About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a Senior Project Officer: Strategic Land Acquisition based in the vibrant city of Kimberley, Northern Cape. This pivotal role focuses on implementing the acquisition of strategically located land that aligns with national imperatives, which is crucial for community development and sustainable growth. In this position, you will collaborate with various stakeholders to identify suitable land parcels for state acquisition, ensuring that the local communities benefit from these initiatives.
This role is not just about managing projects; it’s about making a tangible impact on people’s lives. By facilitating land allocation and supporting beneficiaries, you will play a significant part in advancing the government’s commitment to land reform and agrarian transformation. Your efforts will help to empower individuals and communities, fostering economic development and promoting social equity in South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security across South Africa. By implementing policies and programs aimed at land reform, the department seeks to address historical injustices and improve livelihoods in rural areas. Working here means being part of a team committed to making a real difference in the lives of South Africans, enhancing their access to land and resources.
What You’ll Do
- Implement the acquisition of strategically located land aligned with national imperatives.
- Identify land suitable for acquisition through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
- Create and maintain a project register of land targeted for acquisition by the State.
- Facilitate mapping of identified land with key commodities and national priorities.
- Support the assessment and valuation of identified properties.
- Update project statuses according to Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) requirements.
- Assist in the selection of suitable candidates for land allocation.
- Compile a database of land allocation applications received.
- Support beneficiary selection and land allocation processes in the district.
- Prepare documentation for selection committees regarding land allocation applications.
- Link selected beneficiaries to relevant training units.
- Facilitate the handover of allocated land to beneficiaries.
- Ensure compliance with the Beneficiary Selection Policy throughout the land allocation process.
- Implement the land acquisition and allocation project cycle effectively.
- Liaise with stakeholders regarding support requirements for land acquisition projects.
- Develop and maintain the land application system/database.
- Capture applications into the land application system/database.
- Compile project information reports for approval structures and departmental management.
What You’ll Need
- Grade 12 Certificate and a National Diploma in Agricultural Studies, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Town and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience in land reform or related fields.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Land Reform: Provision of Land and Assistance Act and the Labour Tenants Act.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, alongside negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities.
- Proficiency in computer literacy and stakeholder relations.
- Skills in facilitation, coordination, financial management, and project management.
- Willingness to travel as required.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to the Magistrate Court Building, 6th floor, Knight Street, Corner of Stead Street, Kimberley, 8300 or by email to [email protected].
Requirements
Minimum requirements: Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a National Diploma in Agricultural Studies / Agricultural Economics / Development Studies / Town and Regional Planning / Public Administration / Social Sciences / Public Management / Real Estate / Property Management or related equivalent qualification.A valid driver’s licence.
Minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience.
Job related knowledge: Land Reform: Provision of Land and Assistance Act 126 of 1993 as amended.
Labour Tenants Act, 3 of 1996.
Restitution of Land Rights Act, 22 of 1994.
Extension Security of Tenure Act, 62 of 1997 as amended.
State Land Lease and Disposal policy.
Beneficiary Selection and Land Allocation Policy.
Knowledge of post settlement support programmes.
Knowledge of Agrarian Transformation as well as key priorities of government, Knowledge of Comprehensive Rural Development Programmes (CRDP).
Land Reform Prescripts and other relevant departmental prescripts.
Job related skills: Communication (verbal and written).
Negotiation and conflict resolution.
Computer literacy.
Stakeholder relations.
Facilitation / coordination and presentation.
Financial management.
Project management.
Interpersonal relations.
Willingness to travel.
Job Duties
Implement the acquisition of strategically located land aligned to the national imperatives.Identify strategically located land suitable for acquisition by the State in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Create and maintain project register of land for acquisition by the State.
Facilitate mapping and overlaying of the identified land with key commodities and national imperatives.
Facilitate the assessment and valuation of identified properties.
Update of projects in terms of the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) requirements.
Support the selection of suitable candidates and allocation of land.
Compile the database of all land allocation applications received.
Render support in the beneficiary selection and land allocation processes in the district.
Prepare documents for selection committees’ consideration of land allocation application.
Link selected beneficiaries to relevant training unit.
Facilitate the handover of allocated land to the beneficiary.
Ensure that the land allocation process is compliant to the Beneficiary Selection Policy.
Support land allocation 94 within the district.
Implement land acquisition and allocation project cycle.
Implement land acquisition procedures within relevant policy and programme guidelines.
Liaise with relevant role-players / stakeholders with regards to land acquisition projects support requirements.
Develop the land application system / database.
Capture applications into the land application system / database.
Compile project information report to relevant approval structures and departmental management.
