What Jobs are available for Intellectual Property in South Africa?

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer-centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes, we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.

In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people's lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998).

Job Purpose

To provide legal services, including intellectual property (IP) support and advice to all TIA Business Units in respect of TIA projects/programs.

• Bachelor degree in Engineering (Chemical) or Bachelor degree in Science .
• A Law degree
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate
• At least four (4) years' post admission experience.
• Two (2) years' experience in an intellectual property environment and/or prior exposure to the technology innovation environment.
• Experience in Local and International Intellectual Property trends in relevant industries.
• Litigation experience.
• Laws, legislation and compliance requirements for the various operational aspects of TIA.
• Sound Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999).
• Skills:
• Assertive
• Critical judgment
• Customer-centricity
• Decisiveness
• Decision-making
• Negotiation skills
• Analytical and interpretation skills

Financial Perspective

• Contribute towards saving for TIA by limiting operational costs, also complying with the National Treasure Cost Containment Measures (NTCM).

Stakeholder Management

• Participate in establishing cooperative customer relationships with stakeholders internally and externally.
• Provide quality services that meets corporate programme and project needs of TIA.
• Represent the Head: Legal Services on various committees, as may be required.

Internal Processes

• Perform Intellectual Property (IP) due diligence on TIA's projects and programs and issue report on outcomes.
• Draft and/or review contracts for TIA operations, TIA projects and TIA programs, also focusing IP clauses.
• Draft legal opinions.
• Provide input in the formulation of legal policies, guidelines, frameworks and business processes.
• Provide input in the review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Legal Services BU.
• Capture all legal information relating to TIA operations on the applicable systems.
• Produce workflow management status reports, as and when required.
• Assist with quality assurance of work produced by the Legal Advisors.
• Identify and report on potential legal risks.
• Identify and implement development opportunities to ensure continuous improvement of work effectiveness and efficiency.
• Identify root causes of delays in the processes and implement measures to address the delays.
• Provide support and assistance to other Legal Advisors to achieve their milestones.

Governance and Compliance

• Participate in the internal and external audit exercise and resolution of all audit matters in the Business Unit.
• Ensure compliance with all TIA's policies, frameworks, guidelines and systems (performance management, HR, finance, Stakeholder information, fund management, reporting, etc).
• Proactively identify and address internal and external risks to protect the organisation.

Learning and Growth

• Mentor other Legal Advisors to transfer knowledge and skill.
• Attend work-related, self-development courses including training (both external and internal) seminars, conferences, webinars and workshops.

JOB DUCK IS HIRING AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LEGAL ASSISTANT

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Role Overview

If you're someone who thrives on precision and enjoys being the steady hand behind seamless legal operations, this role is for you. As an Intellectual Property Legal Assistant, you'll be the heartbeat of our intellectual property practice, ensuring every deadline is met and every client feels supported. You'll work closely with attorneys and international agents, keeping patent and trademark matters on track and clients informed. This position is ideal for someone detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and passionate about making legal processes feel approachable.

Schedule:

Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST (USA)

Your Responsibilities Will Include but Are Not Limited To:

• Communicating proactively with clients about project progress
• Tracking and meeting internal and external deadlines
• Monitoring Patent Center and Trademark Center/TSDR daily
• Using docketing software to manage updates and filings
• Coordinating with foreign agents on international IP matters
• Translating legal concepts into clear, actionable steps for clients
• Finalizing and filing applications regularly
• Maintaining accurate client records and case files
• Preparing weekly and monthly reports on filings and case status
• Attend team meetings and coordinate with attorneys on active matters
• Supporting operations with email reviews and deadline management
• Drafting and proofreading legal documents with high attention to detail
• Conducting preliminary research and preparing discovery responses
• Tracking performance metrics and contributing to process improvements

What We're Looking For:

• At least one year of experience as a legal assistant (intellectual property experience preferred)
• Familiarity with Intellectual Property basics and legal office operations is a plus
• Experience managing or supporting a law office
• Ability to lead or follow as needed
• Familiarity with Intellectual property docketing and case management, Time tracking and calendar management, Legal document preparation and proofreading, Client communication and follow-up, Deadline coordination and milestone tracking, Research and reporting
• Persistent and curious individual
• Tech-loving and fun-spirited
• Emotionally secure and optimistic
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Independent and proactive
• Friendly, professional, and resourceful
• Strong communicator and avid listener
• Comfortable working remotely
• Able to simplify complex ideas
• Systematic and creative thinker
• Reliable computer setup (laptop/PC, headset, stable internet min. 10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload)
• Quiet, distraction-free remote work environment

What's In It for You?

• Monthly compensation starting from
  1150 USD to 1220 USD
• Paid time off
  and holiday pay.
• Referral and annual
  bonuses.
• 100% Remote,
  Full-Time, Long-Term Career Opportunity.
• Parental leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Dedicated support from our team.
• A chance to work with clients who share our values.

Ready to dive in?
Apply now and make sure to follow all the instructions

DISCLAIMER: Every candidate must pass each step in our application process to become part of our team. Ensure you have all the required documentation ready to streamline your application process.

Role Purpose

To be responsible for supporting the planning, design, implementation and Operations of the Liquid Telecoms IP Metro Network which includes the Metro and Access Network Infrastructure and Services functions.This position includes supporting tasks to meet the planning and implementing IP Metro and Access platforms to support maximum possible service availability, capacity and performance of the IP Network and customer services.

Role Description

Creates and update the planning, design and implementation of IP Metro and Access infrastructure to meet the deployment of products/services within required timelines. This includes service planning and implementation on IP Access Network. The IP Metro and Access infrastructure/services includes:

• Service Provider Metro/Access includes MPLS MPE (Metro Provider Edge), APE (Access Provider Edge), Access switches and routers
• Access routers for Layer 2, Layer 3 including the service constructs, configuration and architecture of services includes

Metro Ethernet and VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Creates EXE's from configuration templates for new and existing deployments of Metro and Access infrastructure and services.

Works with internal teams, contractors and out sourced vendors to produce the most efficient way to implement IP solutions and services.

Plans and implements upgrades to meet Metro and Access capacity requirements to avoid Stop Sales and degraded performance as a result of Capacity issues.Plans and implements upgrades to meet the high availability and SLA of IP customer services. Work with team to implement remediation measures to address all IP design related failures and to avoid repeat failures due to availability issues.

Work with internal and external teams to support IP revenue generating & revenue assurance activities. Working with Sales & Solution Architects to create customised IP solutions and vet IP solutions and provide recommendations.Assist Service Delivery with standard and customised IP solution planning and configurations. Ensure standard IP product configuration templates are available and updated. Ensure ability to model devices &plan IP services on LTSA systems.Support Service Delivery IP planning and delivery of services.

Execute on initiatives and continuous improvements in the design and planning of Metro and Access network to improve customer experience. Support implementation of integrated plan and optimisation projects to enhance revenue, capacity, growth initiatives.Support the One Network initiative. Integration of AS30844 and AS36937 Networks. (Autonomous Systems). Interact and support the LTG teams to maintain high standards across the group to ensure seamless connectivity across Africa and all other IP Points of presence.Plan and implement IP projects/EXEs to create/optimize customer services incorporating customer improvement plans to improve customer experience. Support L2 to L3 migration activities as per project plan.Implement and support systems and network infrastructure for layer 2 and layer 3 services. Support the service provision and operations of the IP customer services.

Contributes to IP Operations processes and procedures to achieve a Mean Time To Restore (MTTR) that meets or exceeds industry standards and customer Service Level Agreements.Supports the IP TAC Levels to ensure quick resolution of Incidents, major events and ensure that the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and escalations are provided within the agreed time allocated and SLA. Work with contractors and outsourced vendors. Support IP TAC/SOC/NOC operations function.

Contributes to the Metro and Access network performance in accordance to Industry standards and Service Level Agreements.Maintains and updates all IP NMS systems (application software and inventory) and systems are accessible for monitoring/reporting of network element status. Backup all IP NMS systems.

Contributes to the IP process and system transition to LTSA. Ensures transformation to optimised IP systems and processes and ensure intellectual property resides with LTSA.Executes processes that ensures all devices operate optimally so that IP system resources eg. device CPU, Memory, are kept in line with Vendor specs.

People Development – Training programs, coaching sessions

• Build skill level in team by providing IP knowledge transfer workshops.
• Motivate team members by assisting them to get their IP qualifications/certifications.
• Contribute to training sessions, knowledge transfer sessions with all other verticals of LTSA and LTG teams and provide them info of the network.
• Contribute to the knowledge base with team regularly to keep team informed of known issues / errors, updates and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) learnings.

Degree/Diploma or equivalent experience in Engineering and/or Networking.

Cisco Qualification CCIP/ CCNP Service Provider or Routing and Switching: Essential

MEF CECP 2.0: Desirable

Juniper Qualification Optional – JNCIP/ JNCIS Service Provider or Routing and Switching: Desirable

Role Purpose

This position is responsible for supporting the planning, design, implementation and Operations of the Liquid Telecoms IP Metro Network which includes the Metro and Access Network Infrastructure and Services functions.

This position includes executing tasks to meet the planning and implementing the technical specification of the IP Metro and Access platforms to support maximum possible service availability, capacity and performance of the IP Network and customer services.

Role Description

Create and update the planning, design and implementation of IP Metro and Access infrastructure to meet the deployment of products/services within required timelines. This includes detailed low-level design on IP Access and service implementations. The IP Metro and Access infrastructure/services includes: Service Provider Metro/Access includes MPLS MPE (Metro Provider Edge), APE (Access Provider Edge), Access switches and routers.Access routers for Layer 2, Layer 3 including the service constructs, configuration and architecture of services includes Metro Ethernet and VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Create and update IP design and configuration templates for new and existing deployments of Metro and Access infrastructure and services. Work with internal teams, contractors and outsourced vendors to produce the most efficient way to implement IP solutions and services. Ensure that any IP documents remain the intellectual property of LTSA and updated timeously. Provide tools and systems to generate reports to analyse the IP Capacity of links and device resources. Design, plan and implement upgrades to meet Metro and Access capacity requirements to avoid Stop Sales and degraded performance as a result of Capacity issues.

Provide tools and systems to generate reports to analyse the IP Availability of links and device resources. Design, plan and implement upgrades to meet the high availability and SLA of IP customer services. Implement remediation measures to address all IP design related failures and to avoid repeat failures due to availability issues. Plan all new IP services and Metro and Access infrastructure activities while ensuring intellectual property (processes and systems) remain the ownership of LTSA.

Work with IT, out-sourced vendors, contractors and internal planning teams to ensure LTSA has the capability of planning on all IP planning systems. Support the transformation from existing to new optimised processes and systems to meet faster IP planning, installation and service provisioning. Create and update IP design and configuration templates for new and existing deployments of Metro and Access infrastructure and services.

Work with internal teams, contractors and outsourced vendors to produce the most efficient way to implement IP solutions and services. Ensure that any IP documents remain the intellectual property of LTSA and updated timeously. Provide tools and systems to generate reports to analyse the IP Capacity of links and device resources. Design, plan and implement upgrades to meet Metro and Access capacity requirements to avoid Stop Sales and degraded performance as a result of Capacity issues.

Provide tools and systems to generate reports to analyse the IP Availability of links and device resources. Design, plan and implement upgrades to meet the high availability and SLA of IP customer services. Implement remediation measures to address all IP design related failures and to avoid repeat failures due to availability issues. Plan all new IP services and Metro and Access infrastructure activities while ensuring intellectual property (processes and systems) remain the ownership of LTSA.

Work with IT, out-sourced vendors, contractors and internal planning teams to ensure LTSA has the capability of planning on all IP planning systems. Support the transformation from existing to new optimised processes and systems to meet faster IP planning, installation and service provisioning.

Work with internal and external teams to support IP revenue generating & revenue assurance activities. Working with Sales & Solution Architects to create customised IP solutions and vet complex IP solutions and provide recommendations.Assist Service Delivery with standard and customised IP solution planning and configurations. Ensure standard IP product configuration templates are available and updated. Ensure ability to model devices & plan IP services on LTSA systems.

Support Service Delivery IP planning and delivery of services.Recommend, design and implement IP provisioning processes and systems to ensure quicker service delivery. Provide initiatives and continuous improvements in the design and planning of Metro and Access network to improve customer experience. Support implementation of integrated plan and optimisation projects to enhance revenue, capacity, growth initiatives.

Support the One Network initiative. Integration of AS30844 and AS36937 Networks. (Autonomous Systems). Interact and support the LTG teams to maintain high standards across the group to ensure seamless connectivity across Africa and all other IP Points of presence. Plan, Implement and support systems and network infrastructure for layer 2 and layer 3 services. Support the service provision and operations of the IP customer services.

Plan and implement IP projects to optimize customer services incorporating customer improvement plans to improve customer experience. Support L2 to L3 migration activities as per project plan. Provide IP Network stability by eliminating single points of failure and reducing end of life infrastructure.

Work with internal and external teams to support IP revenue generating & revenue assurance activities. Working with Sales & Solution Architects to create customised IP solutions and vet complex IP solutions and provide recommendations

Assist Service Delivery with standard and customised IP solution planning and configurations. Ensure standard IP product configuration templates are available and updated. Ensure ability to model devices & plan IP services on LTSA systems. Support Service Delivery IP planning and delivery of services.

Recommend, design and implement IP provisioning processes and systems to ensure quicker service delivery. Contribute to IP Operations processes and procedures to achieve a Mean Time To Restore (MTTR) that meets or exceeds industry standards and customer Service Level Agreements.

Keep IP NMS systems up to date (software and inventory) and accessible for monitoring/reporting of network element status. Liaises with IT for NMS back up. Support the IP TAC Levels to ensure quick resolution of Incidents, major events and ensure that the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and escalations are provided within the agreed time allocated and SLA. Work with contractors and outsourced vendors. Support IP TAC/SOC/NOC operations function.

Support third party providers and vendors to maintain Metro and Access network performance in accordance to Industry standards and Service Level Agreements

Implement processes that ensures all devices operate optimally so that IP system resources eg. device CPU, Memory, are kept in line with Vendor specs.

People Development – Training programs, coaching sessions.Build skill level in team by providing IP knowledge transfer workshops. Motivate team members by assisting them to get their IP qualifications/certifications.Have training sessions, knowledge transfer sessions with all other verticals of LTSA and LTG teams and provide them info of the network. Review knowledge base with team regularly to keep team informed of known issues / errors, updates and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) learnings.

Degree/Diploma or equivalent experience in Engineering and/or Networking.

Cisco Qualification CCIP or CCNP, CCIE Service Provider or Routing and Switching

MEF CECP 2.0

Juniper Qualification JNCIP or JNCIS, JNCIE Service Provider or Enterprise Routing & Switching.

All Appointments are subject to the Labour Legislation in the respective country.

Synopsis

In November 2023 Cabinet approved the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET-IP) which included chapters dedicated to green hydrogen (GH2) and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). The IDC is tasked with setting up the GH2 and NEV JET-IP Programme Management Offices, which include a policy specialist (hereafter referred to as the "specialist"). The specialist will support the JET-IP Programmes in the IDC.

The specialist will coordinate the Programme Management Offices' policy-related activities to define, develop and ensure relevant policies are in place to support the development of the GH2 and NEV industries.

Job Description

Financial Shareholder Returns

• Compile budgets as required and track expenditure.

Internal /Operational Processes

• Research and analyse existing policies and legislation to identify areas for improvement orrevision.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, including government and the private sector, to gatherinput and build consensus around policy initiatives.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of proposed policies, including economic, social, andenvironmental effects, using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Develop a policy and regulatory action plan for changes to policy and regulations to alignto the GH2 and NEV implementation plans.
• Monitor the progress of the policy and regulatory action plan with both internal andexternal stakeholders.
• Systematically and proactively apprise key counterparts on important policies, strategiesand relevant operations and identify new areas for collaboration and dialogue betweenIDC and counterparts.
• Monitor local and international GH2, NEV and related regulations and policies and any changes to such and advise the Programme Director on implications to the JET-IP GH2 and NEV Portfolios.
• Engage in policy dialogue and awareness raising, working closely with Marketing and Communications counterparts and the JET PMU in the Presidency to ensure that policy development work effectively reaches key stakeholders from government, private sector associations, industry bodies, academia and media.
• Represent the IDC and the JET-IP GH2 and NEV interest in policy discussions, advocacy and public forums.
• Develop and maintain policy and regulatory databases, records, and documentation, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of information.
• Work closely with the Head of R&I to develop appropriate policy and regulatory recommendations.

Learning, Leadership & People Growth

• Participate in knowledge sharing in the team and cross functional knowledge sharing.
• Coaching and mentoring of team members.

Qualification and Experience

Formal qualifications

• Minimum qualification: Relevant Honour' degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Competition Economics, Law, or related fields
• Master's Degree would be an advantage.

Knowledge And Experience Requirements

• 5 to 8 years of demonstrable experience in policy and regulatory development, with emphasis on the energy and automotive value chains and working at or with related government departments.
• Deep understanding of the policy landscape in South Africa with a focus on the just transition to green energy
• Understanding of International Trade and Regulations
• Demonstrable ability of writing policies and regulations, in addition to coordinating task teams for policy development
• Demonstrated ability to conduct policy analysis employing quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques
• Demonstrated ability to draft compelling, legally-sound, actionable policy guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences
• Strong customer focus and ability to engage effectively with senior officials of corporate and governments
• Experience working in a high-level collaborative and culturally diverse environment
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while building effective relationships.

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical/Functional Competencies

• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with project management principles and practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Strong report writing and presentation preparation skills

Leadership Competencies

• Proactive and self-driven
• Strategic thinking
• Teamwork
• Communication and engagement
• Influence
• Change leadership

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to ethical conduct and integrity.

IDC is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of the JDC and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but not limited to candidates from underrepresented designated groups.

Job Reference: IDC00632