DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS Sexual Offences and Community Affairs

The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions within the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs unit, commonly known as SOCA, is a senior leadership role based at the National Prosecuting Authority’s Head Office in Pretoria or the Durban regional office. This position operates at a high executive level within the NPA’s specialised unit dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide, and it carries significant responsibility for shaping the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the unit’s mandate. The incumbent will report directly to the Special Director and will be expected to manage complex portfolios, oversee prosecutorial teams, and ensure that the unit’s objectives around domestic violence, sexual offences, child justice, maintenance, trafficking in persons, and other GBV matters are met with professionalism and legal rigour.

Candidates must hold an LLB degree, or an appropriate legal qualification for serving prosecutors seeking promotion, and must have at least ten years of post-qualification experience in criminal law litigation, with regional or High Court experience considered an advantage. Admission as an attorney or advocate is a non-negotiable prerequisite, as is the right of appearance under section 25(2) of the NPA Act. The role demands demonstrable competency in acting independently, professionally, accountably, and with credibility, alongside strong advocacy and legal drafting skills. Extensive knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Act and gender-based violence legislation is essential, and completed GBVF training courses are required. Applicants must also show proven expertise in the SOCA mandate across all its focus areas, including domestic violence, sexual offences, child justice, maintenance, and trafficking. In addition to legal expertise, the position requires seven years of middle management experience, including administration and project management, as well as knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, financial management, strategic planning, and operational implementation. Skills in public awareness initiatives, stakeholder management, research, training material development, and presentation are also critical. The successful candidate must be computer literate in MS Word, Teams, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, hold a valid driver’s licence, be willing to travel extensively, and obtain a positive security clearance. Knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, disciplinary processes, and international legislation or protocols will be advantageous.

The core duties are wide-ranging and include managing assigned portfolios, liaising with stakeholders, training and guiding SOCA cluster managers and prosecutors, providing prosecutor-guided investigations, and prosecuting cases when directed. The role involves studying case dockets, making and reviewing decisions on instituting criminal proceedings, preparing cases for court, appearing in appeals and reviews, and drafting legal opinions. Strategically, the deputy director will lead the implementation of unit strategies, oversee resources, manage staff performance and development, handle representations and complaints, and ensure high professional standards. The position also requires promoting partner integration, community involvement, and customer satisfaction within the criminal justice system, as well as initiating and coordinating public awareness campaigns and training sessions. Financial responsibilities include assisting with budget planning and donor funding management, while also representing the NPA on SOCA matters with the media or other platforms as requested. Quality control of statistics, performance management, report compilation, and ensuring good governance and compliance are all part of the role, along with any other tasks deemed necessary by the Special Director.

This is an OSD-graded position with a total cost-to-company package, and it is a re-advertisement for the Durban location. The NPA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified individuals, with equity targets likely applying. Successful candidates will undergo a security clearance at least at confidential level, and appointment will be provisional pending that clearance. Fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview, and shortlisted applicants may have their social media accounts reviewed. The application process requires a completed Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, with certified copies of qualifications and SAQA evaluations for foreign qualifications only requested from shortlisted candidates. The NPA uses an electronic response handling system, and applicants should not contact the office directly to check receipt of applications. If no acknowledgement is received within a week after the closing date, candidates may follow up. The NPA reserves the right not to fill the position, and if no response is received within six months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. This role is ideal for a seasoned legal professional with a passion for justice in gender-based violence matters and proven leadership in a prosecutorial environment.