About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated Deputy Director: Production Economics to join their team in Elsenburg, located in the stunning Western Cape. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of agricultural research and policy development that directly impacts the livelihoods of farmers and communities across the region. Your expertise will contribute to strategic decision-making and guide initiatives that foster sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and promote economic growth within the province.
By analyzing trends and patterns in the agricultural sector, you will play a vital role in identifying challenges and opportunities that affect production, marketing, and rural development. Your insights will help shape legislation and strategies, ensuring that the department not only meets current demands but also anticipates future needs within the agricultural landscape of South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape is dedicated to transforming the agricultural sector through innovation, sustainability, and economic development. With a mission to support farmers and promote agricultural practices that benefit both the economy and the environment, the department works collaboratively with various stakeholders to enhance productivity and address social challenges. Working here means contributing to projects that directly affect the wellbeing of communities and the sustainability of the environment.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct continuous research on agricultural developments and trends to inform policy-making.
- Identify economic questions and challenges within specific agricultural environments.
- Manage the application and development of economic models to forecast agricultural scenarios.
- Oversee the performance and operations of the Sub-directorate, ensuring effective project management.
- Facilitate people management and team development to foster a collaborative work environment.
What You’ll Need
- An appropriate NQF level 8 qualification or equivalent with a focus on Economics and/or Agricultural Economics.
- A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial role.
- A valid Code B or higher driving licence, with provisions for applicants who may have restrictions on driving but have transport access.
- Strong understanding of the agricultural sector, including legislation and regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills.
How to Apply
All applications must be hand delivered at: 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria. To submit an application online, click the link under the post you wish to apply for.
Requirements
Appropriate NQF level 8 qualification or equivalent with Economics and/or Agricultural Economics as major subjects; A minimum of 6 years relevant experience of which 3 years is managerial experience; A valid (Code B or higher) driving licence.NB: People with disabilities that restrict driving abilities, but who have reasonable access to transport, may also apply.
Competencies: Working knowledge and understanding of the following: Agricultural sector; and working experience with the legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices that have a bearing on the line functions; Information systems that aid in the management of knowledge and information pertaining to the line function; Project management; Operational management practices; Procurement and tendering processes; Policy development, and operational management, monitoring and review processes; Modern systems of governance and administration; Public service procedures, processes and systems; Regional and local political, economic and social affairs impacting on the provincial government of the Western Cape; Constitutional, legal and institutional arrangements governing the South African public sector; Public finance, human resources and discourse management processes; Public Finance Management Act, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, other financial policies, prescripts, directives and collective agreements; Functioning of the province and the activities of sister departments/related functional areas; Policies of the government of the day; Labour Relations legislation and regulations; Performance management in general.
Skills in the following: Numeracy; Computer Literacy; Language skills; Project Management; Accounting/ Finance/ Audit; Appropriate strategic management and leadership skills; Advance communication skills (written and verbal/presentation); Negotiation skills (advanced); Proven ability to conduct research; Analytical skills and to conceptualise policy; Ability to network.
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Job Duties
Continuous in-depth study/research of developments/patterns/trends in a specific agricultural environment (e.g.
resources, production, marketing, reform, macro-economics, farm management, agricultural business, international trade and investment, business support, rural development, agri- processing/value chain); Manage the analysis/identification of economic questions/challenges in a specific environment/situation (specific districts/areas, a specific industries, specific events/circumstances) pertaining to legislation/strategy/ policy/initiatives/interventions; Manage the application, adaptation and/or development of models in order to reflect the current situation and/or forecast/project possible scenarios; Plan and manage the work of and account for the overall performance of the Sub-directorate; People Management.
