Paterson Grade: E1
Remuneration: R1, 544, 835.17 CTC (plus a possible 20% performance bonus)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The MQA is mandated by the Skills Development Act (SDA) 97 of 1998 to drive skills development within the mining and minerals sector (MMS). Its scope covers a diverse range of sub-sectors, including Coal Mining, Gold Mining, Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Mining, Diamond Mining, other mining commodities, Cement, Lime, Aggregates, and Sand, as well as services related to the mining industry, Diamond Processing, and Jewellery Manufacturing.
The MQA requires the service of a suitably qualified and competent individual to fill the above-mentioned position.
Role Purpose: To provide sound, professional, efficient legal and governance services to the MQA. Developing legal and governance frameworks to ensure compliance with legislation, policies, procedures and all regulatory requirements.
This position reports to the Executive Manager Corporate Services
Key Performance Areas:
Contract Management and Monitoring: Develop, review, and manage contracts, agreements, MOUs, and SLAs in compliance with applicable legislation, governance frameworks, and MQA policies. • Monitor contract implementation and performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and organisational requirements. • Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on the negotiation, execution, monitoring, renewal, and termination of contracts. • Manage contractual non-compliance matters and implement appropriate remedial actions to mitigate legal and operational risks. • Develop and enhance legal, governance, and contract management processes, systems, and procedures to support effective service delivery. • Coordinate training and capacity-building initiatives on contractual and governance obligations for relevant stakeholders. • Maintain a contract management and tracking system to ensure effective oversight of contract milestones, renewals, expiries, and terminations. • Ensure all contractual arrangements align with applicable legislative requirements, governance standards, and best practices.
Corporate Governance Advisory Services: • Provide strategic corporate governance advice and support to the organisation on governance-related matters. • Lead the development and review of Terms of Reference, charters, and governance frameworks. • Oversee the induction, training, and development of governance structures and officials on governance and fiduciary responsibilities. •Provide governance guidance to support effective decision-making and compliance. • Oversee governance administration and secretariat support for governance structures and committees. • Ensure the preparation of governance reports in line with approved frameworks and reporting requirements. • Ensure the provision of accurate, reliable, and timely governance information to stakeholders. • Oversee the preparation and submission of governance documentation for internal and external audits. • Provide input into the identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring of operational risks within the Unit. • Provide strategic governance support and guidance to management and internal stakeholders on governance, compliance, and risk management matters.
Strategy Policies and Procedures: • Lead the development and implementation of the MQA policy framework, including oversight of the Compliance Policy and Document Management Policy. • Provide strategic legal and governance advice and support to enable effective decision-making and organisational compliance. • Oversee the development, review, amendment, and enhancement of organisational policies to ensure alignment with legislative and governance requirements. • Develop and implement legal and governance frameworks, processes, and procedures, and ensure their effective communication across the organisation.
Compliance Management • Lead the development and implementation of the MQA compliance framework and compliance monitoring schedule. • Advise management on strategic and operational compliance risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and provide guidance to ensure organisational compliance with applicable prescripts and requirements. • Ensure compliance with the MQA Constitution, enabling legislation, and other applicable regulatory frameworks. • Oversee the review and maintenance of the MQA’s founding and governance documents to ensure continued legal and operational relevance. • Provide strategic input into the development, implementation, and enhancement of the MQA’s corporate governance framework.
Legal Services: • Provide strategic legal advice, guidance, and legal opinions to management, the Accounting Authority, and the organisation. • Oversee the drafting, review, interpretation, and negotiation of legal documents, contracts, agreements, and related correspondence. • Provide legal oversight and support on employment, labour, and employee relations matters, including disciplinary processes, grievances, arbitrations, conciliations, and other quasi-judicial and judicial proceedings. • Manage litigation, dispute resolution, and legal proceedings involving the organisation, and coordinate engagements with legal service providers. • Oversee the appointment and management of external legal service providers and review legal opinions, pleadings, and related legal documentation. • Partner with business units to identify legal, governance, compliance, and regulatory requirements and provide appropriate advisory support. • Ensure the preparation of legal reports, submissions, opinions, and correspondence to support organisational decision-making. • Lead awareness, training, and capacity-building initiatives on legal, governance, compliance, and regulatory matters. • Monitor legal risks and emerging legislative developments and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. • Support the effective management of legal, governance, and compliance matters to promote organisational accountability and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholder Capacitation: • Lead the development and implementation of training and awareness initiatives on legal, governance, compliance, and contractual matters across the organisation. • Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of legal and contract management processes throughout the contract lifecycle. • Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support effective legal, governance, compliance, and contractual outcomes.
Financial Management: • Compile budget for approval • Manage all costs in line with budget. Investigate and action any items of over expenditure • Review the monthly expenditure and explain and/or action all areas of discrepancy.
Unit Performance Management: • Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Legal, Governance and Compliance Unit to ensure the achievement of organisational objectives. • Allocate responsibilities and resources in line with the Unit structure, priorities, and reporting lines. • Lead, manage, and monitor the performance of the Legal, Governance and Compliance team to ensure the delivery of Unit targets. • Drive employee development, coaching, and succession planning to build a high-performing and capable team. • Ensure performance agreements are concluded and aligned to organisational and Unit strategies, plans, and performance objectives. • Monitor, evaluate, and address team performance to promote accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
Key requirements: qualifications, experience, and competencies
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
- Admission as a legal practitioner in terms of the Legal Practice Act will be preferred.
- Master of Laws (LLM) or a Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Governance, Compliance, Risk Management, Public Administration, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field will be an added advantage.
- Membership with a recognised professional legal body, such as the Legal Practice Council, will be advantageous.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in legal, governance, compliance, or corporate affairs environments, of which at least 5 years must have been at a senior management level.
- Excellent knowledge of the SETA landscape and the relevant policies, legislation and regulations that govern it.
Competencies:
Knowledge: • In-depth knowledge of Corporate Governance practices, Company Law and other relevant legislation • Knowledge of contractual law, litigation and interpretation of statutes • Understanding of legal and governance procedures and processes in the South African Context • Understanding and interpretation of contracts • Understanding of corporate governance in the public and private sector• Understanding of skills development and training in South Africa
Skills: • Project management • Communication • People orientation • Interpersonal • Computer literate • Drafting/reporting • Presentation • Analytical • Systematic.
Attributes: • Integrity • Perseverance • Decisiveness • Results orientation • Confidentiality • Stakeholder/relationship focus • Professional • Ethical.
The candidate should also be willing to:
Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities within demanding timeframes, including extended working hours when required. • Work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. • Travel away from home if required. • Engage in a lifelong learning process relative to the context of the workplace.
Closing Date: 10 June 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Interested candidates should submit their applications which shall consist of a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of their qualifications, a valid drivers’ licence, and valid proof of identification (all documents should be certified within 6 months) to: www.cvspaces.co.za
The MQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; therefore, the filling of the position will be in line with its Employment Equity Plan.
Recommended candidates will be expected to undergo a professional competency assessment and vetting processes.
A successful applicant will be required to disclose their financial interest.
Should you not hear from the MQA within 4 weeks of the closing date, you must regard your application as unsuccessful.
The MQA reserves the right not to appoint any person for this position.
To apply www.cvspaces.co.za.