🏛️ Organisation: Stellenbosch University – Legal Services Office
📌 Job Title: Junior Legal Advisor (Post Level 8)
🌍 Location: Stellenbosch Campus
💼 Department: Legal Services Office
🪪 Reference Number: RD/312/1225
📅 Commencement Date: 01 March 2026
⏳ Closing Date: 09 January 2026

About the Legal Services Office

Stellenbosch University’s Legal Services Office provides essential legal support across all levels of the institution. The office handles a wide scope of matters including contractual drafting and review, litigation oversight, policy development, stakeholder advisory work, and regulatory compliance.

As a Junior Legal Advisor, you will be based primarily within the Commercial Contracts Team, but your responsibilities will extend across the wider range of university legal functions.

Role Overview

This position involves delivering accurate, practical, and institution-aligned legal guidance to multiple stakeholders within the University. You will work across general advisory areas, contracts, policy matters, legal opinions, risk management, and stakeholder engagement—making this a dynamic and impactful legal role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1️⃣ General Legal Advice and Support

• Responding promptly to legal enquiries directed to the Legal Services Office.

• Providing clear written and verbal feedback within agreed timelines.

• Serving on internal task teams and advising on potential legal risks.

• Acting in the best interests of Stellenbosch University while balancing competing considerations.

2️⃣ Drafting, Reviewing & Vetting Legal Documents

• Drafting and reviewing legislation, policy documents, regulations, and contracts.

• Ensuring legal documents comply with relevant legislation and protect SU’s interests.

• Providing detailed commentary and recommending amendments to strengthen institutional positions.

3️⃣ Preparing Legal Opinions

• Developing well-reasoned, balanced, and practical legal opinions.

• Ensuring recommendations align with institutional strategy and legislative frameworks.

4️⃣ Liaising with External Legal Stakeholders

• Coordinating communication with external legal counsel in litigation and contract matters.

• Maintaining strong professional relationships with internal stakeholders and external service providers.

5️⃣ Legal Risk Management

• Identifying, evaluating, and mitigating legal risks across the University.

• Contributing to the improvement of policies, guidelines, and internal controls.

• Introducing legal safeguards to reduce exposure to liability.

6️⃣ General Administrative & Reporting Functions

• Working closely with Senior Legal Advisors and Commercial Contracts colleagues.

• Drafting reports and ensuring timely updates on legal matters.

• Maintaining accurate filing systems and document management processes.

Minimum Job Requirements

• LLB or relevant legal degree.

• Admission as an Attorney or minimum three years’ in-house/higher-education regulatory experience.

• At least two years’ post-admission experience (if admitted).

• Knowledge of legislation relevant to higher education (e.g., Higher Education Act, POPIA, PAIA).

• Strong experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and policies.

• Ability to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.

• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficient with MS Office and legal research tools.

• Strong judgement, professionalism, and independent decision-making ability.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines efficiently.

• Excellent organisational abilities and attention to detail.

Recommendations

• Prior work experience in a higher education or regulated sector.

• Exposure to legal risk management activities.

• Experience in contract drafting, policy development, and compliance advisory work.

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to provide pragmatic, institution-aligned legal guidance.

CV Tips for a Junior Legal Advisor Role

• Highlight contract experience clearly. Include examples of agreements you drafted or reviewed.

• Showcase regulatory knowledge. Mention relevant legislation (POPIA, PAIA, Higher Education Act).

• Add measurable achievements. For example: “Reduced contract turnaround time by 20%.”

• Demonstrate stakeholder engagement skills. Include internal and external collaboration examples.

• Emphasise writing ability. Strong written communication is crucial—include mentions of opinions, reports, or policy contributions.

• Tailor your CV to the role. Focus specifically on higher education, compliance, and contract work if applicable.

Enquiries

• Post-related enquiries: Mr Che Bermosky – 021 808 3912 | cheb@sun.ac.za

• HR, benefits & system support:

  • Stellenbosch: 021 808 2753

  • Tygerberg: 021 938 9636

  • Email: sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za

Employment Equity Statement

Stellenbosch University is committed to Employment Equity and will give preference in line with its EE Plan. The University values diversity and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right to conduct qualification checks and background screening.

If you do not receive feedback within 4–6 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.