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INTERIM SADC AVIATION SAFETY ORGANISATION (SASO) SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITY:
LEGAL ADVISOR 

Background:

The aim of SASO, established by SADC Member States through a Charter and organised under the Principle of Subsidiarity, is to promote the safe and efficient use and development of civil aviation within the SADC region. It will accomplish this by assisting SADC Member States in meeting their safety oversight obligations and responsibilities as outlined under the Convention on International Civil Aviation signed in Chicago on 7 December 1944 and its safety-related Annexes and Documents.

Pending the Charter establishing SASO coming into force, Member States agreed to put into place interim arrangements which led to the establishment of Interim SASO and SASO Secretariat. This was achieved through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and SADC Secretariat on behalf of Member States.

To this end Interim SASO Secretariat wishes to appoint a suitably qualified candidate on secondment from the Eligible Member States to fill the following position to be a based in Mbabane, Eswatini. 

Position:	Legal Advisor Seconded to the Interim SASO Secretariat

Main purpose of the job:

To ensure that legislative, regulatory and guidance material related to the SASO Charter, is in compliance with international standards and best practices.  The job is also responsible for the giving of advice to Interim SASO on all legal matters.

Key result areas - Duties and Responsibilities:
In the following key result areas, the Legal Advisor shall be responsible for: 
	
1. LEGAL COMPLIANCE 
1.1 Assist in the timely development of amendments and changes to the SASO Aviation Safety Document System pertaining to SADC Member States     
1.2Ensure the timely production and distribution of SASO legal opinions, reports, documents and time sensitive correspondence 
1.3 Ensure compliance of the Technical Department in the formulation of civil aviation safety and security regulations for consideration by the Board
1.4 Liaise with Partner States Civil Aviation Authorities to ensure compliance with the Chicago Convention
1.5 Ensure alignment of regulations and manuals
	
2. REGULATORY FUNCTION
2.1 Interpret Civil Aviation legal requirements for Member States     
2.2 Assist in the development of a harmonized regulatory regime for the Member States relevant to ICAO SARPs and Documents as amended 
2.3 Coordinate with Partner States Authorities in charge of civil aviation in formulation of policies, laws and regulations in the area of aviation safety and security
 	
3. ADVISORY FUNCTION
3.1 Provide timely legal advice and guidance to the Executive Director
3.2 Provide Member States with legal advice regarding civil aviation matters as necessary   
3.3 Provide statutory advice and guidance on applicable Laws and Rules of Procedure during Board and Technical Committee meetings
3.4 Provide legal advice and guidance during negotiations and drafting of Contracts, MoU’s, Loan and Grant Agreements
3.5 Provide legal advice to the Agency in relation to matters concerning administration and employment, interpretation of labour laws and reconciliation matters.
 	
4. LEGAL SUPPORT 
4.1 Represent the Secretariat in courts for all legal matters;
4.2 Provide legal support with regard to the interpretation of the applicable Treaty and Protocols
4.3 Liaise with Partner States’ Authorities and Institutions on legal matters concerning the Agency;
	
5. LEGAL TRAINING AND AWARENESS 
5.1 Liaise with relevant sections of the SASO for the development of guidance material
5.2 Coordinate seminars and workshops 
5.3 Provide relevant legal training as may be required     
 	
6.5 ANY OTHER DUTIES 
6.1 Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director	
 
Job requirements - Qualifications & Experience:

The Legal Advisor shall possess the following qualifications and experience:

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

●	Masters of Laws from a recognized university 

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

●	Must possess a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

EXPERIENCE
●	Shall be an admitted attorney or advocate  
●	10 years’ experience in aviation law of which a substantial part were at senior level at a civil aviation authority legal department, or at an airline, or a similar aviation related organization 
●	Of which at least 3 years specific experience in the drafting of basic enabling legislation for the aviation sector. 
●	Experience in the review of detailed Civil Aviation Regulations 
●	Experience in research and articulation of regional best practices in harmonization of national laws in the area of civil aviation safety and security

ESSENTIAL SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO MEET DEMANDS OF THE JOB

●	Knowledge and experience with ICAO SARPs 
●	Knowledge of SADC laws, regulations, legal practices and procedures
●	Trainings in air law and regulations is an added advantage
●	Trainings in legal drafting is an added advantage
●	Ability to work and relate with others 
●	Report writing skills 
●	Knowledge of the French and Portuguese languages would be an added advantage
●	Initiative, tact, sound judgement and ability to maintain harmonious relationships
●	Effective planning and implementation skills
●	Ability to interact with others showing objectivity and fairness
●	Competence in oral and written communications
●	Computer literacy

Tenure of Appointment:

●	The Eligible States should second officials for a minimum period of 6 months up to a maximum of 24 months to allow for better institutional knowledge gathering and the resultant application. SADC CAC will appoint, renew or terminate employment service of the Manager Corporate Services of the SASO through recommendation by the relevant structures
●	Eligible Member States will be required to volunteer their experts that they are willing to offer for secondment to iSASO. Member States shall: 
(i)	Review submitted CV’s and identify and shortlist a maximum of three suitably qualified candidates per identified position; 
(ii)	Maintain the position for the return of their Seconded staff; and
●	Continue to pay benefits of seconded staff in their respective countries
●	Assessments shall be made as per the SASO Recruitment Framework to determine the suitability of the nominated officials to handle the tasks
●	ISASO shall select the most suitable candidate from nominations on the basis of merit taking into account the need for gender balance and participation by all Member States 
●	ISASO shall issue an Offer of Appointment Letter to successful Secondment candidates that include terms and conditions of the contract. 
Remuneration:

Eligible Member States will be meet the costs of their seconded officials to the ISASO. 

Submission of Applications:  Applications must be addressed to: 
The Interim Executive Director SADC Aviation Safety Organisation
P.O. Box 7919, Mbabane,
Eswatini

Applications must be submitted to the SASO Aviation Authorities  https://www.saso.sadc.int/opportunities/employment/SASOAviation-Authorities/ of the eligible Member States 

Eligibility
The position is open to qualified applicants who:
•	Are 55 years old or younger. 
•	Are from the following eligible Member States: Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa

Closing Date and Submission of Applications: 
Applications must be received by the SASO Aviation Authorities not later than or on 24th August 2022
Your application should accompany the following:

a)	A short covering letter stating the position that you want to be considered for and describe how your qualifications, experience and competencies are relevant to the position;
b)	A detailed and updated curriculum vitae;
c)	Certified copies of your degree(s), Diploma(s) and Certificate(s);
d)	Candidates who applied and are successful must be ready to start working by 1 October 2022

Should you be shortlisted, you will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications supporting your applications on the day of your interview.

Gender Mainstreaming
ISASO applies gender equality principles in its recruitment and selection process, by promoting representation and appointments to cater for the candidates whose gender is in the minority. For this position only female candidates will be considered. ISASO encourages applications from candidates with disabilities; Candidates should also bear in mind that SASO will consider national representation when implementing this recruitment exercise.

Closing Date: 24 August 2022

If you are result oriented, you have passion for the transformation and development of Southern Africa, and possess the competencies to meet the new challenges, submit your application now!!!

Only applicants who meet the requirements of the SADC Secretariat and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Should you not be contacted by SASO within ninety (90) days after the closing date, you should consider your application to have been unsuccessful.

For further details on the position that you want to apply for e.g. job profiles, refer to the SADC and   SASO  Websites: www.sadc.int and www.saso.sadc.int