Principal Legal Counsel : Market Inquiry

The Competition Commission is seeking a dynamic and results-driven legal professional to join its Market Inquiry Division as Principal Legal Counsel, based in Pretoria. This senior role sits at the intersection of competition law, market regulation and complex investigations, offering a unique opportunity to lead legal strategy within an institution dedicated to fostering a competitive, dynamic, deconcentrated and inclusive South African economy. The Market Inquiry Division conducts in-depth inquiries into markets where structural or behavioural features may hinder competition, and the successful candidate will play a central part in ensuring these investigations are legally sound, strategically focused and aligned with the objectives of the Competition Act.

Candidates must hold a completed Bachelor of Laws degree or equivalent qualification, with a Master's Degree in Law considered an added advantage. The role requires eight to ten years of experience, of which at least three years should preferably include management or strategic leadership experience. Demonstrated litigation experience in civil or commercial matters is essential, along with a good knowledge and understanding of Common Law and court proceedings. Experience in competition law and market regulation is a key requirement, as are strong drafting, analytical, negotiation and litigation skills. Proven research and investigative abilities, including evidence-based analysis, are also required, together with experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex investigations or legal projects, and guiding analytical work within a legal framework. Practical work exposure in the area of expertise and a completed Master's qualification will be further considered to balance against other requirements.

Reporting to the Divisional Manager, the Principal Legal Counsel will strategically lead the legal and analytical components of market inquiries. Key responsibilities include providing legal support and sound legal advice to the Divisional Manager and the Market Inquiry Panel, leading and managing the legal and technical dimensions of investigations, and guiding the scope definition and identification of issues. The incumbent will develop legal-analytical frameworks, draft terms of reference and other legal documents, and research international best practices and jurisdictional approaches. Day-to-day guidance to a technical team of senior analysts, analysts and junior analysts is a core part of the role, as is leading the development of information requests, review instruments and evidence-gathering protocols. The position also involves managing, supervising and evaluating the performance of a multi-disciplinary team, interpreting and applying competition legislation, drafting and reviewing inquiry reports, formulating potential remedies, monitoring compliance with recommendations, leading stakeholder engagements including public hearings, and managing external legal counsel. In addition, the role entails resource allocation, active participation in Commission Committees, and administering and executing activities to build capacity for research, report writing and correspondence.

This position is offered on a five-year fixed term contract with a competitive, market-related total cost-to-company package. The Commission provides a conducive, supportive and stimulating working environment, exposure to excellent local and international training opportunities in competition economics and law, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the Commission's Vision 2030. The successful candidate must fit with the Commission's values of communication, ownership, making a difference, professionalism, employee welfare, teamwork and efficiency. They should be a self-starter who can work under pressure, energetic and committed with strong attention to detail, and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Sound project management, case management, interpersonal, stakeholder engagement and presentation skills are essential, along with a strategic, visionary mindset, sound legal judgment, and solid leadership and team management abilities.