Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services vacancy at Department of Higher Education and Training - PSV Circular 36 of 2026

INTRODUCTION

Looking for a stable career in the Public Service? Department of Higher Education and Training is recruiting a Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services in Pretoria.

The advertised package is R1 554 696 a year (Level 14), (all-inclusive remuneration package). This post was published in Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, issued on 09 October 2026.

Job title	Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services
Department	Department of Higher Education and Training
Reference number	DHET02/10/2026
Salary	R1 554 696 a year (Level 14), (all-inclusive remuneration package)
Centre / location	Pretoria
Province	Gauteng
Closing date	23 October 2026
Circular	PSV Circular 36 of 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

The department is filling the position of Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services (Branch: Planning, Policy and Strategy). Reference number: DHET02/10/2026. Centre: Pretoria.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Main duties listed by the department:

To manage the provision of legal and legislative services.
Provide legal and legislative services for Education Institution.
Provide legal and legislative services to skills development.
Provide legal support to corporative services and planning and policy development.
Provide legal support for university institutions, technical vocational education and training institution.
Provide strategic direction for the functioning of the Chief Directorate.
Promulgate internal management directives and procedures for the Chief Directorate.
Present and obtain approval for the strategic business plan of the Chief Directorate.
Define goals and objectives for the Chief Directorate.
Manage the performance target for the Chief Directorate.
Control the allocated budget of the Chief Directorate according to departmental prescripts.
Compile performance agreement for sub-ordinates and ensure the development and mentoring of allocated members.
Manage the budgetary programme and ensure sound record management of the Chief Directorate.
Giving legal advice and drafting legal opinions on the application and effects of national legislation, providing strategic direction to the Unit and quality assurance on all legal issues and legal documentation in support of the Minister, Director-General, and the Department.
Provide day-to-day management of the Legal Services Unit and provide overall legal support.
Manage and administer information and documents for the Department as a Deputy Information Officer.
Conduct Strategic Planning, Budgeting and MTEF processes of the Chief Directorate to ensure high performance and cost effectiveness of legal services.
Management of Legal risks.
Manage all resources of the Directorate.
N.B.
All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise.

REQUIREMENTS

The department lists the following minimum requirements:

An appropriate Undergraduate Qualification LLB degree (NQF Level 7) as recognised by SAQA.
At least five (5) years' relevant experience at the Senior Managerial level in Law environment.
Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programmed as endorsed by NSG.
Strong knowledge and understanding of Public Service Regulation, Public Service Act, TVET College operation and Governance, White Paper on PSET and South Africa post-school education and training landscape particularly its legislative framework, policies and regulations as well as legislation applicable in the public service, expertise in the government corporate management framework, financial management, problem solving and analysis, people management and empowerment, risk management, strategic planning and supply chain management prescripts.
Proven strategic management and leadership capabilities and strong communicator with the ability to interact with the TVET College management.
Expertise in litigation, contract drafting, and interpretation of statutes.
Skills required: strategic capability and leadership; people management and empowerment; programme and project management; change management; client orientation and excellent verbal and written communication.
Be proactive, committed with integrity.
A valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the NEW Z83 form from the DPSA website and complete it in full.
Prepare a detailed CV with your qualifications, experience and contact details.
Write the reference number DHET02/10/2026 on your application.
Submit as instructed: DHET invites applicants to apply online on the New Z83 form by accessing the Departmental Website (click the 'apply now' button) or http://z83.ngnscan.co.za/apply and follow the easy prompts/instructions.
Make sure your application reaches the department by 23 October 2026.

Enquiries: Mr R Kgare Tel No: (012) 312 5442, Ms X Rikhotso Tel No: (012) 312 5513

Important notes:

Use the new Z83 form with a detailed CV. Old forms may lead to disqualification.
Late applications are not considered, so submit before the closing time.
Foreign qualifications must be supported by a SAQA evaluation report.
Expect personnel suitability checks such as criminal, qualification and employment verification.
Senior management posts require the SMS pre-entry certificate and extra assessments.

TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

Use the duties list as a guide for interview preparation and prepare one real work example for each major duty.
Write the reference number DHET02/10/2026 clearly on your application, subject line and CV so it is not misfiled.
Apply separately for each post. One application covering several posts is normally only considered for the first one.
Make sure your contact details on the Z83 and CV are current, with a working cellphone number and email address.
Posts at senior management level (Level 13 and above) require the SMS pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government (Nyukela programme), so confirm you qualify before you apply.

RELATED JOBS TO APPLY

Source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026. Always confirm details with the advertising department. OneCareer is not the employer and never charges for applying to a government post.

Chief Director: Department of Higher Education and Training - Closing 23 October 2026