SENIOR STATE ADVOCATE (X2 POSTS)

The National Prosecuting Authority is seeking two Senior State Advocates to join its team in Pretoria, offering experienced legal professionals the opportunity to take on high-level prosecution work within a key public service institution. This is a senior role for advocates who can handle complex criminal and civil litigation independently, act with credibility and professionalism, and represent the State across all courts. The position is graded at a senior level and forms part of the NPA’s broader mandate to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

Candidates must hold an LLB degree, or an appropriate legal qualification for serving prosecutors seeking promotion, and have at least eight years of post-qualification legal experience in civil and/or criminal litigation. A further five years in legal practice is an added advantage, as is experience or knowledge of environmental cases. The right of appearance as contemplated in section 25(2) of the NPA Act is essential, along with demonstrable competency in acting independently, professionally, accountably and with credibility. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, sound decision-making ability, computer literacy in MS Office, and a valid driver’s licence are also required.

The duties are wide-ranging and central to the prosecution process. The successful candidate will study case dockets, decide on the institution of criminal proceedings, and conduct those proceedings on behalf of the State. This includes drafting charge sheets, indictments and other court documents, preparing cases for court by acquiring additional evidence, and presenting the State’s case in court. The role involves leading and cross-examining witnesses, addressing the court on conviction and sentence, attending to representations, preparing opinions and heads of argument, and arguing cases in the appropriate court. The incumbent will also appear in motion applications pertaining to criminal matters and generally conduct prosecutions in line with the NPA’s code of conduct, policies and directives. Beyond courtroom work, the role requires ensuring accurate statistics and good governance, mentoring and coaching junior prosecutors and advocates, quality-checking their work, and providing guidance and instructions to advocates, prosecutors, SAPS and DPCI on all aspects of the work. The post also involves participating in performance assessments of staff being mentored and promoting partner integration, community involvement and customer satisfaction within the criminal justice system.

Applicants should note that this is a public service position with specific application conditions. A fully completed Z83 form and a comprehensive CV must be submitted by the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies of qualifications and other documents. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Applications must be sent via email and must not be password protected or in ZIP format; the NPA uses an electronic response handling system, so applicants should not phone to check receipt but may follow up if no acknowledgement arrives within a week after the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates will be subject to a security clearance at least at confidential level, and appointment is provisional pending that clearance. Fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview, and the social media accounts of shortlisted applicants may be accessed as part of verification. Shortlisted candidates will also undertake pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and SMS-level posts are subject to additional requirements such as a lifestyle audit and psychometric assessments. A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required for SMS applicants in Public Service Act positions, though NPA Act appointments are exempt. The NPA reserves the right not to fill the posts, and applicants who do not receive feedback within six months should consider their applications unsuccessful.