Strategic Direction and Alignment:

• Provide input in development of institutional strategy and communicate accordingly
• Research and report on unique legal issues impacting university infrastructure
• Lead and direct development of the department’s strategy and objectives aligned with institutional strategy and relevant legislation
• Oversee and guide development of operational plans and KPIs in support of the function and institution’s vision
• Initiate development and review of policies, processes, practices, procedures, and systems
• Provide strategic leadership to annual performance review development as required by DHET
• Provide strategic direction in the department’s area(s) of specialisation

Operational Leadership and Process Management:

• Provide strategic leadership regarding all department 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 Institution’s Intellectual Property 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 regarding policies and the legislative environment
• Attend to dealings with Curators and Liquidators where applicable
• Drive implementation of plans, policies, processes, practices, procedures, and systems ensuring sustainability of business
• Manage strategic relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders

Forecasting, Budgeting and Financial Management:

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

People Management:

• Lead, mentor, and empower employees and change within the department to promote high performance and optimal working environment
• Guide and influence strategic leadership in embedding institutional values and desired culture in line with Transformation Charter and CODeL+ 2016-2030 Strategy
• Drive high-performance culture by taking accountability for effective and well-articulated performance management process
• Monitor department resourcing 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, management of compliance and risk
• Participate in Institutional governance structures
• Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the University
• Compile reports on department 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, UNISA offers a variety of academic and career-focused programmes.

The position operates in accordance with relevant legislation, the UNISA 2030 Strategy, and the institution’s strategic vision and transformation agenda.