Posted Date: 7 August 2026
Updated Date: 9 August 2026
The Department of Home Affairs has advertised a Legal Administration Officer opportunity under the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa. Department of Home Affairs Vacancies 28 of 2026 | Download PDF Public service vacancy circular. The vacancy appears in the Department of Home Affairs section of the Public Service Vacancy Circular 28 of 2026, which was posted by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 7 August 2026.
The supplied vacancy extract lists Post 28/26, Legal Administration Officer, reference number HRMC 56/26/1. The position is based at the Department of Home Affairs Head Office in Tshwane and offers a salary ranging from R262,968 to R1,155,777 per year, depending on the MR level and applicable OSD determination. Department of Home Affairs Vacancies 28 of 2026 | Download PDF Public service vacancy circular.
DPSACircular.co.za is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or connected to the South African Government, the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Department of Home Affairs or any other government department.
The closing date is 24 August 2026.
Applicants should read the requirements carefully before submitting an application. The Department requires a completed New Z83 application form and a comprehensive CV. The vacancy notice also provides specific information about legal experience, admission as an Attorney or Advocate for MR2 to MR5, a valid driver’s licence, skills, duties and the recruitment assessment process.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL PDF
For the complete Public Service Vacancy Circular 28 of 2026, use the official DPSA vacancy circular page.
Download Circular 28 of 2026 from DPSA
The official DPSA page confirms Circular 28 of 2026 was posted on 7 August 2026 and lists Home Affairs among the participating national departments.
QUICK VACANCY SUMMARY
| Vacancy | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Home Affairs |
| Post | Legal Administration Officer |
| Post Number | 28/26 |
| Reference Number | HRMC 56/26/1 |
| Directorate | Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa |
| Salary | R262,968 to R1,155,777 per year |
| Salary Structure | MR1 to MR5, basic salary package |
| Salary Determination | OSD determination for Legally Qualified Personnel |
| Location | Head Office, Tshwane |
| Qualification | LLB or equivalent four-year legal qualification |
| Minimum Experience | Depends on MR level |
| Driver’s Licence | Required |
| Closing Date | 24 August 2026 |
| Application Method | DHA eRecruitment or specified recruitment email |
| Vacancy Type | Legal Administration |
| Employer | Department of Home Affairs |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- About the Department of Home Affairs
- Why This Home Affairs Job Is Worth Considering
- Complete Vacancy Advertised in the PDF
- Legal Administration Officer Job Details
- Who This Position Suits
- Minimum Requirements Explained
- MR1 to MR5 Experience Levels Explained
- Duties and Responsibilities
- Salary and Benefits
- Work Location
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- How to Prepare a Strong Z83 Application
- Common Application Mistakes
- Reasons Applications Get Rejected
- Selection and Assessment Process
- Interview Preparation
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Official Application Link
- Related Department Vacancies
- Related DPSA Circular Vacancies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
- Disclaimer
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
The Department of Home Affairs is a national government department responsible for important civic and immigration functions in South Africa.
The Department is currently pursuing a digital-first transformation programme. Its 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan places strong emphasis on automation, digitalisation, digital identity systems, improved civic services and technology-enabled service delivery.
The Department’s recent annual report also records the development and activation of an eRecruitment system. The system supports online applications and allows recruitment processes to move away from paper-based administration.
The vacancy supplied for this article fits into a legal and administrative environment linked to the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa.
WHY THIS HOME AFFAIRS JOB IS WORTH CONSIDERING
The Legal Administration Officer position offers an opportunity for legally qualified professionals to work within a national government environment connected to refugee appeals, legislation, litigation and legal administration.
The role also provides exposure to several areas of public-sector legal work, including:
Legal research
Legal drafting
Legal opinions
Legislative development
Litigation
International agreements
Memoranda of Understanding
Compliance
Risk management
Public-sector legislation
Refugee-related legislation
Interdepartmental liaison
Applicants who want a public-sector legal career should compare their qualification, admission status and post-qualification experience with the MR1 to MR5 requirements before applying.
COMPLETE VACANCY ADVERTISED IN THE PDF
The supplied PDF contains one Department of Home Affairs vacancy.
POST 28/26: LEGAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Reference Number: HRMC 56/26/1
Directorate: Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa
Centre: Head Office, Tshwane
Salary: R262,968 to R1,155,777 per annum, MR1 to MR5
The salary follows the OSD determination for Legally Qualified Personnel.
DETAILED INFORMATION FOR LEGAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
The Legal Administration Officer will support the daily legal operations of the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa.
The role covers legal administration, legislative drafting, legal opinions, research, litigation support, stakeholder engagement, compliance and digital transformation support.
The position requires strong legal writing and drafting ability. Applicants also need knowledge of public-sector legislation and regulatory frameworks.
WHO THIS POSITION SUITS
This position suits a legally qualified professional who wants to work in public administration and government legal services.
The role suits applicants who have:
An LLB degree or recognised equivalent four-year legal qualification.
Legal research experience.
Legal drafting skills.
Litigation experience where required by the MR level.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of South African legislation.
An interest in refugee and immigration law.
An interest in public-sector governance.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
An ability to work with legislation, regulations, policies and legal documents.
MR1 provides an entry point for a legally qualified applicant without previous legal experience.
MR2 to MR5 suit applicants with increasing levels of post-qualification legal experience. Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is required for MR2 to MR5.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED
The vacancy requires an LLB degree or an equivalent four-year legal qualification at NQF Level 7 recognised by SAQA.
Applicants should understand the difference between holding a legal qualification and meeting the experience requirement for a particular MR level.
MR1
No previous legal experience is required.
MR2
One year of relevant post-qualification legal experience in a drafting and litigation environment.
Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is required.
MR3
Two years of relevant post-qualification legal experience in a litigation environment.
Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is required.
MR4
Four years of appropriate post-qualification legal experience in a litigation environment.
Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is required.
MR5
Six years of relevant post-qualification legal experience in a litigation environment.
Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is required.
The PDF also lists a valid driver’s licence as a requirement.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE IN PLAIN LANGUAGE
If you hold an LLB or recognised equivalent four-year legal qualification, you meet the educational starting point.
If you have no previous legal experience, MR1 is the relevant level described in the advert.
If you have post-qualification experience, you should check whether your experience matches the specific MR level.
For MR2 to MR5, the advert requires admission as an Attorney or Advocate.
Applicants should avoid selecting an MR level solely because of years worked. Your experience should match the type of legal work described in the advert.
The Department specifically refers to drafting and litigation experience for the relevant levels.
KNOWLEDGE AREAS REQUIRED
The vacancy lists knowledge of:
Workflow planning and capacity planning.
Civic Services Regulations.
Immigration Act.
Refugee Act.
Public Service Regulatory Framework.
Public Finance Management Act.
Treasury Regulations.
South African Constitution.
Departmental legislation.
Human Resources legislation and prescripts.
Public Service Regulations Act.
Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Applicants should review these areas before an interview, especially where previous work experience relates to legal opinions, litigation, legislation or public administration.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful applicant will support the daily operation of the legal unit of the Refugee Appeals Authority.
Main duties include:
Facilitating daily legal unit operations.
Drafting new legislation.
Amending existing legislation administered by the Refugee Appeals Authority.
Providing verbal and written legal opinions.
Conducting structured legal research.
Preparing legal advice.
Preparing legal documents.
Providing input into legislation.
Providing advice to Refugee Reception Offices.
Liaising with other government departments and institutions.
Attending to litigation matters.
Working with the Department’s legal services directorate on litigation.
Participating in the legislative drafting and Parliamentary process.
Drafting legal documents for the Refugee Appeals Authority.
Reviewing and drafting international agreements.
Working on Memoranda of Understanding.
Attending to requests under the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
Supporting risk and compliance management.
Implementing policies, procedures, directives, legislation and regulations.
Supporting suitable processes, systems and technology.
Supporting the Department’s digital transformation.
These duties show why strong legal research, drafting, communication, analytical and compliance skills are important for the position.
KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
The vacancy lists a broad set of skills and competencies.
These include:
Strategic capability and leadership.
Service delivery innovation.
Client orientation.
Customer focus.
People management.
People empowerment.
Financial management.
Administration.
Accountability.
Programme and project management.
Budget administration.
Financial risk management.
Legal writing.
Legal document drafting.
Process analysis.
Process improvement.
Attention to detail.
Digital transformation support.
Verbal communication.
Written communication.
Presentation skills.
Problem-solving.
Analytical skills.
Conflict management.
Negotiation.
Interpersonal skills.
Decision-making.
Planning and organisation.
Time management.
Policy development.
Coaching.
Facilitation.
Business report writing.
Computer literacy.
Patriotism.
Honesty.
Integrity.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The advertised salary range is R262,968 to R1,155,777 per annum for MR1 to MR5. The vacancy states that the basic salary follows the OSD determination for Legally Qualified Personnel.
The wide salary range exists because the post covers different MR levels. The applicable level depends on the candidate’s qualification, professional status and relevant post-qualification legal experience.
Applicants should therefore compare their background with the MR1, MR2, MR3, MR4 and MR5 requirements rather than focusing only on the highest amount in the advertised range.
The supplied vacancy extract does not provide a detailed breakdown of additional employee benefits. Applicants should rely on the official appointment documentation for the applicable conditions of service.
SALARY LEVEL EXPLANATION
MR1
Entry point for a legally qualified applicant with no previous legal experience.
MR2
For an applicant with one year of relevant post-qualification experience in drafting and litigation.
MR3
For an applicant with two years of relevant post-qualification litigation experience.
MR4
For an applicant with four years of appropriate post-qualification litigation experience.
MR5
For an applicant with six years of relevant post-qualification litigation experience.
MR2 to MR5 also require admission as an Attorney or Advocate according to the advert.
WORK LOCATION
The position is based at the Department of Home Affairs Head Office in Tshwane.
Applicants should consider the location before applying because the supplied advert identifies Head Office, Tshwane as the centre for the position.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The Department’s vacancy notice states that applications must include:
A fully completed New Z83 Application for Employment Form.
A comprehensive CV.
The Z83 should cite the correct post number and job title.
The CV should provide employment start and end dates in dd/mm/yy format, job titles, duties performed and reasons for leaving each employment period.
Applicants should provide details for at least two contactable employment references.
Where a driver’s licence or Professional Driving Permit is a requirement, the relevant details should appear on the CV.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked for additional supporting documentation, including:
ID document.
Valid driver’s licence where required.
Relevant educational qualifications.
RPL certificates where applicable.
Academic transcripts for completed qualifications.
Acting letters where directed.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit evaluated results from the South African Qualifications Authority.
STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Check the vacancy
Confirm the position title, Post 28/26 and reference number HRMC 56/26/1.
Step 2: Check your qualification
Confirm your LLB or equivalent four-year legal qualification meets the stated NQF Level 7 and SAQA recognition requirement.
Step 3: Check your experience
Match your post-qualification experience against the MR level you seek.
Step 4: Check professional admission
If applying at MR2, MR3, MR4 or MR5, confirm your Attorney or Advocate admission.
Step 5: Complete the New Z83
Use the current Z83 form specified in the advert.
Step 6: Prepare your CV
List employment dates, job titles, duties, exit reasons and at least two contactable references.
Step 7: Add relevant licence information
Include your valid driver’s licence where applicable.
Step 8: Check your documents
Make sure your application contains the required documents and accurate information.
Step 9: Submit through the stated DHA channel
The supplied PDF instructs applicants to submit compliant applications online through the DHA eRecruitment system or the recruitment email specified in the advert.
Step 10: Submit before 24 August 2026
Late applications risk exclusion from consideration.
HOW TO PREPARE A STRONG Z83 APPLICATION
Your Z83 should match the vacancy.
Use the exact job title and reference number.
Give complete information in the required sections.
Check every date before submitting.
Keep employment dates consistent between the Z83 and CV.
Explain duties in your CV using responsibilities relevant to the advertised position.
For this Legal Administration Officer role, highlight legal drafting, legal research, litigation, legal opinions, legislation, compliance, policy work and stakeholder engagement where these areas form part of your actual experience.
Do not add qualifications, duties or experience you do not possess.
Check the final application before submission.
COMMON APPLICATION MISTAKES
Applicants often weaken an application by providing incomplete information.
For this vacancy, pay particular attention to:
Using the wrong post number.
Using the wrong job title.
Submitting an incomplete Z83.
Submitting an outdated Z83.
Leaving employment dates incomplete.
Failing to explain duties performed.
Failing to provide exit reasons.
Providing fewer than two contactable employment references.
Failing to mention a required driver’s licence.
Claiming experience without explaining the work performed.
Ignoring the specific MR-level experience requirement.
Failing to provide SAQA evaluation for a foreign qualification when required.
Sending an application after the closing date.
Using an application channel different from the channel specified in the official advert.
The DPSA vacancy guidance also states that applicants should use the Z83 form, provide full particulars and indicate the vacancy reference number.
WHY APPLICATIONS GET REJECTED
An application might fail because the applicant does not meet the minimum qualification or experience requirements.
Other common problems include:
Incomplete application forms.
Incorrect reference numbers.
Missing required information.
Failure to meet the relevant professional admission requirement.
Insufficient relevant post-qualification experience.
Incorrect application channel.
Late submission.
Missing supporting documents when requested.
Incorrect or inconsistent employment information.
Failure to follow instructions in the vacancy notice.
For this vacancy, MR2 to MR5 applicants should pay particular attention to the admission requirement and the specific experience required for each MR level.
SELECTION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The Department states that shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, will undertake two pre-entry assessments.
One assessment involves a practical exercise designed to assess suitability against the technical and generic requirements of the post.
The second assessment concerns integrity and ethical conduct.
Shortlisted candidates must also submit specified supporting documents.
For SMS posts, additional technical exercises, interviews, psychometric assessments and other employment suitability checks apply. The Legal Administration Officer position in the supplied PDF is not described as an SMS post.
The recruitment notice also states that successful appointees will serve a prescribed probation period and obtain security clearance appropriate to the post.
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Applicants who reach the interview stage should prepare around the actual work described in the advert.
Review:
South African constitutional principles.
Public Service regulatory requirements.
Public Finance Management Act.
Treasury Regulations.
Immigration legislation.
Refugee legislation.
Public Service Regulations.
Legal research methods.
Legal drafting.
Litigation processes.
Legal opinions.
Administrative law principles.
Risk and compliance.
Digital transformation in government.
Refugee Appeals Authority functions.
Prepare examples from your own experience.
A strong interview answer should explain the situation, your responsibility, the action you took and the result.
For legal questions, focus on your reasoning process and show how you research legislation, assess facts, identify legal risks and present practical advice.
CAREER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
The advert itself covers MR1 through MR5, giving applicants a clear progression structure based on relevant legal experience.
A candidate entering at MR1 starts without previous legal experience under the advertised requirements.
Progression through higher MR levels requires increasing post-qualification legal experience. MR2 to MR5 also require admission as an Attorney or Advocate.
Long-term career development in public-sector legal work could involve greater responsibility in legal administration, legislative drafting, litigation, policy advice, compliance, governance and management, subject to future vacancies, professional development and departmental requirements.
Applicants should treat the MR levels as the advertised classification structure rather than assuming automatic promotion between levels.
OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK
The vacancy notice directs applicants to submit compliant applications through the Department of Home Affairs eRecruitment system or the specified recruitment email.
Official Department of Home Affairs eRecruitment Portal
The supplied PDF also lists raasarecruitment@dha.gov.za for the advertised post.
Always verify the application destination against the complete official vacancy circular before submitting.
OFFICIAL PDF DOWNLOAD
The official DPSA vacancy page identifies Circular 28 of 2026 as the relevant circular, with a posting date of 7 August 2026. Home Affairs appears among the national departments listed on the circular page.
View and download the official DPSA Circular 28 of 2026
RELATED DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS VACANCIES
Home Affairs appears in several 2026 Public Service Vacancy Circulars. Recent examples include Circular 25 of 2026, Circular 24 of 2026, Circular 23 of 2026 and Circular 20 of 2026.
For the latest available Home Affairs opportunities, check the official DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular section regularly.
DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular
RELATED DPSA CIRCULAR VACANCIES
Job seekers interested in government employment should also review vacancies from other national departments listed in the Public Service Vacancy Circular.
The DPSA states that the vacancy circular contains advertisements for vacant posts and jobs in public service departments. The circular is normally published weekly except during December.
Related departments appearing in recent 2026 circulars include:
- Latest DPSA Circular PDF Download
- Department of Agriculture Vacancies
- Department of Basic Education Vacancies
- Department of Correctional Services
- Department of Employment and Labour Vacancie
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Vacancies
- Government Technical Advisory Centre
- Department of Higher Education and Training Vacancies
- Department of Home Affairs Vacancies
- Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services Vacancies
- Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Vacancies
- Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Vacancies
- Office of the Chief Justice Vacancies
- Department of Electricity and Energy vacancies
- Department of International Relations and Cooperation Vacancies
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Vacancies
- National School of Government Vacancies
- National Treasury Vacancies
- Department of Traditional Affairs Vacancies
- Department of Tourism Vacancies
- Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies
- Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Vacancies
Applicants should check the requirements for each vacancy separately because application methods, qualifications, closing dates and documents differ between departments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
What Home Affairs vacancy is advertised in this PDF?
The supplied PDF lists Post 28/26, Legal Administration Officer, reference number HRMC 56/26/1, under the Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa.
-
What is the salary for the Legal Administration Officer?
The advertised salary is R262,968 to R1,155,777 per year for MR1 to MR5, with the basic salary package determined under the OSD for Legally Qualified Personnel.
-
Where is the Legal Administration Officer position based?
The centre is Head Office, Tshwane.
-
What qualification is required?
Applicants need an LLB degree or equivalent four-year legal qualification at NQF Level 7 recognised by SAQA.
-
Is legal experience required?
MR1 requires no previous legal experience. MR2 requires one year, MR3 requires two years, MR4 requires four years and MR5 requires six years of relevant post-qualification legal experience.
-
Is admission as an Attorney or Advocate required?
Yes. The advert requires admission as an Attorney or Advocate for MR2 through MR5.
-
Is a driver’s licence required?
Yes. A valid driver’s licence appears among the stated requirements.
-
What is the closing date?
The closing date is 24 August 2026.
-
Which Z83 form should applicants use?
The vacancy requires the New Z83 Application for Employment Form, effective from 1 January 2021.
-
What should the CV contain?
The CV should include employment start and end dates, job titles, duties performed, reasons for leaving and details of at least two contactable employment references.
-
Should shortlisted applicants submit qualifications immediately?
The vacancy notice states shortlisted candidates will be required to submit relevant qualifications, academic transcripts and other specified documents.
-
What happens to foreign qualifications?
Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit evaluated results received from SAQA.
-
What duties will the Legal Administration Officer perform?
Duties include legal research, drafting legislation, preparing legal opinions and documents, litigation support, legislative work, stakeholder liaison, compliance and digital transformation support.
-
What skills does the vacancy require?
The advert lists legal writing, drafting, analytical ability, communication, planning, problem-solving, negotiation, conflict management, computer literacy, financial administration, accountability and integrity among the required competencies.
-
Where should applicants apply?
The supplied vacancy notice directs applicants to the DHA eRecruitment system or the recruitment email specified for the post.
-
Does the Department conduct assessments?
Yes. The vacancy notice states shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, will undertake two pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment.
-
What should applicants study before an interview?
Applicants should review the legislation and knowledge areas listed in the advert, including the Constitution, Immigration Act, Refugee Act, Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations and Public Service regulatory framework.
-
Does the supplied PDF list multiple Home Affairs vacancies?
No. The supplied two-page extract contains one Home Affairs vacancy, Post 28/26 Legal Administration Officer.
-
Is DPSACircular.co.za the official Home Affairs recruitment website?
No. DPSACircular.co.za is an independent job information website. The official application process belongs to the Department of Home Affairs.
-
Where should applicants verify the full vacancy circular?
Applicants should use the official DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular page and the Department of Home Affairs recruitment platform before submitting an application.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Godwin Samuel is the author behind DPSACircular.co.za. He has more than eight years of experience researching employment opportunities, recruitment information and job application guidance.
His work focuses on presenting government vacancy information in a clear format so job seekers understand requirements, application procedures, closing dates and supporting documents before applying.
DISCLAIMER
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent job information website.
DPSACircular.co.za is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or connected to the South African Government, the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Department of Home Affairs or any other government department.
DPSACircular.co.za does not accept job applications and does not participate in recruitment decisions.
All vacancy requirements, closing dates, application channels, recruitment assessments and appointment decisions belong to the relevant government department.
Applicants should verify the complete official vacancy advertisement before submitting personal information or documents.
The information in this article is based primarily on the Department of Home Affairs vacancy extract supplied for this article and supporting official government sources. Where information is not provided in the supplied vacancy extract, applicants should consult the complete official circular.
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