Labour Relations jobs in South Africa

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Specialist Senior Counsel: Labour.

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Specialist Senior Counsel: Commercial in the Legal and Compliance Department. The incumbent will provide comprehensive expert Human Capital and employee / labour relations advise to the organisation and its subsidiaries. The position is based in Pretoria and reports into the Manager: Legal Services. A hybrid working arrangement is possible for this position.

• Provide timely, expert input and advice into the development and periodic review of the CSIR strategies, policies and procedures and Initiatives in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the Legal and Compliance Services annual strategic planning and budgeting processes on planned activities relating to this role.
• Remain abreast with changes in labour law; legislation, regulations, codes and best practices to ensure that the CSIR remains compliant and that the CSIR strategies, policies, procedures and Initiatives are abreast of the latest developments.
• Contribute to the cost effectiveness of the organisation by reducing the cost of non compliance and use of necessary external resources.
• Monitoring and advising the interpretation and implementation of new/draft labour legislation for CSIR's implementation, operationalization and compliance.
• Monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly reporting as required for purpose of accountability.

• Providing daily, sound legal support in the form of legal opinions, legal advice, contractual drafting and vetting of agreements to allocated CSIR internal clients.
• Actively participating in and support employee debt collection processes and efforts within organisation.

• Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate training of relevant staff on topical and pertinent human capital and labour relations matters including the author of relevant presentations for such purposes.
• Writing articles, case summaries, papers, etc for purposes of awareness training and development.
• Drafting memoranda to the Executive Committee and/or Board on significant developments and other matters in labour law for noting or approval.

• Attending to manager-recommended and/or self-identified training and development opportunities.
• Maintaining professional associations and affiliations membership.

• Managing all labour-related litigation in the organisation and providing timely reporting on same.
• Managing the reduction or elimination of external legal counsel costs, through clever litigation management and the brokering of settlements where possible.
• Engaging external legal counsel, ensuring adherence with CSIR Procurement processes to avoid irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

• Adhering to CSIR Policies and Procedures.
• Adhering to and promote CSIR EPIC Values within and outside the organisation.
• Assisting the Legal and Compliance Services to maintain a positive culture, excellent professional and customer service reputation.

• A Bachelor's degree Proc / LLB with at least eight years relevant experience as Labour Relations / Employment law practitioner and/or advisor with a track record in the following:
  • Legal drafting and presentation
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Mediation, Arbitration and Litigation Management
  • Employment contracting and sound understanding of all Labour law and practice
  • Communication and engagement with senior executives
  • Representation at the CCMA, Labour Court and other Dispute Resolutions Forums
  • Dealing with Trade Unions
• Admitted attorney in good standing with the Law Society / Bar Councils
• Relevant post graduate qualifications would be an advantage
• Working experience in a state-owned entity and knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and procurement processes related would be beneficial
• Thought leadership
• Self-Management
• Conflict resolution
• Attention to detail
• Influencing and Negotiation
• Judgement and decision making
• Planning and Organising

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant's educational qualification and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.