DIRECTOR: SOC GOVERNANCE AND LEGAL ASSURANCE

This senior leadership position within the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), based at Head Office in Pretoria, is responsible for steering the governance and legal assurance framework for the department and its portfolio of state-owned companies (SOCs). The Director: SOC Governance and Legal Assurance operates at a strategic level, ensuring that SOCs comply with legislative and policy prescripts while supporting the department’s executive management and shareholder functions. The role sits within a dynamic environment that demands a blend of legal expertise, corporate governance insight, and managerial capability, with a strong focus on accountability, transparency, and corrective action where compliance gaps are identified.

Candidates must hold an appropriate LLB degree or equivalent qualification at NQF level 7, recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and must have completed the pre-entry certificate for Senior Management Services (Nyukela). In addition, applicants must be admitted attorneys or advocates, bringing a strong legal background to the role. A minimum of five years of experience at middle or senior managerial level in legal or corporate governance is required. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable knowledge of legislative and policy frameworks relevant to the department and its SOCs, corporate governance in both public and private sectors, company law, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), project management, strategic planning, and risk management. Essential skills include communication, financial management, problem-solving, analytical thinking, honesty and integrity, change management, strategic capability, leadership, service delivery innovation, people management, and empowerment. The role also demands the ability to evaluate information, make sound decisions, exercise creativity and tact, and work both independently and as part of a team.

The Director will be responsible for developing standardised SOC governance review and reporting instruments, and for leading or participating in governance assurance projects that assess compliance and enable DEE management structures to facilitate corrective action where necessary. The role provides technical advisory services to executive management and shareholders on the appointment and dismissal of SOC board members. A key function is the development and coordination of the DEE’s legal assurance policy regime, as well as the establishment of a standardised legal instrument assurance framework for the SOC group. This includes aligning existing legal instruments and developing new ones to govern SOCs, drafting legal opinions on the shareholder interface process with SOC boards, and managing the directorate as a whole. The position is a senior management service post, graded at level 13 with an all-inclusive remuneration package. In line with the department’s employment equity targets, females from all racial groups, including African, Indian, Coloured, and White candidates, are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity for a seasoned legal and governance professional to make a meaningful impact on the oversight and integrity of South Africa’s state-owned energy entities.