions for customers across Africa and beyond in order to create productive societies. Founded in 2012 Mezzanine has market-leading expertise in the agricultural health financial inclusion and education spaces and works with mobile network operators to bring about positive change in the lives of people through the opportunities created by digital solutions. Mezzanine is a home-grown African company delivering value to the people of Africa and beyond.

Mezzanine is a subsidiary of the Vodacom Group.

About the Role

We are looking for a Junior Legal Counsel to join our team. This role will support our legal compliance and contracting operations across the business. The successful candidate will work closely with various departments providing legal advice managing contracts supporting compliance with internal policies and Vodacom standards and helping to streamline legal processes.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented solutions-driven and confident in interpreting legal frameworks and managing risk. They should have strong communication skills an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and a proactive approach to supporting both operational and strategic business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support business teams by reviewing commercial frameworks and providing legal guidance
• Draft review and negotiate contracts; manage the full contracting process
• Maintain legal templates contract libraries and legal process documentation
• Monitor contract renewals expirations and ensure adherence to contractual commitments
• Conduct due diligence for new suppliers as part of the procurement process
• Collaborate with Vodacoms compliance team on reporting training and audits
• Implement the suite of Vodacom compliance policies across the business (examples : Anti-bribery & Corruption Economic Sanctions & Trade Controls and Generative AI)
• Conduct internal legal risk assessments and support ad-hoc legal queries
• Monitor regulatory updates and assess impact on Mezzanines operations
• Devise innovative solutions to improve legal processes

Requirements

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney (completed articles)

12 years of work experience in an in-house counsel role or law firm

Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills

Sound understanding of compliance and risk management principles

Proficient in using document management and productivity tools

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work independently and manage multiple legal workstreams

Advantageous

Experience in the telco or software industry

Familiarity with Vodacom / Vodafone compliance processes

Experience in working with contract or compliance management systems

Location : Stellenbosch (hybrid)

Start date : ASAP

Required Experience :

Junior IC

Key Skills

HR Development,Delivery,Flooring,Irrigation,ACCA,Document Management

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1