Comprehensive Overview of the Officer: Legal Administration Position
Position Title: Officer: Legal Administration (x4)
Division: Governance
Reference No: 4834
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Disability (EE targeted role): No
T.A.S.K Grade: 10
Job Posting Salary: R434,656.00
Job Posting End Date: 13 Sep 2024
Overview of the Road Accident Fund
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is a pivotal institution in South Africa, dedicated to providing financial support and compensation to road users affected by motor vehicle accidents. The primary mission of the RAF is to ensure that all road users within South Africa receive adequate cover, rehabilitation, and compensation for injuries sustained in road traffic accidents. Additionally, the RAF aims to foster road safety by promoting the responsible use of roadways.
Purpose of the Job
The role of the Officer: Legal Administration is central to the efficient functioning of the RAF’s claims settlement processes. This position entails managing and processing documentation related to claims, coordinating various procedures, and facilitating early dispute resolution outside of court proceedings. The job is designed to ensure that claims are handled promptly and effectively, contributing to the overall mission of the RAF.
Key Performance Areas
- Legal Administration
- Transcription and Proofreading: One of the core responsibilities is to transcribe and proofread legal documents related to settlement discussions. This ensures that all documents are accurate and meet legal standards.
- Collation of Directives: The officer is responsible for collating directives and updating the case file database. This includes maintaining organized and up-to-date records of all relevant information.
- Information Retrieval: Efficient retrieval of information upon request is crucial. The officer must ensure that all required information is accessible and provided in a timely manner.
- Arbitration Administration: Managing processes related to the arbitration of disputes between parties falls under this role. This includes coordinating meetings and facilitating discussions to resolve conflicts.
- Briefing Experts: The officer will be tasked with briefing experts involved in administering claims, ensuring they have all necessary information and understanding.
- Hearing Sessions: Administering hearing sessions is part of the role, which involves ensuring that all parties present their information or evidence related to claims accurately.
- Confidentiality and Documentation: Ensuring the confidentiality of all documents under control is critical. The officer must also ensure that documentation reaches its intended recipients securely.
- Follow-ups: The role involves following up on outstanding matters on behalf of the Legal Administration department to ensure timely resolution.
- Documenting Proceedings: Documenting the proceedings of claim discussions and following up on the action log are necessary for maintaining an accurate record of the settlement process.
- Filing Settlement Agreements: Proper filing of settlement agreements is required to ensure all documents are readily accessible for future reference.
- Block Settlements
- Meeting Arrangements: The officer will arrange meetings for block settlements, coordinating schedules and ensuring all relevant parties are present.
- Management of Court Documentation: Managing court documentation and filing is a key responsibility. This includes ensuring that all documents are properly filed and maintained.
- Monitoring Court Processes: The officer must diarise and monitor court processes, keeping track of all relevant dates and deadlines.
- Clarification on Claims Offers: Providing clarity and narration on the assessment and determination of claims offers is essential to ensure that all parties understand the offers made.
- Reporting
- Report Preparation: The officer will contribute to the preparation and submission of reports, which involves compiling data and presenting it in a clear and concise manner.
- Regular Reporting: Regular and periodic reporting is required to provide progress updates and inform management decisions. This involves preparing submissions as needed.
- Stakeholder Management
- Relationship Management: Developing and maintaining proactive and progressive relationships with key stakeholders is crucial. This includes managing interactions and ensuring effective communication.
- Handling Inquiries: The officer will handle inquiries and requests for information from both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that all queries are addressed promptly.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in law or an equivalent qualification. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge required for handling legal documentation and processes effectively.
Experience
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in a Legal Administration-related environment. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of legal documentation, dispute resolution, and claims processing.
Technical and Behavioral Competencies Required
- Dispute Resolution, Mediation, and Negotiation: Strong capabilities in dispute resolution, mediation, and negotiation are essential for managing and settling claims effectively.
- Legislation and Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of personal injury and third-party compensation legislation, as well as laws applicable to the organization, is required. This includes understanding civil proceedings in South Africa’s Magistrate, Regional, and High Courts.
- Planning, Organizing, and Coordinating: Skills in planning, organizing, and coordinating are necessary for managing various aspects of the claims settlement process.
- Personal Mastery: The role demands a high level of personal mastery, including the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
- Ethics and Values: Adherence to ethical standards and values is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal administration process.
- Client Service Orientation: A strong client service orientation is required to effectively manage relationships and address the needs of stakeholders.
- Contract Duration: This position is a 12-month fixed-term contract, offering a set period of employment with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs.
- Total Employment Cost Packages: RAF offers Total Employment Cost packages, which means successful candidates will need to structure their compensation packages according to their needs, as there are no additional employer contributions.
- Employment Equity: The RAF subscribes to the principles of employment equity, with preference given to people with disabilities.
- Security Vetting: All prospective employees will undergo security vetting to ensure suitability for the role.
- Foreign Qualifications: Applicants with foreign qualifications must have their credentials evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and provide proof of such evaluation.
Employment Terms
Additional Information
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply by the closing date, 13 Sep 2024. Those who do not receive correspondence within six weeks from the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful.
In summary, the Officer: Legal Administration role is a critical position within the RAF, requiring a blend of legal expertise, administrative skills, and stakeholder management abilities. The role supports the RAF’s mission by ensuring efficient handling and settlement of claims, contributing to the organization’s goal of providing timely and compassionate compensation to road users.
