Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a supplementary panel of qualified, experienced, and capable part-time adjudicators to handle disputes lodged with the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) over a period of three years. The appointed adjudicators will be responsible for adjudicating disputes, conducting investigations, issuing orders, and ensuring fair, impartial, and legally sound resolution of community scheme disputes.

Scope

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Adjudicating disputes on papers, either virtually or physically, and preparing notices for hearings.
• Conducting investigations under Sections 50 and 51 of the CSOS Act, including inspections and asset/record inspections.
• Converting settlement proposals into adjudication orders and drafting enforcement orders.
• Responding promptly to legal and dispute resolution queries.
• Updating dispute tracking systems with investigations, orders, and enforcement actions.
• Attending to amendments of adjudication orders and commenting on legislative changes.
• Preparing weekly and monthly performance reports.
• Facilitating dispute conciliation and adjudication within prescribed timeframes.
• Maintaining high standards of legal and procedural compliance in adjudication orders.
• Performing internal administrative tasks incidental to adjudication duties.

Technical Requirements

The successful adjudicators must meet the following technical criteria:

• Possess relevant legal expertise, with specialization in areas such as the Sectional Title Schemes Management Act and Regulations.
• Demonstrate experience in adjudication, arbitration, mediation, or conciliation, supported by detailed CVs.
• Provide evidence of understanding of dispute resolution processes, including evidence gathering, credibility assessment, and formulation of conclusions.
• Show capability to produce legally sound, enforceable adjudication and enforcement orders.
• Attend internal training sessions and adjudicator fora.
• Have the ability to handle disputes independently, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and impartiality.

Skills Requirements

The skills and competencies required include:

• Legal expertise in community schemes law and dispute resolution.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and evaluative skills.
• Excellent written communication skills for drafting orders, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to interpret legislation, regulations, and case law relevant to community schemes.
• Proficiency in managing dispute tracking systems and administrative tasks.
• Capacity to work independently and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with parties and stakeholders.
• Commitment to confidentiality, impartiality, and high standards of professionalism.