About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is excited to announce a vacancy for the position of Senior Project Officer: Land Development Support, located in Nkangala, Mpumalanga. This role is crucial for driving the development of agricultural producers towards successful commercialisation. As a Senior Project Officer, you will play an integral part in enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers and bolstering the agricultural sector in the community. Your work will directly impact local economies and contribute to food security, making a significant difference in the lives of South African citizens.
In this position, you will coordinate efforts to identify potential producers needing support, establish partnerships with development partners, and facilitate training programs. Your expertise will help ensure that farmers receive the resources and guidance necessary to thrive. Working in a supportive environment, you will collaborate with various stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support the regional economy.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture is dedicated to fostering sustainable agricultural development throughout South Africa. With a mission to enhance food security and promote rural development, the department works closely with farmers, communities, and various stakeholders to implement policies and initiatives that uplift the agricultural sector. By joining this department, you will contribute to a meaningful mission that prioritises the wellbeing of communities and the environment.
What You’ll Do
- Implement projects that assist producers in their journey towards commercialisation.
- Coordinate the identification of producers who require support.
- Establish and manage partnerships between producers and development partners.
- Organise capacity-building and training programmes for producers.
- Facilitate the appointment of strategic partners and service providers.
- Conduct resource mapping and mobilise farms for development in alignment with departmental priorities.
- Assist in developing and approving project registers.
- Facilitate farm assessments and feasibility studies.
- Compile reports and assist in developing business plans.
- Ensure submissions align with policies and procedures.
- Present submissions to relevant committees and structures.
- Promote good corporate governance and compliance with financial and human resource management.
- Monitor and report on projects under implementation.
- Mitigate identified operational and fraud risks.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 certificate and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agri Business, Agricultural Management, LLB, or a related field (NQF Level 7).
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a land reform environment.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Knowledge of the Department’s policies and practices related to Land Reform.
- Understanding of sector needs and business requirements.
- In-depth knowledge of policy development and monitoring techniques.
- Familiarity with government development policies, such as the National Development Plan.
- Strong project management, communication, and conflict management skills.
- Proficiency in stakeholder mobilisation, financial management, and computer literacy.
- Willingness to travel.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours or by email as specified in the application instructions below.
Requirements
Minimum requirements: Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics / Agri Business / Agricultural Management / LLB (NQF Level 7) or related equivalent qualification.Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in land reform environment.
A valid driver’s licence.
Job related knowledge: Knowledge of the Department’s policies, prescripts and practices pertaining to Land Reform.
Knowledge and understanding of sector needs and business requirements.
In- depth knowledge of policy development and monitoring and evaluation techniques.
Knowledge and understanding of government development policies, e.
g.
National Development Plan, National Growth Path, Planning and Budgeting Framework, etc.
Research methodology.
Good corporate governance principles.
Knowledge in human and financial management.
Job related skills: Project management.
Communication (verbal and written).
Agricultural development.
Conflict management.
Stakeholder mobilisation.
Financial management.
Computer literacy.
Information management and analytical thinking.
Willingness to travel.
Job Duties
Implement projects for the development of producers towards commercialisation.Assist with co-ordinating the process of identifying producers to be supported.
Assist in the establishment and management of partnerships between producers and development partners.
Organise capacity building and training programmes for producers.
Facilitate the appointment of prospective strategic partners and service providers.
Facilitate resource mapping and mobilisation of all identified farms for development in line with departmental priorities, Annual Performance Plan and Operational Plan of the Branch.
Assist in facilitation of the development and approval of project registers.
Assist in facilitation of farm assessment and feasibility studies.
Compile reports and assist in the development of business plans.
Co-ordinate processes toward approval of projects.
Co-ordinate the compilation of approval documents.
Ensure alignment and compliance of submissions to the policies / standard operating procedures.
Present the submissions to the relevant committees and structures.
Promote good corporate governance and compliance with financial and human resource.
Conduct ongoing monitoring and reporting of projects under implementation.
Adhere to relevant prescripts and legislative framework (human and financial resources).
Assist in mitigation of the identified operational and fraud risks.
Adhere to internal and external controls in line with the policies.
