Legal Officer

LEGAL OFFICER

The role:

The National Horseracing Authority (“The NHA”) is seeking to employ a dedicated and experienced Legal Officer. The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in representing the organization in all legal, compliance, governance, and professional conduct-related matters.

Primary Purpose:

  • Having oversight on legal risks including contractual and litigation.
  • Advising on legislative compliance, governance, interpretation of legal decisions, litigation and the like.

Responsibilities:

General Legal Services:

  • Manage litigation in the form of convening inquiries, briefing and / or consulting with attorneys and counsel.
  • Analyse regulatory, commercial, and contractual documentation.
  • Actively participate in the Rules Committee meetings.
  • Draft and advise on all contractual obligations for and against the NHA.

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

  • Provide legal advice and written opinions to Management, the National Board and its Committees and Sub-Committees.
  • Ensure that all communication to stakeholders, including press releases, are legally compliant and permissible in all material respect.

Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution:

  • Conduct research in respect of disciplinary cases and complaints.

Good Corporate Governance & Compliance:

  • Examine and analyse regulatory, litigation, and contractual risks.
  • Ensure compliance with best practices regarding legal risk management.
  • Liaise with Executive Management and the National Board on recommended changes in legal and other compliance.
  • Provide input in the development of internal control policies and procedures.
  • Manage the NHA legal risk register and ensure that it is updated regularly.

Organizational Effectiveness:

  • Develop alternatively evolve standardised legal practice, processes and standards within the NHA.
  • Establish effective control and coordination mechanisms for all operations and activities.
  • Foster a high-performance corporate culture that promotes ethical practices.
  • Facilitate resource availability through effective procurement processes for specialist support.
  • Ensure that legal costs are minimised and controlled in line with the budget and forecast.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Thoroughbred Industry Knowledge, and an understanding of the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, including regulations and best practices will be an advantage [Essential].
  • High level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all legal documents circulated internally and externally [Essential].
  • Ability to work collaboratively with team members and maintain professional relationships with external parties.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Proactive approach to resolving issues and handling appeals related to all legal matters.

Behavioural competences

  • Maintains high ethical standards and confidentiality.
  • Flexible in adjusting to changing priorities and environments.
  • Takes initiative in identifying and executing tasks without constant supervision.
  • Takes accountability for responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
  • Possess strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, along with effective communication skills.
  • Conducts oneself with professionalism and exhibits the ability to manage deadlines efficiently and prioritises tasks effectively.

Special Requirements:

  • Willingness to work longer hours when required.
  • Ability to travel when necessary.

Desired Experience & Qualification

  • LLB Degree or equivalent qualification in Law and admitted as an Attorney of the High Court [Essential].
  • 3 – 5 years post-admission experience as a practising attorney, with experience in the corporate sector, employed or experienced in the capacity of a professional assistant or associate level and at least 1 year in the horseracing industry [Essential].

Interested individuals who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit their CV’s to Recruitment at recruitment@nhra.co.za. Please include 'Legal Officer' in the subject line.

Correspondence, at the employer’s discretion, will be limited to shortlisted candidates. The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 19 August 2026, at 16:00.

The NHA complies with the provision of the Protection of Personal Information Act. By submitting your application for this position at the NHA, you are consenting that the personal information submitted as part of your application may be used for the purposes of the recruitment and selection related processes. The NHA is an equal opportunity employer, with preference given to individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Work Location: In person

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