PRINCIPAL STATE COUNSEL – MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT

QUALIFICATION:       Bachelor of Laws. Applicants should be  admitted to practice in Courts 01 Law in Botswana

REF:MLGRD 4/5/8 I (25)

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development exists to create an enabling environment for Community Development, provide basic infrastructure and social services as well as capacity building at local level (for Local Authorities, related institutions and local Communities). District and Town Councils are body corporate mandated to secure and promote the safety, well-being, good order, security and good governance of designated Districts/Towns.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Botswana Citizens for the following positions in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. These posts are tenable in the Departments/ various Districts across the country and only those applicants who are prepared to worh in the Districts should apply.

EXPERIENCE:

1. For direct entry into this post applicant must have a minimum of 12 years post qualification experience, 2 of which must have been served at D2 level or equivalent level in other employment sectors.
2. For serving officers, at least 12 years work related experience, 2 of which must have been served at D2 level.
3. Candidates must submit proof of admission to bar or practicing Certificates

BENEFITS:

• Contributor Pension Fund Scheme, government contributes 15% and employee contributes minimum 5%.
• Optional contributory Medical Aid Scheme (Government contributes 50% and employee contributes 50%).

• Scarce skill allowance in accordance with directive on attraction and retention

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To coordinate the functions of the legal Affairs Division, provide advice to the Council in all legal matters and litigate on its behalf

PRINCIPAL OUTCOMES OF THE JOB

• Effective implementation of statutory matters conferred on the Local Authorities
• Reduced litigation cases
• Maintenance of Law and order

DUTIES:

1. Coordinates the functions of the Department of Legal Services Division
2. Represents the Council in litigation at the Magistrates’ courts, High Court and Court of Appeal
3. Liaises with Botswana Police, Attorney General’s chambers and other Government Departments on legal matters
4. Advises the Council and Accounting Officers in all legal matters
5. Educates Council Departments on legal matters to increase awareness of the legal requirements/implications
6. Coordinates community’ awareness campaigns on Bye-Laws and delegated legislation
7. Coordinates and manages the interpretation, negotiation, processing and administration of the conditions of both local and international contracts
8. Coordinates joint operations with other law enforcement agencies
9. Provides strategic leadership and direction for the achievement of the Division’s mandate
10. Plans and manages investigation of cases and preparation of detailed reports with recommendations to facilitate appropriate action
11. Coordinates the preparation, registration and service of court documents (summons, subpoena, eviction orders etc)
12. Analyses inspection reports on formal and informal sector businesses and takes appropriate action
13. Coordinates the formulation, review’ and enforcement of Council byelaws, guidelines, policies and other statutes
14. Guides interpretation and manages implementation of statues by council

15. Assesses referred matters/cases and distinguishes between those with legal implications and policy interpretation and advises accordingly
16. Assesses draft documents produced by external bodies for Council to sign and advises accordingly
17. Conducts relevant legal research in matters that have legal implications to determine the appropriate course of action
18. Undertakes any other related duties as may be assigned by management

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Timely Decision Making
• Customer Focus
• Integrity and Trust
• Ethics and Values

• Problem Solving
• Planning
• Functional/Technical Skills

APPLICATIONS:

1. Quote the vacancy circular number and provide the following details:
2. Full name, address, date and place of birth
3. Brief summary’ of career duties (Curriculum Vitae)
4. In case of serving public officers; date of first appointment, present post and date of appointment thereto
5. Certified copies of Certificates (Academic and Professional)
6. At least two recent work related references
7. Certified copy of Identity’ Card (Omang)

Applications should be addressed to: –

The Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development

Private Bag 006

Gaborone