About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated Assistant Director: Agriculture Operations to join its National Head Office in Pretoria. This crucial role involves providing scientific and technical agricultural advice to support departmental programmes and initiatives. The successful candidate will play a vital part in promoting self-sufficiency and offender rehabilitation within correctional centres across South Africa. By monitoring and evaluating agricultural operations, you will contribute significantly to the community while enhancing public service initiatives that aim to uplift lives.
This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As you coordinate agricultural production programmes, you will establish effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Your work will directly support the mission of the Department of Agriculture, ensuring that agricultural practices align with sustainable development goals and contribute positively to society.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture is dedicated to fostering the development of a sustainable agricultural sector in South Africa. Its mission encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including policy development, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural practices that enhance productivity and sustainability. Working here means being part of a team that is committed to improving food security and promoting economic growth through effective agricultural initiatives.
The department plays a pivotal role in ensuring that agricultural practices meet the needs of both current and future generations. Employees are encouraged to bring innovative ideas to the table, making their contributions meaningful and impactful within the public service landscape.
What You’ll Do
- Provide scientific and technical agricultural advice to support departmental programmes.
- Monitor and evaluate agricultural operations and production performance across correctional centres.
- Coordinate agricultural production programmes focused on self-sufficiency and offender rehabilitation.
- Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage performance information, human resources, finances, and assets related to agricultural operations.
What You’ll Need
- A recognized 4-year qualification (NQF Level 7) in Agriculture, Agricultural Management, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, Crop Production, Agronomy, or a related field.
- A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience in the agricultural environment.
- Knowledge of agricultural extension methodologies and advisory services.
- Proficiency in computer applications and a valid driver’s licence.
- Strong understanding of project planning, management, and sustainable farming practices.
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
Requirements
An appropriate recognised 4-year qualification (NQF Level 7) in Agriculture, Agricultural Management, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, Crop Production, Agronomy or a related agricultural field.A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in the agricultural environment.
Knowledge of agricultural extension methodologies and advisory services.
Computer literate.
Valid driver’s licence.
Competencies And Attributes: Knowledge of project planning and management.
knowledge of agricultural production systems, resource management, and sustainable farming practices.
Knowledge of policy development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Knowledge of Public Service legislation, policies and prescripts, including the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Public Service Act, and departmental policies.
Planning and organization.
Reporting procedures.
Administration procedures relating to the specific work environment including norms and standards.
Interpersonal relationship.
Problem solving.
Project management.
Financial management.
Analytical thinking.
Verbal exchange of information.
Written 39 communication for notes, memos, letters and reports.
Supervisory and management, advanced communication and presentation skills.
Job Duties
Provide scientific and technical agricultural advice to support departmental agricultural programmes and initiatives.Monitor and evaluate agricultural operations and production performance across correctional centres against approved targets.
Coordinate agricultural production programmes aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and offender rehabilitation.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Management of performance information, human resources, finance and assets.
