Chief Director: Research and Technology Development Services, Ref No. AGR 01/2025 at Western Cape Government

Job Purpose    

• The Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government, has an exciting employment opportunity for a suitably qualified and competent individual on a Senior Management Services level to strategically manage agricultural research, technology, and development support services within the Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, to ensure an increase in agricultural production and competiveness of the agricultural sector in the Province. This salary level 14 post is based in Stellenbosch. 

Minimum Requirements    

• B degree in Agricultural Sciences (NQF 7);
• 5 years appropriate experience at senior management level;
• A valid unendorsed driver's license, or alternative mode of transport for people with disabilities; and
• The successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entryProgramme (see paragraph 4 in notes below).

Recommendation    

• Masters and Ph.D in Agricultural Sciences is highly recommended;
• Extensive experience in strategic management at a senior management level, and in particular in the agricultural environment;
• Good knowledge of agricultural systems and important role players;
• Proficient in two of the official languages of the Western Cape.

Key Performance Areas    

• Ability to function on a conceptual level;
• Strategic Management
• Developing and ensuring implementation of plant science and animal science research, research support and information strategies taking provincial and departmental priorities into account, maintaining good relations with industry role players, clients and stakeholders, and provide strategic leadership to managers and other subordinates;
• Line Function Management
• Manage plant science, animal science, research support and information strategies, manage the adaption of agricultural research and technology to client needs, support technology transfer, manage support functions pertaining to research and development, and  liaison with industry role players to align research strategy to client driven research needs, promote integrated governance; and
• Administrative management
• Financial Management
• Manage the budget and budgeting process within the framework of the PFMA, monitor and manage financial risks pertaining to the functions of the Programme, and lobby internally and externally (nationally and internationally for additional research and development funding).
• Personnel Management
• Manage the human resources of the Programme against relevant policies and procedures, provide leadership to management team, ensure capacity development and career advancement of staff, ensure effective recruitment and retention processes, manage transformation initiatives, promote sound labour relations and performance management)
• Supply Chain Management
• Exercise control over the provisioning and asset management function, ensure effective and economic utilisation of technology and equipment and exercise responsibility for strategically important needs with relation to infrastructure and facilities.

Competencies    

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills;
• Computer skills;
• Good knowledge of project management and coordination;
• Strategic and management skills;
• Presentation skills;
• Financial management skills; and 
• Advanced negotiation skills.