Recruitments 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. 

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 the 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. 

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REQUIREMENTS :

• Science degree (BSc)(Hon) in Food Sciences / Food Technology or relevant qualification. Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNSP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
• Job Related Work Experience: Three (3) years post- qualification experience.
• Job Related Knowledge: Applicants must have knowledge of Public Service and Departmental prescripts/policies. Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Agricultural Products Standard Act 119 of 1990. International agreements, conventions and bilateral agreements relating to sanitary and food quality matters. Relevant legislation and regulations, norms and standards. Export and import requirements.

DUTIES :

• Develop and implement methodologies, systems and procedures. Evaluate, Compile and amend regulations, product standards, policies, guidelines with regard to the quality, composition, packaging, marking, labelling, inspection, control and monitoring of identified agricultural products destined for export, import and local markets and ensure that these are in compliance with international food safety and quality requirements.
• Obtain inputs from industry and other relevant role players with regard to the drafted product standards, policies, procedures and guidelines. Draft/amend regulations, export standards and requirements for local and imported agricultural products. Identify food safety and quality risks by monitoring international standards, best practices, and local conditions. Conduct a needs assessment and evaluate the results thereof.
• Compile draft legal framework and publish a government gazette notice to invite comments. Coordinate the publication of approved regulations in the government gazette. Improve internal processes by providing inputs into the drafting of policies and/or guidelines on the interpretation of the relevant Act and assisting with and reviewing of the implementation thereof by other divisions.
• Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions. Provide technical advice and guidance on the interpretation and application of the legislative framework to stakeholders. Provide inputs in the drafting of policies and guidelines on the Agricultural Products Act (APS Act) and the implementation thereof by other divisions. Evaluate labels and / or marking requirements for agricultural products and make recommendations.
• Conduct import and export risk assessment on agricultural products and issue certification documentation accordingly. Process applications for dispensations, registrations, etc. Obtain, evaluate and disseminate information on international trends to local industries to keep them informed of new trends/requirements.
• Manage and maintain databases and information related to the following. registrations and /or cancellation of labels for the export of agricultural products, maximum residue limits (MRLs) for processed products, etc, destined for export, newly published regulations, import and export standards, notices and draft regulations and standards for gathering public comments, and Standard Operating Procedures. Research and Development. Liaise with national and international stakeholders, industry role players, other departments and DoA officials on technical matters related to food safety and quality assurance.
• Obtain, evaluate, update and disseminate the relevant international information to keep South African (SA) industries and other divisions informed of new trends/requirements. Participate in the formulation of SA’s positions in international meetings with regard to the harmonization of food safety and quality assurance issues.
• Provide inputs (technical and scientific) on resolutions, guidelines, scientific papers, technologies, and production practices to ensure compliance with national and international food safety and quality requirements for agricultural products in terms of South Africa’s membership to international standard setting bodies (e.g, United Nations Economic Commission for European, Codex Alimentarius Commission, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development etc.)
• Coordinate and participate in local meetings, workshops, seminars relevant to food quality and sanitary matters. Human Capital and Development. Mentor, train and develop staff in order to promote skills/knowledge transfer. Supervise scientific work and processes. Manage the performance and development of staff.

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REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a National Diploma in Agricultural Science / Biological Science / Botanical Science or relevant qualification.
• Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certified Natural Scientist.
• 3 years post-qualification technical (scientific) experience. 

DUTIES :

• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures relevant to evaluation of new plant varieties. Perform technical scientific functions and tasks that require interpretation in the presence of an established framework. Apply operational standards and consolidate methodologies, policies, systems and procedures. Identify gaps and develop appropriate interventions. Prepare for and participate in research activities.
• Collect data through field surveys. Maintain, calibrate and operate scientific equipment. Provide technical support and advice relevant to evaluation of new plant varieties. Develop working relations with client base. Promote public awareness of scientific activities.
• Provide technical / scientific data, information and advice. Perform technical scientific analysis and regulatory functions relevant to evaluation of new plant varieties. Preparation of data and routine interpretation. Manage database. Analysis of technical scientific data. Disseminate information.
• Apply the appropriate scientific and technical procedures / skills to generate information and knowledge. Formulate proposals and compile reports. Develop and customise operational procedures. Conduct research and development relevant to evaluation of new plant varieties.
• Ensure continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures. Conceptualise and develop scientific equipment. Review equipment. Research / literature studies to improve expertise. Publish and present technical reports and research findings. Liaise with relevant bodies / councils on technology-related matters.
• Develop human capital. Mentor, train and develop candidate research technicians and others to promote skills / knowledge transfer and adherence to sound scientific principles and code of practice. Supervise technical support and processes. Manage the performance management and development of staff. 

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REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and National Diploma or B-Degree in Public Management or Administration / Office Administration (NQF 6). Must have a minimum of one (1) year relevant experience.
• Job-Related Knowledge: Knowledge of Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agriculture Remedies and Stock Remedies Act No.36 of 1947 together with its regulations and standard operating procedures. 

DUTIES :

• To coordinate and oversee the provision of administrative services in the registration of agricultural inputs in line with relevant legislations.
• Manage the registration of agricultural remedies applications in terms of the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act No. 36 of 1947). Respond to routine enquires with both the internal and external stakeholder. Develop and ensure maintenance of information databases and records management system. Verify the correctness of the registration documents issued to stakeholders.
• Compile correspondence to clients and external and internal stakeholders in relation to the registration applications. Compile statistical information/repots relating to the registration applications. Liaise with the Agricultural Management Advisors or Registrar for processing of registration applications.
• Represent the unit at the stakeholder liaison meetings. Oversee and provide general financial administrative support for registration of Agricultural Inputs.
• Facilitate payment to service providers for service rendered. Ensure that the prescribed registration application fees are paid as per the regulations.
• Locate and verify the payment of application received. Verify and reconcile the revenue collected through ledger notices. Provide support in the review of tariffs for services offered by the directorate. Facilitate the refunding of overpayments or duplicate revenue.
• Assist auditors with audit process in the directorate. Process minor Agricultural Inputs registration applications. Receive and verify documentation for minor applications (e.g. renewal of products, products name changes and product ownership changes).
• Ensure that the correct prescribed tariffs are paid. Approve minor applications and issue certificate accordingly. Staff Supervision. Allocate and ensure quality of work. Ensure capacity and development of staff. Ensure proper utilization of equipment. Assess staff performance. Apply discipline. 

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REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and Bachelor of Science in the field of Agriculture (NQF 7). Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in Agricultural Products Inspection.
• Job-Related Knowledge: Knowledge of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Public Service Act, Document tracking system, Relevant computer training, Relevant Acts and International Agreement, Regulations and Standards, Customer Services, Financial management, Meeting procedures, Evaluation of products, Compute networks, Supervision of personnel and related matters.

DUTIES :

• Render inspection in accordance with relevant act and legislation. Conduct inspections at manufacturing facilities and retailers, Pest Control Operators, sterilizing plants and import sites. Issue non-compliance / compliance notice to clients. Conduct plant pre-inspections to facilitate registration.
• Provide advice and guidance to stakeholders, manufacturer, farmers, distributors, Pest Control Operators and consultants with regards to compliance to legislation, regulations and procedures. Provide technical reports to stakeholders and other strategic partners (inspection, compliance and non-compliance).
• Seize non-complying products/operations. Conduct sampling of for monitoring purposes. Interact and collaborate with various stakeholders with regards to technical matters. Develop/compile progress reports on outstanding and finalised work. Initiate prosecution with non-compliance. Conduct audits. Assess compliance to all applicable regulatory standards through performance of quality audits.
• Assess quality assurance practices within the industry, Pest Control Operators, sterilizing plants and farmers including Quality System requirements. Apply appropriate auditing methodologies (sampling techniques, following audits trails, investigations, reporting, etc. Issue non-compliance / enforcement notice to clients. Initiate the review and approval of audit responses and corrective action plans.
• Advise the industry on regulatory requirements including domestic and internal standards applicable to the company and consequences of non-conformance. Make recommendations, follow up and initiate prosecution for non-complying products/operation. Seize non-complying products / operations. Compile reports. Complaint management. Analyse, categorise and prioritise complaints according to the level of risk involved. Conduct inspections and investigations on the matter and report thereon.
• Initiate prosecution for non-compliance. Refer dockets to the relevant authorities (SAPS/Court prosecutors) for finalisation. Give guidance to the SAPS, Prosecutor, etc, with regards to handling matters related to Act 36/47 and which needs to be prosecuted to SAPS and Prosecutor. Prepare and provide advice for trail purposes. Testify in court where necessary.
• Present condemnation to be filed to State Attorneys and Legal counsel and appeal court cases. Seize non-compliance products/operations. Provide reports accordingly. Conduct awareness campaign/capacity building. Develop presentation and awareness material. Conduct awareness campaigns for internal and external stakeholders (farmers’ day, agricultural shows, meetings, workshops, etc.).
• Coordinate, liaise and lead in activities related to awareness with various stakeholders. Conduct raids at points of interest (railways stations, taxi ranks and other informal markets). Represent the department at stakeholder meetings (industries, various departments, directorates, famer’s organisations. Etc.)