Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator (ADR Coordinator)

Arbiter

Arbitrator

Divorce Mediator

Family Mediator

Federal Mediator

Labor Arbitrator

Labor Mediator

Mediator

Public Employment Mediator

What is an Arbitrator, Mediator, and Conciliator?

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are professionals who facilitate conflict resolution between parties outside of traditional legal settings. They play critical roles in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, helping individuals and organizations resolve disputes without resorting to litigation. Arbitrators provide a binding decision after hearing evidence and arguments from both sides, much like a judge in a courtroom. Mediators, on the other hand, guide parties through negotiations to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement, focusing on communication and collaboration rather than imposing decisions. Conciliators engage in a similar process but may take a more active role in proposing solutions and building trust between the disputing parties. These roles require strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as an understanding of legal frameworks and negotiation techniques, enabling them to assist in resolving disputes in various fields, including commercial, family, labor, and international relations.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$35960.0 - $152730.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Prepare written opinions or decisions regarding cases.
Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions.
Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims.
Determine extent of liability according to evidence, laws, or administrative or judicial precedents.
Rule on exceptions, motions, or admissibility of evidence.

Technology Skills

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Oracle Cloud HCM
- SAP S/4HANA
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel 365
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
Customer relationship management CRM software
- Salesforce Customer 360

Tools Used

Photocopiers
- Photocopying equipment
Scanners
- Computer data input scanners
Special purpose telephones
- Multi-line telephone systems
Laser fax machine
- Laser facsimile machines
Notebook computers

Knowledge

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

12 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R29,147pm

Are You Ready to Pursue a Career as an Arbitrator, Mediator, or Conciliator in South Africa?

The South African professional landscape is increasingly leaning towards Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to alleviate the burden on our judicial system. Currently, the market remains active with 10 active jobs available. This career path offers not only professional fulfilment but also a strong financial trajectory; market data shows that the average salary has seen a steady climb this year, rising from R25,649.90 in January to an impressive R29,147pm (approximately R32,062.37 by December 2024). If you have a passion for justice and social harmony, this could be your calling.

Is a Career in Dispute Resolution Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Success in ADR requires a specific blend of temperament and cognitive ability. Review the following traits to see if you align with this profession:

Impartiality and Neutrality: Can you remain objective and unbiased, regardless of the parties involved or the nature of the dispute?
Active Listening: Do you have the patience to listen deeply to different perspectives and identify the underlying interests behind a conflict?
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Can you manage high-tension environments and remain calm when parties become confrontational?
Analytical Thinking: Are you able to process complex legal and factual information to reach a fair and logical conclusion?
Cultural Sensitivity: In our diverse South African context, can you navigate various cultural nuances and languages with respect?
Integrity: Do you hold yourself to the highest ethical standards, ensuring the confidentiality of the process?

A Day in the Life of a Dispute Resolution Specialist

In South Africa, your day typically begins with a thorough review of case files, whether you are based at the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration), a Bargaining Council, or in private practice. You might start your morning facilitating a mediation session between an employer and an employee, using "interest-based" negotiation to find common ground.

By midday, you could be transitioning into the role of a Conciliator, actively suggesting solutions to break a deadlock. Afternoons are often reserved for Arbitration hearings, which are more formal and akin to a court proceeding. Here, you will hear evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and eventually draft a legally binding "Arbitration Award." It is a mentally stimulating environment that requires you to be "on your toes" and ready to interpret the Labour Relations Act or the South African Constitution at a moment's notice.

Education & Upskilling: Building Your Foundation

Entering this field requires a combination of formal education and specialised practical training. While a background in Law or Human Resources is traditional, it is not the only route.

Formal Degrees: A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is highly recommended for those wishing to pursue Arbitration. Alternatively, degrees in Industrial Psychology or Social Sciences provide an excellent foundation for Mediation and Conciliation.
Specialised Certifications: Aspiring practitioners should look for programmes accredited by the Dispute Settlement Accreditation Council (DiSAC) or the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA).
CCMA Candidate Programme: For those interested in labour law, the CCMA offers specific training modules that are essential for becoming a commissioner.

It is important to remember that continuous learning is key. The legal landscape in South Africa is constantly evolving with new case law and amendments. To remain competitive and command the higher salary brackets, you must engage in regular Professional Development (CPD) and stay abreast of international ADR trends.

Next Steps

Deciding to become an Arbitrator, Mediator, or Conciliator is a commitment to being a peacemaker in the South African economy. If the checklist above resonated with you and you are excited by the prospect of resolving complex disputes, you are already halfway there. Take the leap to validate your instincts and ensure you have the core competencies to succeed. Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment.

Skills

Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Professional degree

37 %

Awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession
Bachelor's degree

16 %
Post-baccalaureate certificate

11 %

Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Detailed Work Activities

Prepare written decisions for legal proceedings.
Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
Make decisions in legal cases.
Conduct hearings to investigate legal issues.
Rule on admissibility of legal proceedings.

Work Interests

Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.