The application deadline was 24 August 2026.
The Department of Home Affairs is recruiting a Legal Administration Officer for the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa at Head Office in Tshwane. The vacancy spans the MR1 to MR5 occupational-specific dispensation levels, which means candidates can qualify at different experience levels depending on their post-qualification legal experience and professional admission. An applicant entering at MR1 can qualify without previous legal experience, while the higher levels require progressively more litigation experience. The role is a strong match for legally qualified candidates interested in public law, refugee and immigration matters, legislative drafting, litigation support and government legal administration.
Job Details
- Position: Legal Administration Officer (MR1-MR5)
- Reference: HRMC 56/26/1
- Directorate: Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa
- Location: Head Office, Tshwane
- Salary: R262,968 to R1,155,777 per annum, depending on MR level
- Closing date: 24 August 2026
Education and Experience
The minimum academic requirement is an LLB or an equivalent four-year legal qualification at NQF Level 7 recognised by SAQA. MR1 does not require previous legal experience. MR2 requires one year of relevant post-qualification legal experience in drafting and litigation. MR3 requires two years of relevant post-qualification litigation experience, MR4 requires four years and MR5 requires six years.
Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is required for applicants appointed at MR2 to MR5. A valid driver’s licence is also required.
Legal Knowledge Required
The role needs knowledge of the Immigration Act, Refugees Act, public-service regulatory framework, PFMA and Treasury Regulations, the Constitution and relevant departmental and human-resource legislation. Candidates should also understand legal writing, litigation processes, policy development, compliance and the systems needed to manage legal work efficiently.
Main Responsibilities
The successful candidate will help manage the daily legal work of the Refugee Appeals Authority. Duties include drafting new legislation and amendments, preparing written and verbal legal opinions, carrying out legal research and preparing legal documents. The officer will also provide input on legislation and advise Refugee Reception Offices on relevant legal matters.
Litigation work forms part of the position. The officer will attend to cases involving the Authority and work with the Department’s legal-services directorate. Other responsibilities include contributing to Bills moving through the drafting and parliamentary process, reviewing and drafting international agreements and memoranda of understanding, and dealing with requests under the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
Skills and Competencies
Important competencies include legal writing, analysis, problem solving, attention to detail, planning, policy development, negotiation and business report writing. The Department also expects strong communication, integrity, accountability, client orientation and the ability to support digital transformation and process improvement.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Department of Home Affairs eRecruitment platform. The Department’s circular also provides the RAASA recruitment email. Applicants need the new Z83 form and a comprehensive CV prepared according to the recruitment instructions.
Apply through Home Affairs eRecruitment
Recruitment Checks
Shortlisted candidates may complete practical and integrity assessments and must provide supporting identity, qualification and licence documents when requested. Employment suitability checks and an appropriate security clearance form part of the appointment process.
