Scientific Manager Grade A-B at Department of Agriculture(DOA)

REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a MSc Degree in agriculture or equivalent Agricultural NQF level 9 qualifications. SACNAP registration as a Professional Natural Scientist (Agriculture, Soil Science). 6 years relevant post qualification experience in the field of natural agricultural resources management. Appropriate experience in the application of Geographical Information System (GIS) within the field of natural agricultural resources assessment and inventories.
• Job Related Knowledge: Knowledge and application of Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983, Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act 70 of 1970, Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act, 39 of 2024, Spatial Data Infrastructure Act 54 of 2003 and Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013. Advanced knowledge and understanding of the natural agricultural resources of South Africa, the protection and long-term sustainable use thereof within a set of related systems. Broad knowledge and understanding of natural agricultural resource, sustainable land use and data policies, conventions, legislations, regulations, norms and standards. Broad knowledge and understanding of research, research principles, methodologies and approaches use for natural agricultural resources / sustainable land use. Knowledge of stand-alone mobile and internet based Geographical Information Systems, applications and tools including the principles, concepts, modelling and software packages used. Knowledge regarding the methodologies/formats used and the application thereof in the development of user requirements, system specifications and test cases. Knowledge to develop and present training courses on the use of data, Information and Systems (including GIS) and the interpretation/limitations and the use of available data. Knowledge on effective stakeholder management including leadership, consultation, negotiation and development. Knowledge on effective management of personnel, HR matters and assets including effective project management. Knowledge of relevant computer equipment, hard and software.
• Job Related Skills: Geo- data collection, verification, analysis and modelling, interpretation, visualisation and publishing with regards to: Land capacity, Land suitability, Agricultural potential, Agricultural ecological and land use zones, Land use systems & practices and conservation status of the natural agricultural resources. Formulation, interpretation and implementation of related policies, legislation, strategies and standards. Analytical and critical/strategic thinking, monitoring, analysis, report writing, communication and presentation skills including verbal and electronic exchange of information, national as well as international verbal presentations on complex topics, complex scientific publications, governance related motivations and project management. Planning organisation, execution maintenance and problem-solving pertaining to GIS. Ability to develop and present training courses on the collection, management and use of Geo-referenced data, information and knowledge. Development of user and systems requirements in the absence of establishment frameworks based on research and user needs. Ability to manage personnel, knowledge and change. Computer skills. Customer focus and responsiveness. Extended working hours. Travelling. Valid driver’s license. 

DUTIES :

• Provide leadership to develop and implement national policy, regulatory strategic and administrative frameworks/ systems to manage the collection, use and preservation of data, information and knowledge require for the planning, management and sustainable use of natural agricultural resources. Develop relationships and collaborations with provincial, national, regional and international counterparts. Provide inputs and/or develop policies, legislation, strategies and administrative systems to ensure the collection, analysis, dissemination, use and archiving of data, information and knowledge. Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness, efficiency of and compliance with policies, legislation and administrative systems and guide the setting of scientific standards, specifications and service standards. Provide expert support and advice to stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and application of scientific/technical methodologies, procedures and standards to ensure the availability and use of geo-referenced data, information and knowledge, monitor the efficiency thereof and evolve with new technology. Develop relationships and collaborations with provincial, national and international counterpart. Design scientific methodologies, procedures and standards for and ensure the collection, analysis dissemination, use and archiving of scientific data and information. Present and exchange scientific data, information and knowledge at national, regional and international forums. Evaluate and monitor the efficiency/impact of methodologies, systems, standards and the accuracy of data and information.
• Provide export support and advice to stakeholders. Lead and coordinate research programmes/projects and conduct research to deliver the data, information and knowledge required for the planning, management and sustainable use of natural agricultural resources. Lead, co-ordinate and conduct basic (fundamental) and applied research. Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on science-related matters. Ensure knowledge generation and dissemination. Formulate and evaluate research proposals.
• Review scientific reports and publications. Compile research reports, publish and present research findings. Source funding for research projects. Manage the development of human resources effectively and efficiently. Continuous own professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures. Mentor, train and develop scientists and others to promote skills/knowledge transfer and adherence to sound scientific principles and code of practice. Supervise scientific work and processes. Manage the development and performance of staff.