Vacancies at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Conduct training needs assessments in collaboration with researchers, communities, and project partners.
• Develop and coordinate training programmes for communal farmers and herders on rangeland monitoring and sustainable livestock management.
• Plan capacity-building workshops and field training for researchers, national and provincial Department of Agriculture staff, and postgraduate students.
• Laise and work with trainers and researchers towards course accreditation.
• Coordinate the development of the training curriculum.
• Organise all training logistics, including venues, travel, field equipment, catering, and compliance with occupational health and safety protocols.
• Maintain a training database to track attendance, assessments, and post-training outcomes.
• Work closely with researchers, communications staff, and project managers to support knowledge-sharing and training integration into project deliverables.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in training coordination, adult education, or capacity-building, preferably in research, agricultural, or rural development context.
• Experience in rangeland or livestock systems and working with rural communities.
• Knowledge of training accreditation systems (e.g. AgriSETA or SAQA) and monitoring and evaluation of training outcomes.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across academic, community, and government stakeholder groups.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to rural areas and field sites regularly.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 19 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Assists in the general Range and Forage Sciences project research implementation and administration (e.g., booking of flights and accommodation for the core research team, overtime & leave schedule).
• Assist with project budgets (including petty cash), plan, and assist with procurement activities, and adhere to financial administrative controls.
• Assists with capturing PDAs and PDEs for the team.
• Assist with CAPEX management.
• Compiling reports
• Schedules meetings with external research collaborators.
• Provide verbal and written feedback on work activities.
• Answer incoming telephone calls, determine the purpose of callers, and forward calls to appropriate personnel and departments.
• Direct and escort visitors/guests/members to the appropriate destination or waiting rooms.
• Monitor visitors’ access.
• Sort and distribute correspondence, mail, messages, and courier deliveries.
• Support the Mission, Vision, and core values of the ARC.
• Other general administrative duties as required by the supervisor.

Requirements

• National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with 5 years of administrative experience.
• An Administration/Secretarial Diploma will be an added advantage.
• Experience in working on ESS and SAGE.
• Prior experience in project administration.
• Prior experience in petty cash management.
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally, as well as maintain confidentiality.
• Experience in handling multiple tasks.
• Ability to make informed decisions quickly and execute those decisions with confidence.
• Proven experience in working with large teams.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Telephone etiquette.
• Proficiency in MS Office,
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• A Driver’s license Code 8 or 10.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 19 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Maintenance of assets and infra-structure.
• Ensure that assets are well maintained, and structures are well constructed in order to contribute to execution of core business.
• Maintenance and use of tools and equipment, some of which are motorized.
• Be versatile and capable maintaining/repairing/constructing/assets in various areas such as plumbing, electricity and building.
• Handling of solid organic materials during processing and storage
• Adhere to health safety regulations.
• Repairs/ project according to job requests.

Requirements

• Grade 12/ Matric qualification
• Experience in occupational health and safety will be added an advantage

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  20 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Receiving and Storing
• Receiving and verifying incoming stocks, ensuring they are stored correctly and efficiently.
• Preparing and issuing stock to authorized personnel based on requisitions or requests.
• Maintaining accurate records of stock levels, conducting regular stock checks, and identifying potential shortages or discrepancies.
• Ensuring the stockroom, warehouse, and loading areas are clean, organized, and safe.
• Participating in stock audits and inventory counts.

Order Management

• Managing purchase orders by creating, amending, and canceling them as per end users' requests.
• Requesting the End-user to submit the invoice if the service has been rendered.
• Sending the Purchase Order to the end-user as per their request.

Good Receipt Processing

• Handling the processing of Good Receipt Notes and related paperwork.
• Managing and monitoring all receipt notes to ensure they’re invoiced.
• Processing purchase returns, where necessary, after investigation.

Financial Coordination

• Compiling necessary documents, accrual spreadsheets, and following up with finance on outstanding invoices.
• Communicating with relevant suppliers to process invoicing [good receipt] or payment queries.
• Attaching the correct documentation to invoices and reconciling purchase orders to invoices received.
• Generate reports detailing accounts payable status [ unrecorded liabilities report and Accrual lists, accrued Purchases].

Stakeholder Interaction

• Attending to queries and requests from both suppliers and end users.
• Sharing of information with internal and external stakeholders during the Audit.

Travel management

• Attending to queries and processing the invoices for three travel agents.
• Compiling the reconciliation of statements.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Supply Chain Management or Logistics Management or equivalent qualification.
• B.Tech Degree in Supply Chain Management or Logistics Management or equivalent qualification will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience as a Stores Clerk.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proficiency in the MS Office Suite.
• A valid driver’s license will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Plan and coordinate research activities between partners and collaborators.
• Assist with logistics for fieldwork, training events, workshops, and site visits across diverse locations.
• Track project deliverables, timelines, budgets, and support the preparation of project reports.
• Liaise with researchers, field staff, finance teams, and external partners to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Assist with the application and management of plant collection permits and compliance documentation.
• Maintain and update data records, templates, and databases in coordination with research staff.
• Contribute to the preparation of communication material, internal updates, and reporting to funders.
• Support proposal development and fundraising documentation where required.
• Provide problem-solving support in the field and ensure proper coordination of supplies and equipment.

Requirements

• Degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, or a related field with an understanding of Project Management. 
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in project coordination or logistics, preferably in agricultural or environmental projects.
• Be able to work in diverse research groups.
• Strong logistical and administrative skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Understanding of lab and field-based methodologies.
• Familiarity with permit application processes (e.g., plant or environmental research permits).
• Strong interest in rangeland ecology, restoration, or community-based natural resource projects.
• Valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Lead multidisciplinary research in smallholder dairy cattle breeding, with a strong focus on inclusive community development.
• Facilitate inclusive decision-making and co-creation of dairy breeding strategies through regular engagement with smallholder farmers participating in the research.
• Identify training needs, design (including educational materials) and deliver training to enhance their technical and practical skills.
• Identify and promote appropriate breeding technologies and innovations.
• Plan and coordinate the implementation of the research across disciplines (milk recording, genetics, nutrition, biotechnology and extension).
• Manages research data and proper storage, and analyze with sophisticated statistical software’s, interpretation and make recommendations to various stakeholders.
• Publish semi-scientific and peer-reviewed articles in journal with good standing.
• Disseminate the research findings via presentations at scientific gatherings, farmer information days and community engagements.
• Supervise project personnel (i.e. interns, technicians undergraduate and postgraduate students). 
• Draw up monthly reports and manage budgets in line with the departmental and operational plan.
• Actively identifies business opportunities and participates in dissemination and media marketing of the information.

Requirements

• PhD in Animal Science, specializing in Animal Breeding and Genetics
• At least 3 years’ relevant experience in Quantitative or Statistical genetics & genomics.
• Ability to handle large-scale genetics/genomics datasets. 
• Proficiency in tools like Statistical Analysis System (SAS), R-CRAN, and/or other recognised software for genetic analyses, within the Linux Operating environment.
• A record of publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals with a minimum of 2 published scientific papers and a record of Journal peer-review in progress.
• A portfolio of submitted proposals, including both successful and unsuccessful ones.
• Student supervision record (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• Knowledge of the dairy value chain and its key stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of the National Milk Recording Scheme, Breed Societies, and the INTERGIS National system. 
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams (e.g., farmers, youth, women & scientists)
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal). 
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage
• A valid South African Code B (08/10) drivers’ license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Interacting with local livestock owners and herders to collect animal data (e.g., births, deaths, marketing, weighing).
• Recording rainfall and plant-related data using standard monitoring protocols.
• Capturing data accurately in Microsoft Excel and Word, and compiling it for submission to researchers.
• Providing regular verbal and written feedback on field activities.
• Working closely with research personnel and assisting in achieving project deliverables.
• Ensuring accurate and timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Maintaining data-collection equipment and ensuring cost-effective use of materials.
• Ensuring visible compliance with Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 10 with 2 years' relevant experience.
• Experience working with researchers or in a research project environment.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Ability to work outdoors under rural field conditions and assist with weighing of livestock.
• Strong sense of responsibility, accuracy, and independence.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 AUGUST 2025