Job Description

Job description

Position Code


HRD-GL/06-012
Department


Legal
Job Grade


Manager (17)
Employment Type


Contractual (close-ended until June 30, 2026)
Reporting To


Director, Legal & Governance and Chief Data Protection Officer (Solid) and Country Director, SA (Dotted)
Location


South Africa

JOb Purpose

Provide strategic legal and compliance support to IRD South Africa and contribute to global operations. The role focuses on contracts, donor compliance, governance, data privacy, and litigation. This position ensures statutory compliance, mitigates legal and regulatory risks, and strengthens governance frameworks across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Draft, review, and negotiate donor contracts to ensure compliance with laws and donor requirements and organizational policies. Conduct legal research and provide clear, practical, solution-oriented legal advice to internal teams on donor-specific regulations and compliance obligations. Manage the contracts database, ensuring records are current and accurate. Develop, update and maintain contract templates, policies and compliance tools Ensure effective use and oversight of the Contract Management System. Advise on corporate governance, due diligence, entity registrations and statutory obligations. Prepare and review legal documentation for Governance Committee meetings, including agendas, minutes, and legal opinions. Collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure statutory compliance and timely resolution of legal requirements. Perform any other duty as assigned by the line manager. Oversee compliance with data protection laws (POPIA, GDPR, and others), including cross-border data transfer guidance. Support litigation and dispute resolution, liaising with external counsel where needed. Monitor changes in legislation and donor regulations, advising management on potential impacts. Perform other duties assigned by the line manager.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA)

Required Qualification


LLB and admission to practice law in South Africa (LLM in Corporate/Commercial Law preferred). Required Experience


7-9 years of legal practice, with expertise in contracts, governance, compliance, and dispute resolution. NGO or multinational corporate experience is desirable. Proven experience in managing external counsel and supporting litigation. Required Skills


Strong drafting, negotiation, and advisory skills on contracts and governance issues. In-depth knowledge of contract law, donor regulations, corporate governance, and data privacy frameworks (POPIA, GDPR, etc.). Proven ability to provide clear, practical legal advice to non-legal stakeholders. Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues concisely. High level of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment. * Strong organizational skills; able to manage competing priorities in a complex, international environment.