Senior Legal Advisor

Job Purpose: To provide professional in-house legal support across various business units of Gijima, including the drafting, vetting, and negotiation of commercial contracts, guidance on regulatory compliance, legal risk management, and support in public and private sector engagements.

This role aims to proactively mitigate legal risks and reduce dependency on external legal services by delivering responsive, strategic, and solutions-driven legal advice.

Formal Education

1. Grade 12
2. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree
3. Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Work Experience

1. Minimum of 3 years post-admission experience in a corporate legal department or reputable law firm
2. Demonstrated experience in corporate commercial law which includes contract drafting, commercial transactions, and legal advisory services
3. Exposure to ICT sector or understanding of technology contracts (advantageous)
4. Experience with public procurement frameworks and data protection regulations (beneficial)

Key Skills and Capabilities Required

1. Strong ability to draft and negotiate contracts (including licensing and service agreements)
2. Strong ability to draft correspondence relating to transactions
3. Understanding of dispute resolution / litigation process and applicable law
4. Ability to interpret and apply legal and regulatory frameworks in a business context
5. Risk assessment and legal mitigation strategies
6. Knowledge of South African Contract Law and Public Procurement Law
7. Solid understanding of POPIA and data privacy compliance
8. Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities
9. Clear verbal and written communication
10. Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research tools

Technical / Legal Certification

1. Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
2. Valid driver’s license
3. Additional certifications in contract management, compliance, or data privacy (advantageous)

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide sound legal advice on commercial and strategic matters
2. Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of contracts and legal documents
3. Assist in the preparation and review of tender documents
4. Ensure legal compliance with relevant legislation and internal policies
5. Identify and manage legal risks in transactions and operations
6. Support in resolving legal disputes and preparing documentation for potential litigation
7. Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external counsel
8. Contribute to knowledge sharing and legal training within the Group Legal function
9. Support implementation of legal process improvements
10. Maintain high standards of confidentiality and legal ethics

Personal Attributes

1. Professional and ethical
2. Analytical and detail-oriented
3. Proactive and self-motivated
4. Strong interpersonal skills
5. Calm under pressure and deadline-driven
6. Solution-focused and pragmatic
7. Resilient and adaptable