Agricultural Economist Intern at Grain SA Group

Input, Production and Market Research:
A strong focus on member interests and solutions would be required:

•  Maintain market, input and production research databases and relevant web information.
•  Conducts input, production and market research analysis on grain and oilseeds in order to advise on grain and oilseed economic conditions.
•  Presentations to working groups, meetings, farmer days and research presentations to relevant stakeholders.
•  Collecting of input costs and calculating of enterprise budgets.

Advisory:

•  Writing of articles, newsletters, and contributions to different media sources for publication.
•  Compile and analyse comprehensive grain economic, input , market and production reports.
•  Making projections and forecasts and interpret the findings.
•  Attendance and presentations at farmer days.

Administration:

•  Proofread minutes of the working group meetings and assist the Committee Officer on admin related matters.
•  Writing reports, facilitating and arranging meetings.
•  Assist with maintaining of the Economics Department’s database.
•  Data collection and updating of datasheets

Information Sharing:

•  Engage and liaise with relevant stakeholders in the grain industry/agriculture on agricultural policies.
•  Assist members regarding concerns and challenges regarding the grain industry.

Enquiries:

•  Ensure service delivery through the handling of enquiries from the general public, financial institutions, research institutes, government officials, management, Grain SA members, etc.

Interdepartmental Support:

•  Support to Applied Economics and Member services team, Marketing team and Research team.
• Various other duties are included and is available on request.

Duration of the Internship: 12 months

Minimum Requirements for the Post:
Please note that consideration will only be given to candidates meeting the minimum requirements:

•  Agricultural Economics degree
•  Computer literate in all MS Office programmes on intermediate level (Literacy in data analysis tools will be a strong advantage)
•  Fully bilingual in English and Afrikaans (written and spoken language)
•  Knowledge of the grain industry
•  Ability to travel extensively and be away from home for extensive periods.
•  Willing and able to work overtime which may include weekends.
•  Excellent communication skills and professional behaviour.
•  Valid driver’s licence
•  Own transport