The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) invites suitably qualified South African law graduates to apply for the Legal Internship Programme 2026 / 2027 in Pretoria.
Internship Application Closing Date: 09 November 2026
Internship Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Reference Number: OPFA/LI/2026/01
Department: New Complaints Unit
Number of Posts: 1
Internship Duration: 24 months
Salary: Market Related
About the OPFA Legal Internship
The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator is responsible for resolving pension fund complaints lodged in terms of the Pension Funds Act, 24 of 1956.
The successful Legal Intern will assist with the handling and investigation of pension fund complaints, correspondence with parties, legal research, complaint administration and drafting determinations.
The internship provides practical legal experience within a statutory organisation focused on pension fund dispute resolution.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- An LLB Degree.
The following will be added advantages:
- Certificate in Pension Funds Law.
- Practical Legal Training.
Key Responsibilities
The successful Legal Intern will be responsible for:
- Assisting walk-in complainants with lodging new complaints.
- Drafting and sending initial letters to parties.
- Drafting reply and follow-up letters.
- Ensuring documents are sent to the correct parties.
- Receiving and recording responses and replies.
- Saving documents on the relevant software system.
- Assisting with the investigation of complaints.
- Drafting determinations in accordance with the workflow.
- Communicating with parties regarding administrative aspects of complaint files.
- Preparing draft letters based on research and guidance from the team leader.
- Requesting replies from complainants.
- Requesting confirmation of settlements.
- Reviewing responses received from parties.
- Advising the team leader when additional information is required.
- Following up on undertakings to respond.
- Requesting investigation reports.
- Maintaining accurate records of allocated files.
- Keeping all complaint-related correspondence together.
- Recording telephone calls, emails and other communications.
- Submitting weekly and monthly statistics to the team leader.
Key Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Computer literacy.
- MS Word skills.
- MS Excel skills.
- MS Outlook skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- Good verbal and written listening skills.
- Self-motivation.
- Planning and organisational skills.
- Resilience.
- Legal analytical ability.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Ability to develop legal arguments and reach conclusions.
- Ability to make investigative decisions when resolving complaints.
Behavioural Attributes
The successful candidate should be:
- A creative thinker.
- Passionate about service delivery.
- Able to work under pressure.
- Compassionate when dealing with members of the public and complainants.
- Energetic.
- Outcomes-driven.
- Deadline-driven.
- A strong team player.
- A good communicator.
- Professional.
- Highly ethical and trustworthy.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official OPFA recruitment platform.
Click here to apply for the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator Legal Internship 2026 / 2027
Applicants should attach:
- Comprehensive CV.
- Qualification documents.
- Any other relevant supporting documents.
Important Application Information
Applicants should note that:
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- The OPFA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
- All application-related costs are for the applicant’s own account.
Employment Equity
The OPFA is an equal opportunity organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Protection of Personal Information
Applicant information will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Candidates who are not shortlisted may have their information retained on the OPFA candidate database for up to 12 months for possible future suitable vacancies.
Closing Date
09 November 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.