The Office of the Chief Justice offers a range of entry-level jobs across various locations in South Africa, providing an exceptional opportunity to kick-start your career in the judicial sector.
Overview of Entry Level Jobs
The Office of the Chief Justice is actively seeking to fill several entry level positions that are ideal for those new to the workforce or looking to change careers. Positions are available in areas like law research, clerical work, and security services in locations such as Midrand, Bloemfontein, Durban, Kimberley, and Cape Town.
Closing Date: 17 May 2024
Featured Entry Level Jobs at the Office of the Chief Justice:
1. Position Title: Law Researcher
- Reference Number: 2024/32/OCJ
- Salary Range: R444,036 – R532,602 per annum (Level 09)
- Location: National Office, Midrand
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate and an LLB degree or a four-year recognized legal qualification.
- Experience: Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant legal experience.
- Licenses: A valid driver’s license.
- Desirable: Understanding of the functioning of Commissions or Tribunals.
Skills and Competencies:
- Legal research and analytical skills.
- Report writing and editing skills.
- Project management.
- Planning and organizing.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and independently.
- Willingness to travel.
Primary Duties:
- Develop and maintain a complaints register.
- Receive and register complaints lodged against Judges.
- Attend to litigation matters against the Judicial Service Commission.
- Analyse the pleadings received.
- Provide secretariat support services to the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC).
- Prepare documentation for Committee Members.
- Maintain stakeholder relations with referral institutions.
- Compile JSC recommendations for presentation to the Chief Justice and to the President.
- Ensure the provision of administrative support services to the JSC.
- Monitor and maintain the development of the JSC database.
2. Position Title: Law Researcher
- Reference Number: 2024/33/OCJ
- Contract Type: 3-Year Contract
- Salary Range: R444,036 – R532,602 per annum (Level 09)
- Additional Compensation: Plus 37% in lieu of benefits
- Location: Supreme Court of Appeal, Bloemfontein
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate and an LLB degree or a four-year recognized legal qualification.
- Experience: Minimum of two (2) years relevant legal experience and three (3) years legal research experience.
- Licenses: A valid driver’s license (advantageous).
- Advanced Degrees: An LLM (advantageous).
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Report writing and editing skills.
- Superior communication skills (written and verbal).
- Understanding of the Constitution and relevant legislation.
- Proficient in computer literacy (MS Office) and legal research programs (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastat).
- Planning and organizing.
- Ability to integrate knowledge from diverse sources.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and independently.
Primary Duties:
- Perform all legal duties necessary for judges to prepare judgments.
- Research and retrieve materials from various sources on legal issues as requested.
- Analyze material thoroughly and discuss potential legal variations.
- Prepare comprehensive memoranda on research outcomes.
- Proofread judgments, articles, speeches, and conference papers.
- Verify references and footnotes for accuracy.
- Draft speeches, conference notes, and legal articles.
- Keep abreast of recent developments in case law and jurisprudence.
- Assist with additional duties as required.
3. Position Title: Law Researcher
- Reference Number: 2024/34/OCJ
- Salary Range: R444,036 – R532,602 per annum (Level 09)
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal Division of The High Court, Durban
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate and an LLB degree or a four-year recognized legal qualification.
- Experience: Minimum of two (2) years relevant legal experience and three (3) years legal research experience.
- Licenses: A valid driver’s license (advantageous).
- Advanced Degrees: An LLM (advantageous).
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Report writing and editing skills.
- Superior communication skills (written and verbal).
- Understanding of the Constitution and relevant legislation.
- Proficient in computer literacy (MS Word, Outlook, and Internet) and legal research programs (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastat).
- Planning and organizing.
- Ability to integrate knowledge from diverse sources.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and independently.
Primary Duties:
- Perform all legal duties necessary for judges to prepare judgments.
- Research and retrieve materials from various sources on legal issues as requested.
- Analyze material thoroughly and discuss potential legal variations.
- Prepare comprehensive memoranda on research outcomes.
- Proofread judgments, articles, speeches, and conference papers.
- Verify references and footnotes for accuracy.
- Draft speeches, conference notes, and legal articles.
- Keep abreast of recent developments in case law and jurisprudence.
- Assist with additional duties and support court personnel with research-related queries as assigned.
4.Position Title: Registrar
- Reference Number: 2024/35/OCJ
- Salary Range: R307,659 – R1,053,387 per annum (MR3 – MR5)
- Location: Northern Cape Division of The High Court, Kimberley
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate and an LLB Degree or a four (4) year legal qualification.
- Experience:
- MR3: Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in the legal profession.
- MR4: Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience in the legal profession.
- MR5: Minimum of 14 years post-qualification experience in the legal profession.
- Additional Experience: Superior court or litigation experience will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- High level of computer literacy.
- Numerical skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong planning, organizing, and control skills.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Customer service orientation.
- Effective conflict management.
- Strong work ethics and professionalism.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Results-driven and observance of confidentiality.
Primary Duties:
- Manage and execute quasi-judicial functions.
- Coordinate case flow management support processes to the Judiciary and Prosecution.
- Manage the issuing of all processes and initiating court proceedings.
- Coordinate interpreting services, appeals, and reviews.
- Process unopposed divorces and facilitate pre-trial conferences.
- Perform quality checks on the Criminal Record Book.
- Authenticate signatures of legal practitioners, notaries, and sworn translators.
- Supervise and manage staff.
- Provide practical training and assistance to the Registrars’ Clerks.
- Ensure annotation of relevant publications, codes, acts, and rules.
- Attend to and execute requests from the Judiciary related to cases and case-related matters.
- Exercise control over the management and safekeeping of case records and the record room.
- Handle files according to relevant codes and legislation.
5.Position Title: Administration Clerk: DCRS
- Reference Number: 2024/36/OCJ
- Salary Range: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: KwaZulu Natal Division of The High Court, Pietermaritzburg
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric Certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Experience: Experience in operating a recording machine and administration functions in a court environment will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- Computer literacy (MS Office).
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Good administration and organisational skills.
- Customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Good interpersonal and public relation skills.
Primary Duties:
- Operate the recording machine and ensure the integrity of court proceedings.
- Prepare and set up the recording machine; ensure the machine and microphones are functioning properly.
- Report all malfunctions of the machine.
- Ensure the recording is on before court starts and that all voices are audible.
- Export cases and download proceedings on RW-CD.
- Keep a record of all requests made for transcription and the time spent in court per case.
- Perform document scanning and data capturing.
- Provide any other administrative support as required by the Judiciary, Court Manager, and/or supervisor.
6. Position Title: Administration Clerk
- Reference Number: 2024/37/OCJ
- Salary Range: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: KwaZulu Natal Division of The High Court, Durban
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric Certificate and computer literacy.
- Experience: Experience in clerical/administration functions related to Finance, SCM, and Asset Management. Knowledge of financial operating systems (PERSAL, BAS, JYP, etc.) will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Good interpersonal and public relations skills.
- Strong administration and organizational skills.
- Customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Demonstrated understanding of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, PPPFA, Supply Chain Management Guidelines, and other related prescripts.
- Knowledge of the public sector procurement process, rules, and regulations.
- Basic knowledge of financial functions and practices.
- Ability to capture data, operate a computer, and collate financial statistics.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Primary Duties:
- Keep and update all records on the asset register.
- Barcode all newly acquired assets and conduct quarterly asset verification.
- Ensure that assets in the register match the condition and existence.
- Identify assets for disposal and facilitate their transfer.
- Perform reconciliation of JYP and BAS asset registers.
- Update records of leases on assets and maintain copies for audit purposes.
- Report and follow up on losses reported to Legal Liability and update asset register accordingly.
- Facilitate the movements of assets and update of inventory lists and assets register.
- Compile daily, weekly, and monthly statistics.
- Handle internal and external enquiries.
- Follow supply chain management processes to procure assets.
- Render financial accounting transactions, receive invoices, check invoices for correctness, verification, and approval.
- Process invoices, manage cash collections, capture all financial transactions, and assist with general office administrative duties.
7. Position Title: Registrar’s Clerk: Case Flow
- REF NO: 2024/38/OCJ
- Location: Western Cape Division of The High Court, Cape Town
- Contract Type: The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate and para-legal qualification.
- Experience: At least two (2) years of administration experience preferably in a court environment.
- Additional Experience: Experience in general legal administration and a valid driver’s license will be added advantages.
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- High level of computer literacy (MS Office).
- Good interpersonal and public relation skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and solve problems.
- Numerical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Strong planning and organizing skills.
- Customer service orientation.
- Knowledge of the Rules of the High Court.
Primary Duties:
- Provide support services to case flow management.
- File civil processes and render counter services.
- Act as a liaison between Judges and Legal Practitioners.
- Attend and oversee general public queries.
- Provide efficient and effective support services to the court.
- Attend to telephone and electronic official queries/correspondence.
- Engage in manual data collection, capturing, monitoring, and control.
- Provide administrative support in the Registrar’s office, encompassing general office and case flow management.
- Assist in the filing and safekeeping of recorded cases.
- Update and upload case information on registrars’ tools.
8. Position Title: Administration Clerk (DCRS)
- Reference Number: 2024/39/OCJ
- Salary Range: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: Western Cape Division of The High Court, Cape Town
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Experience: Appropriate experience in general administration or court-related functions with regard to court recordings and/or case flow management.
- Licenses: Valid driver’s license.
- Understanding: Confidentiality in Government.
Skills and Competencies:
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Computer literacy (MS Office).
- Good interpersonal skills and public relations skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and solve problems.
- Customer service orientation.
- Document management skills.
Primary Duties:
- Test and operate court recordings equipment and ensure the safekeeping and maintenance thereof.
- Record court proceedings.
- Provide administrative and case flow management support to the court as required by the Judiciary, Chief Registrar, Court Manager, and/or Supervisor.
9. Position Title: Accounting Clerk
- Reference Number: 2024/40/OCJ
- Salary Range: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: Western Cape Provincial Service Centre, Cape Town
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric Certificate with Accounting as a passed subject, National Diploma in Accounting/Financial Management or equivalent qualification.
- Experience: At least one year of experience in finance would be an added advantage.
- Licenses: A valid Driver’s License.
Skills and Competencies:
- Competency literacy (MS Office), with a strong emphasis on MS Excel.
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Good interpersonal relations.
- Strong planning and organizing skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and Basic Accounting System (BAS).
Primary Duties:
- Process the payment of creditors.
- Administer the collection of revenue.
- Conduct payroll administration and pay claims.
- Administer petty cash.
- Prepare and process payment of S&T claims for Judges and Officials.
- Prepare manual requisitions and capture them on JYP.
- Receive and record all invoices within 30 days.
10. Position Title: Administration Clerk
- Reference Number: 2024/41/OCJ
- Salary Range: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: Gauteng Provincial Service Centre, Johannesburg
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate.
- Experience: A minimum of one (1) year relevant experience will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- High accuracy and attention to detail.
- Advanced computer literacy (MS Office).
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong administration and organizational skills.
- Good interpersonal and public relations skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, independently, and be self-motivated.
Primary Duties:
- Provide clerical support services within the department.
- Record, organize, store, capture, and retrieve correspondence and data.
- Update registers and statistics.
- Handle routine inquiries, make photocopies, and manage mail receipt and dispatch.
- Distribute documents/packages to various stakeholders as required.
- Attend to all stakeholders’ inquiries and correspondences.
- Ensure proper filing and safekeeping of all court records.
- Type letters and other correspondence.
- Perform a variety of routine duties related to the activities of the Department.
11. Position Title: Administration Clerk: CRT
- Reference Number: 2024/42/OCJ
- Salary Range: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: North West Division of The High Court
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Experience: A minimum of one-year relevant experience.
- Licenses: A valid Driver’s license.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong job knowledge.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Strong interpersonal relations skills.
- Flexibility and ability to work in a team.
- Good planning and organization skills.
- Computer literacy (MS Office).
Primary Duties:
- Perform digital recording of court proceedings locally and at circuit courts, ensuring the integrity of such documents.
- Maintain criminal record books and charge sheets.
- Write and trace summonses and write witness fees books.
- Complete and issue committal warrants of arrest.
- Provide administrative support in general court and case flow management.
- Complete case documents (charge sheets) and other court documents.
- Perform document scanning and data capturing.
- Provide any other administrative support as required by the judiciary, court manager, and/or supervisor.
12. Position Title: Administration Clerk: DCRS
- Reference Number: 2024/43/OCJ
- Salary Range: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
- Location: KZN Division of The High Court, Pietermaritzburg
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Experience: Experience in operating a recording machine and administration functions in a court environment will be an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- Computer literacy (MS Office).
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong administration and organizational skills.
- Customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Good interpersonal and public relations skills.
Primary Duties:
- Operate the recording machine and ensure the integrity of court proceedings.
- Prepare and set up the recording machine; ensure that the machine and microphones are functioning properly.
- Report all malfunctions of the machine.
- Ensure the recording is on before court starts and that all voices are audible.
- Export cases and download proceedings onto RW-CD.
- Keep a record of all requests made for transcription and the time spent in court per case.
- Perform document scanning and data capturing.
- Provide any other administrative support as required by the Judiciary, Court Manager, and/or supervisor.
13. Position Title: Typist
- Reference Number: 2024/44/OCJ
- Salary Range: R183,279 – R215,892 per annum (Level 04)
- Location: North West Division of The High Court
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Typing Speed: Minimum of 35 words per minute. Shortlisted candidates will be required to pass a typing test.
- Licenses: A valid Driver’s license (advantageous).
Skills and Competencies:
- High proficiency in computer literacy (specifically MS Word).
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong interpersonal relations and planning and organization skills.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- High accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain good timekeeping.
- Good telephone etiquette.
Primary Duties:
- Type appeals, reviews, reports, minutes, circulars, notice of set downs, witness statements, taxing master reports, affidavits, memorandums, and court orders.
- Provide relief for administrative personnel as necessary.
- Manage filing, opening files, and making appointments.
- Handle public queries and perform other administrative duties.
14. Position Title: Security Officer
- Reference Number: 2024/45/OCJ
- Salary Range: R155,148 – R182,757 per annum (Level 03)
- Location: Northern Cape Division of The High Court, Kimberley
Key Requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Certification: PSIRA Grade C Certificate.
- Experience: A minimum of one (1) year applicable experience (advantageous).
- Licenses: A valid code EB driver’s license (advantageous).
Skills and Competencies:
- Basic computer literacy (MS Office).
- Good communication skills (verbal and written).
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal relations.
- Ability to serve members of the public, clients, and visitors effectively.
- Strong planning, organization, and analytical thinking skills.
- Ability to function and operate effectively in a team.
Primary Duties:
- Perform security control room functions.
- Conduct access control functions.
- Secure and protect departmental property, documents, assets, and stores.
- Render security and access control services at all security-controlled areas.
- Implement safety regulations and safety protocols.
- Identify and report security breaches.
- Perform search, patrol, and perimeter security functions.
- Execute routine administrative functions as required by the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ).
How to Apply for Entry-Level Jobs
When applying for the entry level jobs ar the Office of the Chief Justice, it is essential to clearly specify the relevant job title and reference number in your application. This will help ensure that your application is processed efficiently by the appropriate department. Applications can be either mailed or hand-delivered to the specific addresses provided below for each location.
Application Requirements:
- Submit a comprehensive CV.
- Include certified copies of all qualifications.
- Attach a matric certificate and any other relevant documentation.
- Ensure all applications are submitted on the new Z83 form.
Related: Registering on the ESSA Labour Database for Government Jobs
Application Submission Addresses:
National Office (Midrand):
- Mail: The Director: Human Resources, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X10, Marshalltown, 2107.
- Hand Delivery: Office of the Chief Justice, Human Resource Management, 188, 14th Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1685.
Supreme Court of Appeal (Bloemfontein):
- Mail: The Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X20612, Bloemfontein, 9300.
- Hand Delivery: Free State Division of the High Court, Corner President Brand and Fontein Street, Bloemfontein, 9301.
Gauteng Provincial Service Centre (Johannesburg/Pretoria/Land Claims):
- Mail: The Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X7, Johannesburg, 2000.
- Hand Delivery: 12th floor, Cnr Pritchard and Kruis Street, Johannesburg.
Kimberley:
- Mail: The Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag x5043, Kimberley, 8300.
- Hand Delivery: The High Court, Sol Plaatjie Drive, Room B107, Kimberley.
North West:
- Mail: The OCJ Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X 2033, Mmabatho, 2735.
- Hand Delivery: 22 Molopo Road, Ayob Gardens, Mafikeng.
KwaZulu Natal Division of the High Court (Durban/Pietermaritzburg):
- Mail: The Provincial Head: Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X 54314, Durban, 4000.
- Hand Delivery: Office of the Chief Justice, Human Resource Management, 1st Floor, CNR Somtseu & Stalwart Simelane Streets, Durban.
Western Cape:
- Mail: The Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X14, Vlaeberg, 8018.
- Hand Delivery: 30 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town.
Entry level jobs at the Office of the Chief Justice offer a platform to gain invaluable experience in the judiciary, contributing to your professional growth and the justice system in South Africa.
Make sure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline to seize these opportunities.