About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated Scientist Production Grade-A to join its team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves developing and implementing methodologies and systems crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of agricultural products. By ensuring compliance with international food safety standards, you will play an essential part in safeguarding the health of the community and enhancing the agricultural sector’s competitiveness in the local and export markets.
Working within this department means contributing to the public service by evaluating regulations and product standards, and drafting policies that directly impact South Africa’s agricultural landscape. The influence of this role extends beyond the office, shaping the practices and regulations that help ensure safe and high-quality food for all citizens, and positioning South Africa as a key player in the global agricultural market.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture is committed to the sustainable development and management of South Africa’s agricultural resources. Its mission encompasses the promotion of food security, the enhancement of agricultural productivity, and the facilitation of compliance with international standards. By working here, you will be part of a team that is dedicated to improving the lives of South Africans through effective agricultural policies and practices, making a meaningful impact every day.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and implement methodologies and procedures for agricultural product standards.
- Evaluate and compile regulations, policies, and guidelines to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Conduct needs assessments and compile draft legal frameworks for public comment.
- Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions, providing technical advice to stakeholders.
- Liaise with national and international stakeholders to ensure alignment with best practices and international standards.
- Manage databases related to agricultural product registrations and compliance.
- Mentor and develop junior staff to promote knowledge transfer and skills enhancement.
- Conduct import and export risk assessments and issue necessary certification documentation.
What You’ll Need
- A BSc (Hon) degree in Food Sciences, Food Technology, or a relevant qualification.
- Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
- A minimum of three years of post-qualification experience in a related field.
- Knowledge of Public Service and Departmental prescripts, including the Agricultural Products Standard Act.
- Strong skills in scientific methodologies, data analysis, and project management.
- Excellent communication, networking, and people management abilities.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email [email protected].
Requirements
Science degree (BSc)(Hon) in Food Sciences / Food Technology or relevant qualification.Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
Job Related Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years post-qualification experience.
Job Related Knowledge: Applicants must have knowledge of Public Service and Departmental prescripts/policies.
Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Agricultural Products Standard Act 119 of 1990.
International agreements, conventions and bilateral agreements relating to sanitary and food quality matters.
Relevant legislation and regulations, norms and standards.
Export and import requirements.
Job Related Skills: Programme & project management.
Scientific methodologies.
Research & development.
Knowledge of legal compliance.
Data analysis.
Computer-aided scientific applications.
Technical report writing.
Creating a high-performance culture.
Professional judgment.
Presentation skills.
Mentoring.
Decision making.
Team leadership.
Analytical skills.
Creativity.
Financial management.
Customer focus and responsiveness.
Communication.
Networking.
Computer literacy.
People management.
Planning and organising.
Conflict 4 management.
Change management.
Problem solving and analysis.
Extended working hours.
Handling of hazardous chemicals.
Job Duties
Develop and implement methodologies, systems and procedures.Evaluate, Compile and amend regulations, product standards, policies, guidelines with regard to the quality, composition, packaging, marking, labelling, inspection, control and monitoring of identified agricultural products destined for export, import and local markets and ensure that these are in compliance with international food safety and quality requirements.
Obtain inputs from industry and other relevant role players with regard to the drafted product standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.
Draft/amend regulations, export standards and requirements for local and imported agricultural products.
Identify food safety and quality risks by monitoring international standards, best practices, and local conditions.
Conduct a needs assessment and evaluate the results thereof.
Compile draft legal framework and publish a government gazette notice to invite comments.
Coordinate the publication of approved regulations in the government gazette.
Improve internal processes by providing inputs into the drafting of policies and/or guidelines on the interpretation of the relevant Act and assisting with and reviewing of the implementation thereof by other divisions.
Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
Provide technical advice and guidance on the interpretation and application of the legislative framework to stakeholders.
Provide inputs in the drafting of policies and guidelines on the Agricultural Products Act (APS Act) and the implementation thereof by other divisions.
Evaluate labels and / or marking requirements for agricultural products and make recommendations.
Conduct import and export risk assessment on agricultural products and issue certification documentation accordingly.
Process applications for dispensations, registrations, etc.
Obtain, evaluate and disseminate information on international trends to local industries to keep them informed of new trends/requirements.
Manage and maintain databases and information related to the following.
registrations and /or cancellation of labels for the export of agricultural products, maximum residue limits (MRLs) for processed products, etc, destined for export, newly published regulations, import and export standards, notices and draft regulations and standards for gathering public comments, and Standard Operating Procedures.
Research and Development.
Liaise with national and international stakeholders, industry role players, other departments and DoA officials on technical matters related to food safety and quality assurance.
Obtain, evaluate, update and disseminate the relevant international information to keep South African (SA) industries and other divisions informed of new trends/ requirements.
Participate in the formulation of SA’s positions in international meetings with regard to the harmonisation of food safety and quality assurance issues.
Provide inputs (technical and scientific) on resolutions, guidelines, scientific papers, technologies, and production practices to ensure compliance with national and international food safety and quality requirements for agricultural products in terms of South Africa’s membership to international standard-setting bodies (e.
g, United Nations Economic Commission for European, Codex Alimentarius Commission, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development etc.
) Coordinate and participate in local meetings, workshops, seminars relevant to food quality and sanitary matters.
Human Capital and Development.
Mentor, train and develop staff in order to promote skills/knowledge transfer.
Supervise scientific work and processes.
Manage the performance and development of staff.
