Trending Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Analyse the declarations and outcomes of the past 8–10 G20 Agriculture meetings, with a focus on how past commitments have been addressed, identifying key trends and lessons for South Africa's 2025 Presidency.
• Review and extract salient points from the 2024 Brazil G20 Summit relevant to agriculture that will inform South Africa’s preparation, ensuring alignment with global agricultural and economic trends.
• Study and synthesize the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) positions and developmental targets, concerning climate change, food security, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Draft key documents and themes for discussions at the pre-summit events, including briefing papers, concept notes, and speeches.
• Facilitate consultations with key sector partners (public, private, and civil society) to incorporate their input into the declarations and side events, ensuring broad stakeholder alignment with South Africa’s G20 agricultural agenda.
• Lead engagements with agricultural continental organisations and bodies on the G20 agricultural issues and the related declarations.
• Collaborate with ARC and Department of Agriculture to develop and implement a comprehensive project plan and timeline, ensuring smooth coordination across the various events and activities leading up to and during the summit.
• Provide timely reports on progress against deliverables for key project milestones.
• Proactively identify changes in project scope and ensure appropriate measures are taken to mitigate risks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (Agriculture, International Relations, Development Studies) or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualifications will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience working with apex African organizations (FARA, CCARDESA, SADC) and governments on policy development or multi-stakeholder platforms.
• Extensive experience with South African governmental processes and international engagements, particularly with multilateral platforms.
• Knowledge of AU strategies and key policy positions on agriculture, climate change, and sustainable development.
• Strong understanding of international protocols for high-profile events.

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Description

• Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research projects.
• Provides timeous and reliable data which supports the objectives of the research project.
• Provide supervision and participate in data processing and interpretation of results.
• Correctly apply techniques within guidelines/standards/references.
• Ensures cost-effective utilization of research resources.
• Complete purchase requisitions, obtain quotations and purchasing of required research materials and consumables following the financial prescriptions.
• Compile quarterly progress reports
• Intellectual Property Assessment.
• Prepare a presentation and present during training events on agronomic related topics.
• Assists in hosting field days.
• Assists in communication with farmers and extension officers.
• Assists with technical services.
• Involvement in the innovation and Commercialization activities.
• Evidence of contributions in publications (e.g. popular publications) and/or involvement in presentations (e.g. at farmers' days, training events, combined congress, etc.)
• Regulatory Compliance with the Health and Safety procedures.
• Compliance with Lab safety.
• Hazardous material disposal.
• Sufficient supervision during the application of chemicals.
• Contributes towards a well-trained and developed subordinates and self.

Requirements

• M Tech Degree with 2 years applicable experience, or B Degree or equivalent with 6 years applicable experience; or a Three-year National Diploma with 8 years applicable experience.
• Registration with relevant scientific registration body, will be advantageous.
• Valid EB driver’s license.

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Description

• Liaise with different authorities, management, and employees to identify operational, organizational, and environmental risks and eliminate any dangers to the employer, employees, and assets.
• Promote Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) within the new development of the Centre of Excellence.
• Ensure regular service maintenance of fire extinguishers and fire hydrants.
• Initiate, write, and review standard operating procedures/policies.
• Manage the day-to-day planning and running of the on-site Occupational Health Clinic as part of the building projects.
• Ensure establishment of OHS Committees and Training.
• Co-ordinate the project's emergency response/preparedness.
• Compile and manage an OHSE budget as part of the building projects.
• Liaise with OHS Compliance Auditors.
• Assist management with Business Continuity Management (BCM).
• Assist management in ensuring full compliance with OHS Act regulations.
• Determine needs and establish the best strategies to guarantee worksite safety according to existing regulations.
• Communicate with project managers, architects, and other stakeholders to ensure project goals are met.
• Ensure that the general principles of prevention in matters of occupational health, safety, and the environment and the provisions of any related specialist studies are considered during the project's development.
• Coordinate worksite activities to guarantee that preventive actions are applied by appointed contractors/service providers.
• Ensure that the appropriate and competent individuals issue construction work elements requiring permits.
• Ensure that projects have detailed and relevant health and safety plans/files and environmental plans that guide how activities will be conducted to ensure health and safety and environmental protection.
• Ensure that the different preventive and protective measures are suitably implemented as established in the relevant preventative plans: worksite perimeter fence, individual and group protection, worker information and training on risks, health and safety signs, adaptation of the work teams, etc.
• Adopt control measures for accessing the worksite and verify the effectiveness of the preventive measures implemented.
• Collaborate in the detection of anomalies or deficiencies in occupational health, safety, and the environment.
• Responsible for maintaining the incidents book, which must always be at the worksite.
• Participate in the internal organization of work, resource planning, and documentation control related to occupational health, safety, and the environment.
• Be familiar with work stoppage exercises in case of serious or imminent risk and notify the affected stakeholders.
• Manage the liaison between the developer, construction team, and the relevant authorities Prepare project progress reports
• Maintain accurate records related to the project

Requirements

• Min 3 years National Diploma/ Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, Safety Management, or Environmental Management or equivalent
• A tertiary qualification in a building/construction field will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in OHSE, specifically in the building and infrastructure space.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, National Environmental Management Act, and EIA (Environmental Impact Assessments) Regulations.
• HIRA Training will be a benefit.
• Problem-solving, analytical skills, and knowledge of the industry within which the ARC operates.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to think critically, be assertive, and show leadership and decisiveness.
• Accident/incident investigations and reporting.

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Description

• Coordination and supports the management of Research Projects across the Institute these include supporting and coordination of the following aspects of the projects Project planning and Initiation, Equipment and Research Materials, Project Human Resources, Project Finances, Risk Management and Mitigation, Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.
• Coordination and supports the management of Research, development, and innovation, these include the supporting and coordination of the following Research aspects, Invention, Translation, Commercialisation and Adoption and Use. 
• Coordination and supports the management of strategic research collaboration and collaboration opportunities; these include the supporting and coordination ofStrategic Research partnerships / networks / collaborators and Intra-Inter Institutional Collaboration & Partnerships.  
• Coordination and supports the management of Human Capacity Development that includes support ofProject staff and students. 

Requirements

• PhD in Botany (major Weed Science) or Agronomy (Major Weed Science).
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Minimum 8 approved peer review publications.
• Experience in Weed Science in Summer Grain Crops and Oil Seed Crops will be an added advantage.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body will be added advantage.
• Valid driver’s license.

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Description

• Initiate, conduct, coordinate and manage research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs and specifications within budget and on time.
• Successful initiation/proposal and completion of research programmes/projects contained in the business plan of the Institute in line with the overall Corporate Program and Strategy of the ARC.
• Contribute to the image of the ARC through high quality research findings/products in compliance with expected scientific standards.
• Ensure well-customised technology transfer/training programs and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events according to client needs.
• Ensure cost-effective maintenance and utilisation of infrastructure through optimal application, maintenance, and effective stock control for execution of research projects.
• Ensure that allocated budgets are managed in cost effective and proactive manner including timeous execution of financial administrative activities/tasks in compliance with the prescribed financial procedures and policies of the ARC.
• Actively source new research opportunities and write research proposals for funding.
• Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles, presentations at industry information days and client reports.
• Mentorship of post graduate students.

Requirements

• PhD in Nematology.
• At least 3 years post PhD experience or 3 years proven relevant experience on the level.
• Knowledge and experience in Plant Nematology in line with the division’s strategic focus on pest identification and integrated pest management of nematode pests of grapevine and deciduous fruit.
• Proven record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an advantage.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers and student development.
• A record of accomplishment of public speaking (i.e. presentations at conferences and farmers days) will be an advantage.
• A proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise
• Valid SA driver’s license.

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of research projects, focusing on IPM, including biological control and the use of plant extracts, against insect and nematode pests.
• Assist with molecular identification of insects and nematodes.
• Coordinate activities and assist with the collection of field data, field samples and scouting collections.
• Compile and present basic training material (presentations) for students and smallholder farmers.
• Compose popular articles about basic aspects of entomology, nematology and pathology (pests and diseases).
• Manage project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Capture and process technical data with basic statistical analysis.
• Compile technical reports when required.
• Develop technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree / Post graduate Diploma in Entomology, Nematology or Plant Pathology.
• A post graduate degree focusing on biological control of pests or diseases will be an advantage.
• Relevant experience in technical aspects of entomology and/or general plant pathology.
• Experience in scouting for pests and diseases and collecting samples.
• Experience in entomopathogenic nematodes will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of vegetable pests and diseases will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience with statistical analysis of results will be an added advantage.
• Ability to do physical work in the field, greenhouse and laboratory.
• Ability to liaise with researchers on project progress.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• A valid driver’s license.

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Description

The successful incumbent will be reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and will be expected to execute the following Key performance areas:

• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of organisational strategies for accomplishment of the ARC’s vision.
• Contribution to financial sustainability by developing and coordinating a resource mobilisation capacity.
• To position the ARC as a premier research organisation that strives for excellence in Research and Development for a productive, competitive and sustainable sector, whilst fulfilling the transformation and development mandate (e.g. small holder agricultural development).
• Participate in Executive Management Committee functions and provide executive support to President & CEO to facilitate reporting to ARC Council Participate in special and ad-hoc projects as required and/or delegated.
• Provide strategic leadership and management to the 3 research functional areas, i.e., Crops & NRE, Animals & Biotechnology as well as Research Support & Coordination, and align with ARC strategic outcomes and outputs.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the research strategy in line with national strategic frameworks and other regional and global imperatives.
• Ensure that the functional areas have sufficient capacity and skill sets in accordance with business requirements.
• Create a leadership presence and provide strategic direction to ensure that the cluster achieves the objectives and targets in the strategic plan pertaining to work/functions performed by the cluster.
• Implement the ARC strategic plan within the cluster, as well as report on strategic plan implementation.
• Provide strategic and sound management advice to the management team and all staff on matters pertaining to the cluster activities.
• Oversee, monitor, evaluate and communicate the status of implementation of the cluster’s business performance.
• Oversee the development and implementation and review of applicable strategies, plans and policies & procedures within the cluster.
• Management of business risks by identifying and developing appropriate risk management strategies including compliance.
• Identify, quantify, monitor, and report business risks (financial, operational, research and development) across all the cluster’s units, and profile them accordingly. 

Business Development

• Identify and follow up on opportunities for potential new business ventures, secure and collaborate with respective institutes.
• Initiate and maintain strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders internationally, across the sector and with relevant government departments and conversion of partnerships into revenue opportunities.
• Ensure that new contracts are signed with public and private sector as well as international clients.
• Develop new products and markets and expand offerings to existing clients to maintain positive relationships as evidenced by repeat business.

Staff Management

• Continuously scout for R&D talent and support the development of the ARC employee value proposition that will allow the division to attract highly qualified, skilled committed human resources to optimise divisional and organisational capacity.
• Lead, manage and empower staff within functional areas to ensure that staff meets the functional objectives in the strategic plan and individual objectives of their individual performance contracts.
• Implement performance management across the functions.
• Attend to staff management matters timeously.
• Maintain appropriate staff discipline and controls in line with disciplinary code and procedure.

Research Leadership

• Provide leadership in research through supervision, collaboration and advice.
• Actively lead and support teams to mobilise resources.
• Support funding proposals for major initiatives and collaborative teams.
• Encourage research teams to publish in high quality research journals.
• Promote continuous capacity development amongst existing staff compliments.
• Lead and develop comprehensive institutional research projects, and identify research priorities to support the ARC’s mission, strategic vision, and initiatives.
• Coordinate the budgeting process and planning in the cluster and oversee/monitor and control implementation of capital and operational budget in the cluster so that the expenditure is in line with the defined limit and ARC business strategy.
• Display knowledge of and, where applicable, be involved in collaborative research with other institutions across the range of disciplines relevant to the work of the ARC.
• Provide information and analytical support to the ARC’s decision-makers to facilitate strategic planning, policymaking and other processes requiring sound strategic analysis.
• Produce high-quality peer-reviewed papers and oversee their production by other members of the research team.
• Oversee management, maintenance and safeguarding of all assets and equipment of the Cluster to ensure that they are used and managed in an effective, efficient, economical, and transparent manner.
• Manage projects and programmes initiated and delegated by the ARC and/or any other relevant stakeholder, to ensure that they are delivered within quality standards, time, and budget.
• May be required to perform various ad hoc duties delegated by the Chief Executive Officer from time to time to ensure objectives and targets set for the ARC are achieved.

Requirements

• 10 years post-PhD experience in a relevant scientific research environment, of which 5 years should have been at Senior Management level.
• Strong track record of having worked in a scientific research environment, with a thorough understanding of the ARC’s agricultural research mandate, regulatory environment, social, economic and political landscape.
• Experience working with and reporting to governance structures such as Boards, Councils and other such structures.
• Evidence of innovative and strategic decision-making, regulatory compliance and stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Experience in working and managing teams at senior management level. 
• Sound practical knowledge of leading management and business practices within a multidisciplinary scientific environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing research output and experience in delivering projects that integrate science into solutions for innovative agricultural products and productivity.
• Experience and vision, paired with demonstrated and acknowledged strategic execution capabilities.
• Advanced knowledge, insight and strategic execution capabilities in the innovation, technology transfer and commercialisation ecosystem.
• Established and valuable international networks with outstanding stewardship, diplomatic, effective and efficient communication skills to leverage local, regional and global networks.
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilisation external to the ARC environment.
• Outstanding personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills.

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Description
The successful incumbent will be reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and will be expected to execute the following:

• Operational Efficiency and Excellence: Overseeing the smooth running of shared services and corporate support functions and, implementing best practice to improve efficiencies and compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Resource Allocation: Managing budgetary and resource allocation decisions to support the institution's mission and goals.
• Process Improvement: Identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborating with senior leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.
• Shared Services Management: Overseeing the shared services divisions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.
• Corporate Support Management: Overseeing the Corporate Support division and ensuring they operate cohesively and meet respective objectives.
• Policy Implementation: Ensuring that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the organisation.
• Performance Evaluation: Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution's performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution's mission or reputation.
• Stakeholder Relations: Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, community groups, and partner organisations.
• Innovation and Technology: Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Emergency Response and Continuity Planning: Developing and implementing plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
• Compliance and Legal Affairs: Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Human Capital Management: Overseeing personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Communication and Reporting: Providing regular updates to senior leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.
• Conflict Resolution: Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the organisation in a fair and constructive manner.
• Crisis Management: Leading the institution's response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.
• Ethical Leadership: Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organisation, setting a positive example for all employees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution's services are responsive to those needs.

Requirements

•  A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Business Leadership or any other related field. PhD or equivalent qualification will be an added advantage.
• 10 years management experience of which 5 years should have been at a senior or executive level.
• Experience in a similar role within a scientific research environment, with a thorough understanding of the agricultural sector and regulatory environment.
• Track record in managing multidisciplinary teams and departments such as Security, Infrastructure, HCM, Legal, SHEQ, Marketing and Communications, Risk Management, Strategy and Planning and ICT.
• Sound practical knowledge and experience in leading management and business practices.

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Description

• Identifies adaptive or new research needs (needs analysis).
• Conducts independent and specialized research as an internationally renowned specialist.
• Conceptualizes and initiates new projects / project definition and develop research plan and writes proposals.
• Leads trends in research with specialist knowledge, impact and influence. Test innovations through excellent quality research experiments and tests. 
• Manages/oversees data capture of own and oversee that of team members and shows specialized analysis, interpretation and recommendations. 
• Promote evidence-based policy making through sharing of research findings in manner that is accessible to the public and policy makers. 
• Markets research expertise at national and international platforms to increase visibility of the ARC brand in order to enhance income generation and innovation from partnerships.
• Builds national and international multi-disciplinary, multilateral and multi-institutional research collaboration networks.
• Identifies and pursue strategic research collaboration opportunities.
• Mentors' fellow researchers and postgraduate students.

Requirements

• PhD or DSc in plant breeding, genetics, genomics or related discipline. A combination of one or more of these is an added advantage. 
• More than 10 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post Ph.D. and a proven international record of accomplishment
• At least 40 pear reviewed publications in recognized international journals.
• Managerial qualifications will be an added advantage. Proven track record of research project management.
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme. Proven record of international funding and participation in international projects. At a minimum be the PI or SA lead. Proven record of accomplishment of research leadership as a principal researcher in the specialized field of expertise with extensive publication record. 
• Registration with scientific and professional bodies is an added advantage.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/invited as participant in international events of high importance. 
• Proven record of accomplishment that expertise and scientific standing is acknowledged at international level. Magnitude of measurable outcomes should be on international level with a clear record of accomplishment of high quality and high impact. The principal researcher leads an international field with high impact quality research.
• Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising other researchers and students' development. Supervise or co-supervise two Post docs, three x PhD and four x M.Sc. every 5 years with an emphasis on critical and scarce skills.
• Proven track record of building national and international partnerships and networks
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.
• NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Valid drivers’ license.

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Description

• Project Management & Coordination- responsible for assisting with technical projects primarily within the weed science section
• Research Support, Diagnostics and Other Services- responsible for providing technical assistance within weed science projects
• Technology Transfer- Responsible for conducting technology transfer initiatives in the institution
• Scientific Status Requirements- Responsible for assisting with scientific research endeavours
• Safety, health, and Environment- Responsible for assisting with safety, health and environment compliance and standards
• Responsible for Human Capital Development

Requirements

• 3 years National Diploma in Agriculture.
• 3 Years’ experience.
• Registration with relevant scientific registration body, will be advantageous.
• Valid  EB driver’s licence.
• Proficient in operating a tractor.