Legal Intern

Legal Intern

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) is established in terms of section 30B of the Pension Funds Act, 24 of 1956 to dispose of pension fund complaints lodged in terms of the Act in a procedurally fair, economical, and expeditious manner.

Job Description

The Legal Intern is responsible for attending to pension fund complaints lodged in terms of the Pension Funds Act, 24 of 1956. The incumbent will assist with the lodgement of complaints, draft and send correspondence to parties, engage in the investigation of complaints, and draft determinations in terms of the workflow. The role further requires the incumbent to manage all administrative aspects of complaint files, maintain accurate records, and submit weekly and monthly statistics to the team leader.

Responsibilities

• Attend to walk in complaints in lodging new complaints.
• Draft and send initial letters to the parties.
• Draft and send reply/follow-up letters.
• Ensure documents are sent to the correct parties.
• Receive responses and replies as well as saving them on Software system (Respond).
• Engage and Investigation of complaints as well as drafting of determinations in terms of the workflow.
• Engage with parties to a complaint in relation to the administrative aspects of the file/investigation.
• Prepare draft letters based on research and direction given by the team leader.
• Request for reply to letters from complainant.
• Request confirmation of settlement from the parties.
• Peruse responses from parties and advise the team leader if further information is required.
• Follow up on undertakings to respond.
• Request all necessary investigation reports.
• Keep record of all files allocated to them.
• Keep all correspondence relating to a complaint together including telephone calls, emails, etc.
• Submit weekly and monthly statistics to the team leader.

Duration:

• 24 Months.

Key Competencies:

• Computer Literacy (MS Word, Excel, MS Outlook).
• Communication skills.
• Listening skills (verbal and written).
• Self-motivated.
• Planning and organising.
• Resilience.
• Ability to analyse, interpret, solve problems, and making of legal arguments to reach a conclusion.
• Ability to make investigative decisions in the resolution of complaints.

Behavioral Attributes:

• The potential suitable candidate must be a creative thinker, passionate about service delivery and be able to thrive under pressure. The candidate must be able to display compassion towards members of the public and complainants and have an open-door policy. Energetic, outcomes and deadlines driven attributes are essential. An influential team player, great communicator, with high levels of integrity and professionalism.

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• Job Requirements

• LLB degree

• Certificate in Pension Funds law (Added advantage).

• Practical Legal Training (added advantage)

• Re-advertisement – Assistant Adjudicator

• Job Reference Number: OPFA/AA/2026/06

• Department: Case Management Team 2 Business Unit:

• Industry: Legal

• Job Type: Permanent

• Positions Available: 2

• Salary: Market Related

• The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) is established in terms of section 30B of the Pension Funds Act, 24 of 1956, to dispose of pension fund complaints lodged in terms of the Act in a procedurally fair, economical, and expeditious manner.

• Job Description

• OPFA seeks to appoint candidates who are results-driven, passionate about service delivery, able to thrive under pressure, deadline-conscious, and committed to teamwork and professionalism at the highest level.

Key Competencies:

• High level of ethics and integrity
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, MS Outlook)
• Excellent drafting skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage a caseload and work under pressure
• Time management
• Proper record keeping
• Take initiative in personal development
• Team player

Responsibilities

• Receive investigation file and identify areas that require further investigation to dispose of a complaint

• Request further information from parties to a complaint where required

• Identify the need for and request expert reports in appropriate matters

• Engage with parties to a complaint concerning the administrative aspects of the file/investigation.

• Ensure that procedural fairness requirements are adhered to

• Maintain a proper record of all complaints allocated, including a record of all correspondence relating to a complaint, proof of service, telephone calls, emails, etc.

• Ensure all information is captured and processed on the OPFA case management system

• Prepare and submit quality draft determinations to the Team Leader within set timelines in accordance with daily, weekly, and monthly targets

• Attend to corrections on reviewed drafts

• Correctly identify out-of-jurisdiction matters

• Draft settlement and out-of-jurisdiction letters for approval by the Team Leader

• Assist with projects/ad hoc tasks as and when required

• Submit weekly and monthly statistics to the Team Leader

• Prepare records for the Financial Services Tribunal or High Court

• Job Requirements

• A Law Degree, i.e. BCom Law, BA Law, or LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

• 3 years’ experience in the retirement funds industry – administration, management, or regulation

• Knowledge and understanding of the appropriate legislative and regulatory frameworks

• Ability to assess and investigate facts, interpret legislation, and draft legal documents

• Legal research

• Experience in the financial services sector will be an added advantage

• Knowledge and understanding of the Pension Funds Act and the role of the Pension Funds Adjudicator

• Candidates who do not meet the stated minimum requirements will not be considered and therefore, need not apply.

• Train Managers

• Closing date: 09 Nov 2026