Senior Agricultural Advisor: Garden Route (George), Ref No. AGR 13/2026 at Western Cape Department Of Agriculture

Job Purpose    
The Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government has an opportunity for a suitably qualified and competent individual to provide expert extension and advisory services to farmers in the district. Facilitating, developing, implementing, and managing projects. Facilitating and implementing capacity development of farmers and agricultural advisors. Providing and supervising administration in your region. 

Minimum Requirements    

• An appropriate 4 year BSc Agric degree majoring in Livestock or BAgric Honours degree majoring in Livestock on NQF level 8 or equivalent qualification; A minimum of 3 years experience in agricultural extension; Registered with SACNASP or any other recognised professional body (Proof to be submitted); A valid code B driving licence.

Recommendation    

• None. 

Key Performance Areas    

• Responsible for extension and advisory services to all farmers; Responsible for specialised advice in livestock production and management principles to farmers; Deliver continuous support to all farmers, especially developing farmers across all functions, which include land reform, infrastructure development, extension and support on production and economic principles, institutional support as well as capacity building of food security; Compilation of project submissions and the management of project implementation. Conduct relevant project evaluation within the monitoring and evaluation framework; Responsible for management of developmental projects; Responsible for adaptive and demonstration research projects in field of specialisation. Assist with research and demonstration trials; Provide information on markets; Facilitate workshops and planning sessions, training to determine the needs and progress of farmers; Responsible for farm assessments, farm plans, potential studies and writing reports regarding technical progress; Promote sustainable production systems; Facilitate the development of organisational skills of the developing agricultural sector; Facilitate relevant training as well as to support beneficiaries/farmers of projects; Responsible for specialised inputs to Business Plans for project development as well as project evaluation and monitoring; General office administration; Ensure the implementation of Agricultural Information Management system (AIMS); Facilitate, engage and provide inputs to implementing agencies and relevant Commodity Project Allocation Committees (CPAC's) in the delivery and implementation of projects; Practise Batho Pele principles; Lead, guide and support lower level extension staff and admin support staff.

Competencies    

• Knowledge and understanding of the following: Production of livestock; Extension methodology; Project management practices; Good communication (written and verbal), leadership and presentation skills; Good problem solving (research skills); Good time management and ability to work under pressure; Computer literacy in Excel, Word, Power Point; Good leadership skills.