Senior Agricultural Economist at Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

• Package : R605 742.00 per annum (plus benefits)

Requirements :

• Grade 12 plus Honours Degree/Post Graduate Diploma (NQF Level 8) in Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness/Agri-Management qualification.
• 3-5 years relevant as an Agricultural Economist. Valid driver’s license (Code B).

COMPETENCIES:

• Extensive experience in agriculture and agro-processing, including support to small and medium agro-enterprises.
• Sound knowledge of macro-economic analysis, economic modelling, econometrics and applied statistics relevant to the agricultural and agro-processing sectors.
• Ability to develop, apply and interpret economic models and to translate statistical output into accessible reports and dashboards for senior decision-makers. Knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation and regulations that govern the Public Service, including the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, the Public Service Act, 1994 (Act 103 of 1994),
• Agricultural Agroprocessing Master Plan. Excellent networking, report-writing and presentation skills; advanced computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and statistical/economic modelling software).
• Good, communication skills (verbal and written) and planning and organizing skills. Good research skills.
• The ability to operate MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Teams). Ability to communicate complex technical and statistical information accurately, both verbally and in writing. Good planning, organizing and project management skills.

Duties :

• Oversee and monitor implementation of Gauteng City Region Agro-processing Strategy.
• Ensure the implementation of legislative framework and strategies aimed to encourage and promote initiatives to enhance access to markets as well as finance by emerging farmers.
• Identify potential agribusiness opportunities and market access for small and medium farmers for participation in the mainstream economy.
• Promote food safety and quality assurance to encourage entrance and active participation of small and medium farmers and entrepreneurs in the mainstream of the agricultural economy. Provide technical guidance on feasibility studies, development and appraisal of business plans.
• Ability to develop and interpret Macro-Economics Reports. Conduct continuous, in-depth research and analysis of macro-economic trends, patterns and developments affecting Gauteng's agricultural and agro-processing economy.
• Develop, apply and maintain economic and econometric models - including partial equilibrium and forecasting models - to project sector performance and to support evidence-based planning and decision-making. Compile and disseminate the Weekly Market Intelligence reports, tracking commodity prices, input costs and market developments relevant to the provincial agricultural economy.
• Compile and maintain the Gauteng Agricultural Economic Dashboard, consolidating key sector indicators and statistics for use by senior management, the Director and external stakeholders. Undertake statistical analysis of agricultural and agro-processing economic data (production, trade, employment and GDP contribution) to inform policy formulation, strategy and planning.
• Compile position papers, briefing documents, information reports and populated databases for internal and external stakeholders on macro-economic and sector-performance matters. Establish and maintain a network for liaison with economic and agricultural analysis institutions (e.g. Statistics South Africa, National Treasury, BFAP, and DALRRD) to ensure alignment and access to credible data. Participate in planning, budgeting and financial management of the sub directorate. Coordinate and integrate agribusiness development initiatives amongst various departments in line with Inter Governmental Relations Framework.
• Plan and review policies and procedures relating to the programme work of the unit. Prepare project plans, budgets and Terms of Reference (TOR) of the sub directorate. Compile monthly, quarterly and annual reports of the sub-directorate.