A new opportunity has opened for qualified legal professionals looking to gain high-level government and research sector experience. The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) is now inviting applications for its Experiential Learner: Legal & Corporate Affairs position for 2026, offering a 24-month fixed-term contract in Durban with a monthly stipend of up to R16,000.
This programme is designed for legally qualified candidates who want to strengthen their professional experience in corporate governance, legal compliance, policy drafting, and contract management within a public sector research institution.
With only one position available, applicants must submit their applications before the closing date of 20 March 2026.
About the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI)
The Moses Kotane Research Institute is a public research institution focused on driving economic development, innovation, and policy research in KwaZulu-Natal.
The institute plays an important role in supporting provincial economic growth through:
- Research and policy development
- Innovation and technology initiatives
- Maritime economy coordination
- Strategic economic planning
To support these initiatives, MKRI regularly recruits skilled professionals who can strengthen governance, compliance, and legal frameworks within the organisation.
Experiential Learnership Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) |
| Position | Experiential Learner: Legal & Corporate Affairs |
| Reference Number | EL/LEGAL-02/2026 |
| Location | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Business Unit | Corporate Services Unit |
| Number of Posts | 1 |
| Contract Duration | 24 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | R13,000 – R16,000 |
| Application Closing Date | 20 March 2026 |
This experiential programme provides structured workplace exposure for qualified legal professionals, allowing them to build practical experience within a research and governance environment.
What the Experiential Learnership Is About
The Legal & Corporate Affairs experiential learner will work within the Corporate Services Unit, providing legal and administrative support to the Manager: Legal and Corporate Affairs.
The role focuses on strengthening organisational processes related to:
- Legal compliance
- Contract management
- Policy development
- Corporate governance
Participants will gain valuable experience working in a professional legal environment within a government-linked research institution.
What You Will Learn During the Programme
The experiential learnership provides practical exposure to key legal and administrative functions.
Legal Research and Analysis
Learners will assist with legal research related to corporate governance, policy compliance, and regulatory requirements.
This experience strengthens analytical skills required in professional legal practice.
Contract Drafting and Management
Participants will help manage organisational contracts by assisting with:
- Drafting agreements
- Reviewing legal documents
- Vetting contracts for compliance
- Coordinating contract approvals
Contract management is a critical skill in both public and private legal environments.
Policy Drafting and Review
The learner will support the organisation in developing and reviewing internal policies to ensure they comply with legal frameworks and governance standards.
This experience builds expertise in regulatory and compliance work.
Corporate Legal Administration
Learners will assist with legal administrative tasks across the Corporate Services Unit.
This includes supporting HR compliance processes, documentation management, and legal coordination activities.
Legal Secretariat Services
The role also involves assisting with legal secretariat functions, ensuring legal documentation and processes are handled efficiently.
This provides exposure to organisational governance procedures.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the Legal & Corporate Affairs team in several areas.
Responsibilities may include:
- Providing legal administrative support
- Coordinating and managing organisational contracts
- Drafting, reviewing, and vetting legal agreements
- Supporting HR legal and compliance processes
- Assisting with policy drafting and review
- Providing legal secretariat services
- Performing other duties within the Corporate Services Unit
These responsibilities give learners valuable insight into corporate legal operations within the public sector.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for qualified legal professionals who want to build experience in corporate legal practice and compliance management.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- LLB Degree (NQF Level 8)
- Admission as a Legal Practitioner of the High Court of South Africa
- Completed Practical Legal Training or Pupillage
- Letter of Good Standing from the Legal Practice Council (2026)
- Valid driver’s licence
These requirements ensure candidates are fully qualified to support the institute’s legal functions.
Additional Advantages
Although not mandatory, the following qualifications or experience will strengthen an application:
- LLM Degree (NQF Level 9)
- Two years’ experience in Commercial, Corporate, or Labour Law
- Experience with CCMA matters
- Contract drafting and contract management experience
- Qualification in Intellectual Property Law
These additional competencies are valuable within corporate legal environments.
Essential Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate strong professional skills, including:
- Legal research and analytical ability
- Ability to work independently
- Contract drafting and legal opinion writing
- Policy development and review expertise
Strong attention to detail and organisational skills are also essential.
Disqualification Criteria
Certain factors will automatically disqualify applicants from the selection process.
Applicants will be disqualified if they:
- Have pending criminal or disciplinary cases
- Have criminal convictions
- Are not South African citizens
Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must submit a complete application package via email.
Required documents include:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recently certified copy of South African ID
- Recently certified copy of driver’s licence
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications (not older than 6 months)
Applicants should ensure that all certifications are recent and clearly visible.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email.
Applicants must clearly state the position title and reference number in the email subject line.
Application Email
Email: [email protected]
Subject line example:
Experiential Learner: Legal & Corporate Affairs – EL/LEGAL-02/2026
For technical queries, applicants can also contact the HR administrator using the same email address.
Important Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 20 March 2026.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within six weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Because only one position is available, early submission is recommended.
Career Opportunities After the Programme
Completing this experiential learnership can open doors to several legal career pathways.
Possible career opportunities include:
- Corporate Legal Advisor
- Compliance Officer
- Legal Consultant
- Corporate Governance Specialist
- Policy Development Specialist
Experience gained in a research and governance environment can also strengthen candidates seeking careers in government, regulatory institutions, or private legal practice.
Final Thoughts
The MKRI Experiential Learner: Legal & Corporate Affairs Programme for 2026 offers a rare opportunity for qualified legal professionals to gain valuable corporate legal experience while earning a monthly stipend of up to R16,000.
With exposure to contract management, policy development, legal research, and compliance, the programme provides a strong foundation for future legal careers.
However, applications close on 20 March 2026, and only one position is available.
Interested candidates should prepare their documents and submit their applications early to secure consideration for this highly competitive opportunity.
