Strategic Direction and Alignment:

• Provide input in the development of institutional strategy and communicate accordingly
• Research and report on unique legal issues impacting the university infrastructure
• Lead and direct the development of the department’s strategy and objectives in line with institutional strategy and relevant legislation
• Oversee and guide the development of operational plans and KPIs
• Initiate development and review of policies, processes, practices, procedures, and systems
• Provide strategic direction in the department’s area(s) of specialisation

Operational Leadership and Process Management:

• Provide strategic leadership regarding all operations including Institutional and Administration Law, Labour Law, and Commercial Law services
• Provide consistent and sound legal advice and guidance to Management and all departments to enhance institutional governance
• Manage and attend civil and criminal litigations against or on behalf of Unisa
• Appear in court to testify on Unisa’s behalf when required
• Protect and advise on commercialising and managing the Intellectual Property (IP) of the Institution worldwide
• Manage documentation pertaining to transfer and registration of property for the Institution
• Negotiate, draft, and manage Unisa’s agreements and contracts ensuring adherence to approved due diligence processes
• Retain, instruct, and oversee external Legal Counsel as required
• Regulate and oversee legal compliance of the University in respect of policies and the legislative environment
• Attend to all dealings with Curators and Liquidators where applicable
• Drive implementation of plans, policies, processes, practices, procedures, and systems
• Manage strategic relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders

Forecasting, Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Formulate strategy forecast costs for Portfolio and Institutional budgeting processes
• Provide leadership regarding compilation and management of the department’s budget
• Oversee and monitor the department’s expenditure within budgeted parameters and report on variances periodically
• Manage the department’s resources efficiently, effectively, and economically in accordance with Unisa policies

People Management:

• Lead, mentor, and empower employees and manage change within the department to promote high performance and cost-effective operations
• Guide and influence strategic leadership in embedding institutional values and desired culture in line with the Transformation Charter and CODeL+ 2016-2030 Strategy
• Drive a high-performance culture through effective performance management processes
• Monitor the resourcing of the department through recruitment and filling of positions
• Foster an organisational culture and climate that is ethics and value driven

Governance and Reporting:

• Monitor and report on legislative and statutory compliance as defined by government and relevant professional bodies
• Promote sound institutional governance principles through effective planning, maintenance of operations and service standards
• Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the University
• Compile reports on the department’s performance at required intervals reflecting all relevant statistics

Unisa is a dedicated distance Higher Education institution funded by the Department of Education and Training in South Africa. As a Comprehensive, Open and Distance Learning (CODeL+) Institution, it offers a variety of academic and career-focused programmes in alignment with the Unisa 2030 Strategy, strategic vision, and transformation agenda.