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.
• 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.
• Five (5) years’ experience in legal practice will be an added advantage.
• Ability to act independently.
• Experience or knowledge in environmental cases will be an added advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Decision making ability.
• Computer literacy and knowledge of programs in MS Office.
• A valid driver’s license.

Duties

• Study case dockets.
• Decide on the institution of and conduct criminal proceedings.
• Draft charge sheets, indictments and other court documents.
• Represent the State in all courts.
• Prepare cases for court, including the acquisition of additional evidence and draft charge sheets, indictments and court documents.
• Present the State’s case in court, lead and cross examine witnesses, address the court on, inter alia, conviction and sentence.
• Attend to representations, prepare opinions and head of arguments and argue cases in appropriate court.
• Appear in court in motion application pertaining to criminal matters and in general conduct prosecution on behalf of the state.
• Perform all duties related thereto in accordance with the code of conduct policy and directives of the NPA.
• Ensure accurate statistics and good governance.
• Mentor and coach junior staff (Prosecutors/Advocates) and quality check their work.
• Provide appropriate guidance and direction and issue proper instructions to Advocates/Prosecutors/SAPS/DPCI on all aspects of work.
• Participate in the performance assessment of staff being mentored.
• Promote partner integration, community involvement and customer satisfaction in conjunction with partners in the criminal justice system.

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 web site 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.
• Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process.
• 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