Senior State Advocate

Requirements

• An LLB.
• For serving prosecutors seeking promotion any appropriate legal qualification.
• At least eight (8) years post qualification legal experience in civil and/or criminal litigation.
• Five (5) years’ experience in legal practice will be added advantage.
• At least three (3) years’ experience in the prosecution/ litigation of organised crime cases.
• Admission as an advocate or attorney will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable competency in acting Independently, Professionally, Accountable and with Credibility.
• Right of appearance as contemplated in section 25(2) of the NPA Act, 32 of 1998.
• High level of proficiency in prosecution/litigation, competency in guiding investigations and presenting/arguing cases in court.
• Experience in guiding criminal investigations and giving instructions in law and statutory offences.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge of civil and/or criminal procedure.
• Good advocacy, well developed skills in legal research and legal drafting skills.
• Knowledge of asset forfeiture law will be an added advantage.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of programs in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Duties

• Study case dockets, decide on the institution of and conduct criminal proceedings.
• Deal with any representations.
• Guide investigations in complex or more difficult matters, including commercial, corruption and organised crime matters.
• Prepare cases for court, including acquisition of additional evidence and draft charge sheets, indictments, heads of argument, opinions and all other court documents.
• Represent the state in all courts, lead and cross examine witnesses, address the court on inter alia, conviction and sentence.
• Manage court and case flow management of cases independently.
• Study and deal with appeals and reviews.
• Manage any portfolio assigned by the Deputy Director managing the OCC.
• Mentor and guide DPCI and SAPS investigating officers, prosecutors and stakeholders.
• Assist in high profile matters and matters where an increased risk element is present.
• Promote partner integration, community involvement and customer satisfaction in conjunction with partners in the criminal justice system.
• Mentor and coach junior staff and quality check their work.
• Participate in the performance assessment of staff being mentored.

How to apply

New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.

Enquiries

Notes from the department

• Applicants must apply by submitting applications on the most recent Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the DPSA website link: https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/ and a comprehensive CV only (with detailed experience information).
• Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on or before the day of the interview following communication from Human Resources.
• Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation report issued by SAQA (only when shortlisted).
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to have all foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA and to provide proof of such evaluation (only when shortlisted).
• All applications must reach the NPA on/or before the closing date.
• No late applications will be accepted/processed.
• Documents should not be password protected, and ZIP files will be blocked.
• The NPA cannot be held responsible for server delays.
• All applications must reach the NPA on/or before the closing date.
• No late applications will be accepted/processed.
• The applicant’s attention is drawn to the fact that the NPA uses an Electronic Response Handling System in terms of e-mailed applications.
• Please do not contact the NPA directly after you have e-mailed your applications to enquire if your application(s) have been received.
• If you have not received an acknowledgement of receipt within one week after the closing date, then you can contact the NPA.
• The NPA reserves the right not to fill any particular position.
• If you do not hear from us within (6) six months from the closing date of the advert, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
• Successful candidates will be subjected to a security clearance of at least confidential.
• Appointment to this position will be provisional, pending the issue of security clearance.
• Fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview.
• The social media accounts of shortlisted applicants may be accessed as part of the verification process.
• A valid driver’s license will be a requirement where applicable.
• All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre- entry assessments which are, a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.
• All SMS posts will be subjected to a lifestyle audit.
• SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the NPA.
• All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.
• Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
• A pre-entry certificate obtained from the National School of Government (NSG) is required for all SMS applicants for Public Service Act positions in the NPA (SMS pre-entry certificate to be submitted prior to appointment).
• NPA Act appointments are exempted from the pre-entry certificate requirement.
• This is a Public Service specific training programme.
• The name of the course is Certificate for entry into the SMS.
• The full details can be sourced from the link https://www.thensg.gov.za/training- course/sms-pre-entry-programme/..
• Applicants are advised that from 1 January 2021 a new application form for employment (Z83) is in use.
• The new application for employment form can be downloaded at www.dpsa.gov.za- vacancies.
• From 1 January 2021 should an application be received using the incorrect (old) application for employment (Z83), it will not be considered.
• NB! Applicants who are successful must please note that the NPA is not in a position to pay resettlement costs.