Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Legal Administration Officer Vacancy 2026

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Legal Administration Officer Vacancy 2026 is available in Pretoria for applicants with an LLB degree or relevant SAQA-recognised qualification. The Legal Administration Officer (MR2): Litigation Support position offers a salary of R304 299 per annum and requires at least one year of post-qualification legal/litigation experience.

This opportunity is aimed at suitably qualified legal professionals with knowledge of environmental, mining, constitutional and administrative law. Applications for the DFFE Legal Administration Officer: Litigation Support vacancy, Ref No: RCSM38/2026, must be submitted online before 19 October 2026 at 16:00.

Key Vacancy Details

Who Should Apply?

Applicants should consider this position if they hold an LLB degree or relevant qualification recognised by SAQA, have at least one year of post-qualification legal/litigation experience and meet the other requirements of the position.

Candidates must also have a valid Code B driver’s licence and be willing to travel.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• LLB degree or relevant qualification recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of one year post-qualification legal/litigation experience.
• Valid Code B driver’s licence.
• Willingness to travel.

Knowledge and Required Skills

Candidates should have knowledge of:

• Environmental Law
• Mining Law
• Constitutional Law
• Administrative Law

Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply laws, legislation and policies.

Required competencies include:

• Good analytical and research skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Good legal drafting skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Proactive and positive attitude.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing legal opinions on losses and damages suffered by the Department in line with Treasury Regulations and relevant policies.
• Drafting legal opinions in accordance with litigation protocols.
• Handling litigation matters.
• Receiving summonses and notices of motion.
• Determining the merits of matters and obtaining documents and information from relevant line functions.
• Consulting line functions and obtaining instructions on whether matters should be defended or opposed.
• Sending instructions to the State Attorney and ensuring counsel is appointed.
• Obtaining status reports from State Attorneys to update the litigation system.
• Ensuring matters are finalised.
• Providing litigation support to the Department.
• Facilitating training sessions relating to legal matters.
• Ensuring referrals, media enquiries and parliamentary enquiries are attended to as a priority.

Before You Apply

Applicants must prepare the new signed Z83 Application for Employment form together with a recent detailed CV.

For the online application, the Z83 form and CV must be in PDF format and combined into one document/attachment.

Do not include additional documents unless requested by the Department at a later stage.

Download the official Z83 Application for Employment Form

How to Apply – Step by Step

Applications must be submitted online.

First, complete and sign the new Z83 form and prepare your recent detailed CV. Convert both documents to PDF and combine the Z83 and CV into one document/attachment.

Make sure you use the correct:

Position: Legal Administration Officer (MR2): Litigation Support
Reference Number: RCSM38/2026

Then submit your application through the Department’s official e-Recruitment system:

Apply Online – DFFE e-Recruitment Portal

Applicants should complete their applications before the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.

Employment Equity

The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment states that it is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

Enquiries

Ms Arista Wasserman
Tel: (012) 399 9344

Closing Date

19 October 2026 at 16:00

No late applications will be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply with an LLB degree?
Yes. An LLB degree or relevant qualification recognised by SAQA is required.

Is this an entry-level position with no experience required?
No. Applicants need at least one year of post-qualification legal/litigation experience.

Do I need a driver’s licence?
Yes. A valid Code B driver’s licence and willingness to travel are required.

How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the Department’s online e-Recruitment portal. Your signed Z83 form and detailed CV should be combined into one PDF document.

When do applications close?
Applications close on 19 October 2026 at 16:00.

Sources & References

DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 – Official Source

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment e-Recruitment Portal

Nobuhle

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