Legal & Policy Expert (DHET)

• Conduct comprehensive research and provide evidence-based policy support for Members of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Ministry.
  
• Monitor, identify, and drive strategic issues affecting the tertiary education sector, ensuring proactive engagement with emerging priorities and challenges.
  
• Lead and support a high-performing team, enabling individuals to focus on strategic objectives and excel in their respective roles.
  
• Provide advisory and administrative support on legislative, policy, and strategic matters.
  
• Analyze legislation, regulations, policy frameworks, and government initiatives to assess their impact on the higher education and training sector.
  
• Draft and review high-quality political and policy communications, including speeches, articles, briefing notes, reports, position papers, and press releases.
  
• Prepare strategic briefs and recommendations to support executive decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
  
• Monitor national political developments, public discourse, and current affairs to identify risks, opportunities, and policy implications.
  
• Engage with key stakeholders across government, educational institutions, industry bodies, and public sector organizations.
  
• Ensure that policy, legislative, and communication outputs align with government priorities and strategic objectives.
  

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, Governance, Public Administration, or a related field.
  
• A postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
  
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a legal, policy, public affairs, government relations, political advisory, or strategic communications environment.
  
• Demonstrated experience conducting policy research and legislative analysis.
  
• Strong understanding of South African legislation, governance structures, and policy development processes.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional speeches, articles, reports, and policy documents.
  
• Sound knowledge of the South African higher education and training landscape.