Legal Assistant Internship at Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator

About the Job

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) is seeking a motivated individual to join their team as a Legal Assistant Intern. This role is crucial in supporting the OPFA's mandate to efficiently and fairly resolve pension fund complaints as stipulated by the Pension Funds Act. The intern will gain valuable experience in administrative, investigative, and legal support within a regulatory environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a law graduate to develop practical skills and contribute to public service.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend to walk-in complaints and assist with lodging new complaints.

• Draft and dispatch initial letters to parties involved in complaints.

• Prepare and send reply/follow-up letters to relevant stakeholders.

• Ensure accurate distribution of documents to the correct parties.

• Receive, process, and save responses and replies using the designated software system (Respond).

• Engage in the investigation of complaints and draft determinations in line with established workflows.

• Communicate with parties regarding the administrative aspects of complaint files and investigations.

• Prepare draft letters based on legal research and guidance from the team leader.

• Request replies to letters from complainants and confirmation of settlement from parties.

• Review responses from parties and advise the team leader on the need for further information.

• Follow up on undertakings provided by parties.

• Request all necessary investigation reports.

• Maintain accurate records of all allocated files.

• Compile and organize all correspondence related to a complaint, including calls, emails, and other communications.

• Submit weekly and monthly statistics to the team leader.

Why Join the Company

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can make a real difference. As an intern, you will be exposed to complex legal and administrative processes, enhancing your professional development. The OPFA is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, providing a platform for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive. You will work alongside experienced professionals, gaining insights into the resolution of pension fund disputes and contributing to fair outcomes for members. The organization values service delivery, resilience, and a proactive approach, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must visit the OPFA website on https://www.pfa.org.za/vacancies. Please attach a comprehensive resume and relevant qualifications. The OPFA is an equal opportunity organisation that promotes diversity and inclusion, and persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Late applications will not be considered.

• LLB degree

• Computer Literacy (MS Word, Excel, MS Outlook)

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)

• Excellent listening skills

• Self-motivated with strong planning and organising abilities

• Resilience and the ability to analyse, interpret, and solve problems

• Capacity to make legal arguments and investigative decisions

• Creative thinker, passionate about service delivery, and able to thrive under pressure

• Compassionate, with an open-door policy

• Energetic, outcomes, and deadlines driven

• Influential team player with high levels of integrity and professionalism

• Certificate in Pension Funds law (Added advantage)

• Practical Legal Training (added advantage)