Manager : Governance And Legal Services

Mancosa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a Manager for Governance and Legal Services. This role is pivotal in overseeing student and academic legal services, managing disputes, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. You will lead the development of governance frameworks, maintain student records, and serve as the secretariat for key committees. Your expertise in the South African higher education landscape will be essential for success. Join a dynamic team that values integrity and excellence, and contribute to shaping the future of education through effective governance and legal oversight.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in legal and governance roles within higher education.
• Proficiency in legal research and interpretation of policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage student and academic legal services and oversee disciplinary procedures.
• Provide governance oversight and maintain institutional policies and procedures.

Skills

Strong knowledge of South African higher education regulatory environment

Implementation of King IV principles

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Postgraduate qualification in Higher Education Administration

Job description

Job category : Others : Education and Training

Location : Johannesburg Metropolitan

Contract : Fixed Term Contract

EE position : Yes

Introduction: MANCOSA, a DHET registered and CHE accredited private higher education distance education provider, offering undergraduate and postgraduate business qualifications, has the following vacancy available.

CORE PURPOSE: The Manager: Governance and Legal Services will be responsible for the management of student and academic legal services, and provide oversight for student-related disciplinary, appeals and grievance procedures.

The candidate will additionally provide governance oversight and monitoring for the management and handling of student records and serve the role of secretariat for the Registrar's Office and related committee structures, including the establishment and management of the institution's Convocation.

The candidate will maintain the institution's governance matrix and monitor the maintenance of institutional policies and procedures within MANCOSA's quality management system (QMS).

CORE FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

1. Student and Academic Legal Services: Establish, manage and maintain the Legal Services structure within the Registrar's Office. Formulate a Legal Services Framework in line with the institution's strategic pillars.
2. Dispute Resolution: Mediate escalated student disputes. Provide formal mediation or arbitration for complex disputes, ensuring impartiality and adherence to institutional policies.
3. Policy Development and Review: Assist in the development, review, and implementation of institutional policies to ensure they are legally sound and compliant, and reflect on the Institutional Governance Matrix on the Quality Management System (QMS). Provide timely and accurate legal advice on student and academic matters.
4. Governance Matrix Maintenance on QMS: Establish the institutional Governance Matrix on the QMS, for the monitoring, maintenance and management of committee TORs, institutional policies, SOPs, charters, and frameworks. Ensure seamless integration of governance data with MANCOSA's QMS.
5. Secretariat Function for the Registrar's Office: Provide high-quality secretariat services for institutional committees and meetings. Organising and scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, circulating documents, taking minutes, and maintaining the resolutions register, following up on action items for the relevant governance committees (e.g. Senate).
6. Record Keeping: Managing and archiving minutes, policies, and sensitive institutional records in compliance with legal requirements. Manage the Registrar's Office documentation and record-keeping processes efficiently.
7. Establishment and Management of the Institution's Convocation: Develop and implement a Convocation framework in alignment with institutional requirements. Facilitate Convocation meetings and events to enhance alumni engagement. Maintain Convocation communication and records.
8. Oversight and Guidance for Student Disciplinary and Grievances & Appeals Committees: Establish a grievance and appeal and student disciplinary management procedure and system. Review and constitute the Student Disciplinary Committee and Grievances and Appeals Committees to ensure it is fit-for-purpose. Ensure student disciplinary matters and grievance processes are handled in accordance with institutional policies. Provide training and guidance to committee members on handling cases.
9. Governance Oversight of Student Records Management: Ensure the governance of student records is compliant with institutional and legal requirements. Implement best practices in the digitization and management of student records. Ensure the rigour and validity of the governance supporting the verification of historic student records.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
2. Postgraduate qualification in Higher Education Administration advantageous
3. 5 years of experience in legal and governance roles within higher education.
4. Experience working within a registrar's office.

Essential Job-Related Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour:

1. Strong knowledge of the South African higher education regulatory environment, frameworks, legislation and governance structures.
2. Strong understanding of, and experience implementing the principles of King IV.
3. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
4. Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
5. Strong attention to detail.
6. Ability to work independently and in a team.
7. Proficiency in legal research and interpretation of policies and regulations.

Physical Requirements of the Post: Must be capable of working with visual and auditory input.

Special Conditions Attached to the Job: Willingness to work overtime when required. Must have a valid South African driver's license.