Job Description

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Job Summary
The Legal, Governance, and Compliance Associate provides operational and advisory support across the College's legal, regulatory, governance, and compliance functions. The role supports the development and implementation of institutional policies, governance frameworks, and regulatory obligations in alignment with national higher education legislation and regulatory bodies.
The Associate also supports labour relations and employment law matters, including disciplinary processes, mediation, grievance management, and the review of HR policies to ensure compliance with applicable labour legislation and institutional governance standards. The incumbent operates within a regulated environment requiring sound legal judgment, procedural rigour, and high levels of professional integrity.
Main Purpose of the Job
To provide operational legal and regulatory support to the College across higher education compliance, institutional governance, policy development, labour relations, and risk management, ensuring that institutional practices are legally compliant, procedurally fair, and aligned with regulatory and governance frameworks.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAs)
The following are the primary areas of responsibility and their estimated percentage of time:
1. Regulatory Compliance and Governance Support - 20%
2. Legal Support, Policy Development and Labour Relations - 40%
3. Support to the Office of the CAO and Academic Teams - 20%
4. Engagement with Regulatory Bodies and Institutional Reporting - 20%
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Regulatory Compliance and Governance Support (20%)

• Support compliance with DHET, CHE, SAQA, and other applicable regulatory frameworks.

• Assist in implementing and monitoring the Quality Assurance Framework and institutional governance structures.

• Monitor regulatory developments and prepare briefing notes outlining institutional implications.

• Support programme accreditation applications and regulatory submissions.

• Maintain compliance registers, governance documentation, and risk trackers.

• Contribute to institutional risk identification and mitigation strategies.

2. Legal Support, Policy Development and Labour Relations (40%)
General Legal and Governance Functions

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and updating institutional policies and governance frameworks.

• Draft and revise Standard Operating Procedures and internal regulatory instruments.

• Conduct legal research on higher education legislation and regulatory developments.

• Review contracts, MOUs, and institutional agreements under supervision.

• Prepare advisory memoranda for the CAO and senior management.

• Support the resolution of legal matters assigned by senior leadership.

3. Labour Relations and Employment Law Support

• Provide legal support in staff disciplinary investigations and hearings.

• Draft charge sheets, notices of hearing, outcome letters, and sanction recommendations

• Facilitate or support internal mediation and grievance processes.

• Advise on procedural fairness in accordance with the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and applicable codes of good practice.

• Review and align HR policies with labour legislation and institutional governance standards.

• Assist in preparing documentation for CCMA or related labour forums where required.

• Maintain confidential records relating to labour matters and associated institutional risk.

• Monitor labour related compliance risks and recommend mitigation measures.

4. Support to the Office of the CAO and Academic Teams (20%)

• Provide high level operational legal and governance support to the Office of the CAO.

• Offer regulatory and governance guidance to academic leadership.

• Assist in coordinating cross functional compliance initiatives.

• Ensure academic policies, processes, and committee structures align with governance standards.

• Support governance committees with legal documentation and compliance tracking.

5. Engagement with Regulatory Bodies and Institutional Reporting (20%)

• Support accreditation processes, audits, and external evaluations.

• Assist in compiling the College's annual report with legal and compliance inputs.

• Prepare documentation for regulatory submissions and oversight processes.

• Support institutional responses to regulatory enquiries and investigations.

• Maintain documentation required for audit and site visit readiness.

Requirements
REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB
Qualifications & Experience

• An LLB degree (mandatory)

• Admission as an attorney or advocate, or professional recognition in compliance, is advantageous.

• At least 3 years of experience in a legal, regulatory, labour law or compliance role, preferably in higher education.

• Familiarity with South African higher education regulatory frameworks (DHET, CHE, SAQA).

• Strong background in policy development, labour law, compliance monitoring, and institutional governance.

• Working knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and related employment legislation.

Skills and Competencies
Regulatory and Legal Knowledge

• Strong understanding of higher education legislation and governance frameworks.

• Ability to interpret and apply statutory and regulatory requirements.

Labour Relations Competence

• Knowledge of disciplinary procedures, mediation processes, and procedural fairness.

• Ability to draft legally sound employment related documentation.

Analytical and Risk Management Skills

• Strong problem solving and compliance monitoring capability.

• Ability to identify legal risks and recommend corrective action.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to engage confidently with regulators, management, and staff.

Professional Attributes

• High ethical standards and integrity.

• Discretion in handling sensitive legal and HR matters.

• Strong organisational ability and attention to detail.

• Ability to work in a structured, regulated environment.

Skills Required