CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The core purpose of this role is to provide legal advisory, contract negotiation and management support to the Research, Innovation and Internationalisation (RII) portfolio.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Provision of legal advisory and support service to the Research Innovation and Internationalisation (RII) portfolio
• Ensure Compliance by NMU with Statutory Law, including Higher Education Act, PAIA, POPI, PAJA, IPR Act amongst others
• Manage and maintain a contract vetting and advisory service for the RII portfolio
• Active Management of the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) IP portfolio
• Manage Industry Related Grant applications & contract negotiation
• Financial Management, including the creation and monitoring of research budgets, IP and strategic fund management.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and understanding of South African contract law;
• Knowledge of intellectual property law and IP legislation relevant to the higher education sector.
• Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel to senior university staff on a wide range of legal and policy issues
• Ability to analyse and interpret legal contracting issues and develop and implement appropriately responsive solutions
• Ability to manage the provision of legal contracting services professionally and administratively, within a university environment, including budgeting and planning.
• The ability to research compliance issues, applicable regulations and laws.
• Good attention to detail, project management skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Appropriate language and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Good interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Flexible approach to work responsibilities, understanding that tasks change depending on demand.
• Trustworthy and able to work independently without daily supervision; excellent team work ethic; values honesty and transparency.
• Possess good leadership, management, and motivational skills
• Be open, flexible and innovative

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 4-year tertiary degree in Law (LLB graduate)
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in drafting and negotiating contracts, preferably in the higher education sector
• Experience working within a trademark, patent or IP firm will be beneficial
• Experience in a higher education, government, or funding agency environment.
• Valid drivers license and own vehicle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. contact person and telephone number, e-mail; etc.