Job Description

The Competition Commission seeks to appoint a dynamic, hard-working and committed individual to fill the role of Principal Legal Counsel in the Market Inquiry Division. This is a unique opportunity for a legal expert with a strong background in investigation, market regulation, competition law, litigation processes and investigative analysis. The successful incumbent will lead legal and analytical work in market inquiries.



Reporting to the Divisional Manager, the Principal Legal Counsel will strategically lead the legal and analytical components of market inquiries, ensuring that investigations are legally sound, strategically focused, and aligned with the objectives of the Competition Act. You will also be responsible for resource allocation, actively participating in Commission Committees, administering and executing activities to build capacity for research, report writing and correspondence. report writing and correspondence. As the Principal Legal Counsel, you will be required to strategically lead, direct and manage the market inquiry technical team as well as supervise a team of analysts.

A starting annual total cost to company package of R 1 862 650.39 (negotiable commensurate with experience).

Please note that this position is available on a five-year fixed term contract.

Key Accountabilities

The main responsibilities of the incumbent will, amongst others, include:

Provide legal support to the Market Inquiry Division, including conducting research on legal issues and providing sound legal advice to the Divisional Manager and the Market Inquiry Panel. Leading and managing the legal and technical dimensions of market inquiry investigations. Guiding the scope definition, identification of issues, and development of legal-analytical frameworks in inquiries, including the drafting of terms of reference and other legal documents. Conceptualise and develop the analytical framework for assessing the issues identified in a market inquiry, including research of international best practices and jurisdictional approaches to similar issues. Provide day-to-day guidance to the technical team of senior analysts, analysts and junior analysts in the market inquiry with regards to legal analysis. Leading the development of information requests, review instruments, and evidence-gathering protocols. Managing, supervising, and evaluating the performance of a multi-disciplinary team of legal and analytical professionals. Interpreting and applying competition legislation to determine whether market features hinder competition or the public interest. Drafting and reviewing inquiry reports actions. Take lead in the formulation of potential remedies required to address competition distortions identified by the market inquiry. Take lead in the monitoring of compliance with the recommendations and remedial actions of a market inquiry. Leading stakeholder engagements, including public hearings and consultations on legal and evidentiary issues. Managing external legal counsel, through the Legal Services Division or directly, and ensure effective case strategy and execution. Providing litigation support for market inquiries, including appearances before the Competition Tribunal and courts. Representing the Commission in strategic forums and contributing to capacity building in legal research and compliance. Participating in Commission planning, committees, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

We are looking for a strategic legal professional who meets the following requirements:

A completed LLB Degree or equivalent qualification. 8 - 10 years post-admission experience, of which at least 3 years preferably includes management or strategic leadership experience. Experience in Competition Law experience and market regulation is essential. Strong drafting, analytical, negotiation and litigation skills. Proven research and investigative skills including evidence-based analysis. Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex investigations or legal projects and guiding analytical work within a legal framework.

Other considerations:

Practical work exposure to area of expertise will be further considered to balance against other requirements A completed Masters qualification will be an added advantage. Admission as an Attorney or Advocate (completed pupillage if admitted as Advocate) will be an added advantage. Practical exposure to drafting and managing high-impact reports, legal submissions, and litigation strategies will be further considered.

Personality and Attributes

Over and above well-developed technical skills in your specialisation areas, the incumbent must demonstrate, amongst others:

Fit with the Commissions Values. (

C

ommunication,

O

wnership,

M

aking a difference,

P

rofessionalism,

E

mployee Welfare,

T

eamwork,

E

fficiency). Be a self-starter. Able to work under pressure. Energetic and committed with strong attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Sound project management skills. A strategic, visionary mindset with sound legal judgment. Strong litigation, drafting and analytical skills. Case management skills. Strong interpersonal, stakeholder engagement and presentation skills. Solid leadership and team management skills

We offer:

A competitive compensation and benefits structure. A conducive, supportive, stimulating working environment. Exposure to excellent local and international training opportunities in the field of competition economics and law. An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the attainment of the Commission's vision 2030 of a Competitive, Dynamic, Deconcentrated and inclusive Economy that serves all South Africans.

Employment Equity:

Over and above operational requirements, our appointment will take into account the country's and organisational Employment Equity imperatives.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The Commission is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Taking into account the Commission wide and Market Inquiry Division specific staff profiles, female candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons living with disability are encouraged to apply.

Application Process:

All international qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA accreditation certificate. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric assessments. The successful candidate will be vetted for security purposes. The Commission reserves the right not to fill this position.

Closing Date: 15 August 2025 at 17H00.

If you meet all the criteria above and are looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference to our economy, then look no further than the Competition Commission! We look forward to receiving your comprehensive CV.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. FEEDBACK WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.