INTERN: LEGAL SERVICES: REF NO: 0004/2026 (Twenty-four-month contract)

The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), a National Government Component listed in Part A of Schedule 3 of the Public Service Act and reporting to the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, is offering a twenty-four-month internship within its Legal Services unit. Based in Pretoria, this opportunity is part of the CPSI’s broader commitment to youth skills development, giving unemployed graduates a structured entry point into public administration law. The CPSI’s work focuses on enabling a solution-focused, effective and efficient public sector through innovation, research, advice and special projects. An intern in this role will therefore be immersed not only in legal technical work but also in the wider reform and transformation agenda of the public service.

Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, as well as a recognised law degree at NQF level 7. They must be unemployed at the time of application, and those who have previously participated in an internship programme within any government department will not be considered. Practical legal training will be an added advantage. The ideal candidate will bring strong office management skills, computer literacy, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Sound work ethics, honesty, respectfulness, trustworthiness, and a clear client-oriented and customer-focused attitude are essential. Because the role involves sensitive employee information, a demonstrated understanding of confidentiality is critical. Good verbal and written communication skills are also required, along with the ability to engage effectively with both internal and external partners.

The core duties of the intern are wide-ranging and directly tied to legislative and legal processes within public administration. The successful candidate will be exposed to drafting legal opinions, handling litigation matters, and preparing contracts and service level agreements. They will also participate in the drafting, processing and interpretation of legislation relevant to public administration. This includes assisting with legal advice on existing public administration legislation, supporting the Public Administration Management Amendment Act, the Public Service Act and related regulations, and helping draft regulations that align with the Public Service Amendment Bill. The intern will further support the finalisation of the Handbook and reviewed determinations and directives, and contribute to the drafting and processing of other legislative reform processes. This makes the position ideal for a law graduate seeking practical exposure to the machinery of government and the legislative lifecycle.

Several important conditions apply. The CPSI intends to promote representivity through the filling of this position, and equity targets will be taken into account. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a practical exercise, integrity and ethical conduct checks, and personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship or permanent residency verification, financial records, and qualification or study verification. They may also be required to consent to access to their social media accounts, and reference checks will be conducted. The successful candidate will need to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement within three months of appointment, and complete a financial interest declaration within one month and annually thereafter. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority at the applicant’s own expense. The CPSI regrets that, due to budget constraints, it cannot cover travel, subsistence, relocation or resettlement costs related to recruitment. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, so applicants who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.