Deputy Director: Epidemology REF NO: 3/3/1/01/2026 at Department of Agriculture(DOA)

REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a Bachelor's degree of Veterinary Science (BVSc) (NQF 7). Registration with the South African Veterinary Council.
• Job Related Work Experience: Minimum of five (5) technical experience in the government Veterinary Services environment on a State Veterinary level. Some experience with laboratory services, disease research and the implementation of brucellosis and tuberculosis control scheme in provincial veterinary service is an advantage. Experience in the field of epidemiology.

DUTIES    :  

•  Disease reporting. Develop, analyse and verify policy, standards and guidelines for animal disease reporting. Manage specific disease reporting to international standards to OIE, SADC, AU-IBAR, trade partners and other role -players. Manage the collecting, collating and verifying animal disease outbreak information. Analyse and monitor epidemiological information regarding animal diseases. Continuously develop and maintain the National Animal Diseases Database. Disease surveillance. Develop, analyse and verify policy standards and guidelines for disease surveillance.
• Design National Surveillance programs from an epidemiological point of view. Coordinate and oversee the conducting of disease surveillance programs. Analyse the outcome of disease surveys from an epidemiological point of view. Report on the outcome of surveillance programs nationally and internationally. General epidemiological functions. Map animal disease occurrences. Monitor internal animal disease information and analyse potential impact for South Africa. Conduct epidemiological outbreak investigations in coordination with the provincial Veterinary Services.
• Conduct a review and analysis of laboratory test results of samples for controlled and notifiable animal diseases. Representation and liaison on behalf of the Department on various for a and with stakeholders (i.e. Department of Health, SADC Epidemiological and informatics workgroup (EIS), Rabies Advisory Group (RAG), etc). Veterinary laboratory quality systems. Develop, analyse and verify policy, standards and guidelines for veterinary laboratory quality systems. Coordinate the provision of animal disease diagnostic services to the country and payment of applicable services by DoA.
• Ensure DoA approval of laboratories and diagnostic tests, including BSL evaluation. Manage the resources of the Sub-directorate (Physical, Human and Financial). Ensure proper utilization of the budget by monitoring & reporting expenditure. Monitor and ensure proper utilization of equipment. Evaluate and monitor performance and appraisal of employees. Ensure capacity, development and discipline of staff.