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CENTRAL ENERGY FUND (CEF)
 


​SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR: LITIGATION
Sandton, South Africa
 
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY
 
CEF SOC
CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.
 
JOB PURPOSE:
The Senior Legal Advisor provides expert legal advice, oversight, and management of litigation matters within the Group, ensuring legal risks are mitigated, compliance with applicable laws and regulations is upheld, and the organisation’s legal interests are protected.
 
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Law (LLB) or equivalent.
  • A minimum of 5-8 years in litigation and dispute resolution. 
  • Must be admitted attorney.
  • Previous experience in the public sector, energy sector, or state-owned entities will serve as an added advantage.
  • Master’s Degree (NQF 9) in Corporate/ Commercial Law or equivalent qualification will serve as an added advantage.
 
DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES:
  • Strong knowledge of corporate, commercial, administrative, labour, and regulatory law, with familiarity in PFMA, King IV, and relevant South African legislation
  • Sound knowledge of public procurement and tendering law
  • Sound knowledge of anti-bribery and anti-corruption controls
  • Strong legal research and analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex legal frameworks and draft legally sound documentation
  • Skilled in litigation strategy development, case management, risk management, compliance, and dispute resolution
  • Proficient in facilitation, consultative engagement, negotiation, and ethical decision making
  • Strong interpersonal and critical reasoning skills
  • Demonstrate integrity, confidentiality, independence, a conservative approach, and informed decision making
 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
Litigation Management
  • Lead, manage, and oversee all litigation matters (civil, commercial, labour, regulatory, and contractual disputes) across the Group.
  • Develop and implement litigation strategies that minimise risk and optimise outcomes for the organisation.
  • Engage, brief, and manage external counsel and attorneys to represent the organisation in courts, tribunals, and arbitration proceedings.
  • Monitor progress and costs of litigation, ensuring cost-effective and efficient resolution.
  • Manage high-stakes litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), coordinating with external counsel and representing the organization in legal proceedings
  • Responsible for legal costs verification and management
  • Attend to the bill of costs before the taxing before the Master of the Court.
Legal Advisory & Risk Mitigation
  • Provide legal opinions, advice, and guidance on complex litigation and dispute resolution matters to senior leadership.
  • Identify legal risks across Group operations and recommend proactive risk mitigation strategies.
  • Advise on the enforceability of contracts and agreements where potential disputes may arise.
  • Contribute to the development of legal risk frameworks, policies, and compliance controls.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
  • Represent the organisation in high-level negotiations, mediations, and settlement discussions.
  • Provide research support to external counsel by preparing case materials, analysing precedents, drafting background notes, and compiling evidence to strengthen arguments and ensure effective case strategy
  • Liaise with regulators, statutory bodies, and external stakeholders regarding litigation and compliance matters.
  • Build strong internal relationships to support business units in addressing litigation-related issues
Governance & Compliance 
  • Ensure all litigation matters are managed in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), corporate governance codes (King IV), and other applicable legislation.
  • Maintain accurate records of litigation cases, outcomes, and related legal documentation.
  • Draft and review internal reports, submissions to EXCO and Board Committees regarding significant litigation risks and cases.
People and Knowledge Management
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior legal staff within the department.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing on litigation precedents, case law, and regulatory updates.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes, litigation management systems, and reporting tools.




​Closing Date:  24 October 2025
 
NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which includes, criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right to not fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Equity Plan.
 
Department: Legal, Risk, and Compliance
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE