It is the Department's intention to promote equity through the filling of posts, according to set Employment Equity targets. To facilitate this process successfully, an indication of race, gender and disability status is required.
APPLICATIONS: Human Communication has been retained to handle all responses. Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to PO Box 1305, Rivonia 2128 or hand deliver at 3 Autumn Street, Rivonia, or you can apply online at www.humanjobs.co.za Applications can also be submitted electronically to Human Communications via the e-mail or fax number indicated at each post or hand delivered at any one of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries offices as indicated below (please place in the blue box marked for applications). ENQUIRIES: Chipo, tel. (011) 257-8012
Gauteng: Reception, Agriculture Place, 20 Steve Biko Street (formerly Beatrix Street), Arcadia, Pretoria
KwaZulu-Natal: Reception (5th Floor), Old Mutual Building, 185 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg
Limpopo: Reception (Ground Floor), Magistrates Building, 103 cnr Landdros and Munnik Streets, Makhado
Mpumalanga: Reception (2nd Floor), Permanent Building, 27 Brown Street, Nelspruit Eastern Cape: King William's Town: Reception (Ground Floor), Old SABC Building, 2 Hargreaves Avenue
Mthatha: Reception (3rd Floor), PRD Building, Sutherland Street Western Cape: Cape Town: Reception (Ground Floor), Foretrust Building, 3 Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore Stellenbosch: Reception (Support Building), Quarantine Station, Polkadraai Road
CLOSING DATE: 11 September 2015
NOTE: Applications must be submitted on a Z83 Form, obtainable from any Public Service department or on the internet at http://www.daff.co.za/doaDev/doc/Z83.pdf which must be signed and dated (an unsigned Z83 form will disqualify an application) and should be accompanied by a recently updated, comprehensive CV as well as copies of all qualification(s) (Matric certificate must also be attached) and ID document and driver's licence (where applicable). Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders must attach a copy of his/her Permanent Residence Permit to his/her application. Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Failure to submit all the requested documents will result in the application not being considered. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks (criminal record check, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, qualification/study verification and previous employment verification). Successful candidates will also be subjected to security clearance processes. Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills/knowledge test. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of twelve (12) months. The Department reserves the right not to make appointment(s) to the advertised post(s). Applications submitted via e-mail, fax or online must include the post title and reference number in the subject line and a scanned, signed and dated Z83 form (a Z83 form without a physical signature and date will disqualify an application) together with all relevant documents as indicated above. Persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
POST 34/01: DEPUTY DIRECTOR: AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS REF NO: 225/2015
Directorate: Marketing
SALARY: R674 979 per annum (all-inclusive package)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: A four-year Bachelor's degree or three-year Bachelor's degree plus Honours in Agricultural Economics with a major in Agricultural Marketing (you are required to furnish a credit certificate or statement of results). Extensive experience as an Agricultural Economist in a marketing environment. Practical exposure to and experience in the generation of agricultural marketing information. Sound and practical understanding and articulation of the South African marketing environment for agriculture, forestry and fisheries products. Deep and broad practical understanding of the marketing environment, marketing policies as well as the dynamics of the different marketing value chain. Knowledge of Public Service regulations. Good interpersonal, communication, report-writing and presentation skills. Practical knowledge and application of project management. Computer literacy in MS Office software. An understanding of reporting procedures. Planning and organising skills. Analytical and innovative thinking. The ability to use various marketing analysis tools and databases. Excellent technical skills. The ability to work independently, with minimal supervision and under pressure. Extensive travelling and a valid driver's licence.
DUTIES: Provide leadership in managing projects relating to the development or establishment and management of the agricultural marketing information system portfolio in order to ensure its operational efficiency and effectiveness. Identify key sources of agricultural marketing information and negotiate access to the information with concerned institutions or organisations. Manage dissemination of agricultural marketing information through various dissemination media and platforms. Manage continuous evaluation of the system efficiency and provide reports and recommendations for enhancement and improvement; and continuously benchmark provision of agricultural marketing information locally and internationally in order to draw lessons and experiences to enhance the provision of marketing information. Provide leadership in managing projects relating to the development or establishment and management of the agricultural marketing training (farmer capacity building) portfolio in order to ensure the projects' operational efficiency and effectiveness. Develop and manage the implementation of national norms and standards for the implementation of a market access training programme. Manage the development and implementation of market access capacity building programmes, e.g. develop marketing training materials and the training programmes for main agricultural commodities. Manage the process leading to the accreditation of the training materials by the relevant accreditation authorities. Identify and establish linkages with training institutions that provide market access training needs and collaborate on providing training to farmers. Liaise with agricultural colleges, universities, research institutions, donor organisations, commodity organisations, organised agriculture, and other Government departments to develop and offer or facilitate market access training modules as required. Collaborate with provincial departments, industry organisations and farmers to develop a common understanding of farmers needs in terms of market access and develop remedial training programmes to correct barriers to market access. Provide leadership in the development and continuous maintenance of a comprehensive market access database for beneficiaries of marketing support programmes; and provide leadership in the synthesis and analysis of the data on the market access database to generate reports and provide advice to departmental management and other key stakeholders. Allocate responsibilities (key result areas) to officials or employees of the sub-unit. Undertake ad hoc activities, i.e. enquiries, continual collaboration with provincial Departments of Agriculture and other role-players and represent the Directorate and the Department on different forums both locally and internationally.
ENQUIRIES: Mr H.M. Mamabolo, tel. (012) 319-8456
APPLICATIONS: daff1@humanjobs.co.za or fax: 086 762 2863
POST 34/02: DEPUTY DIRECTOR: RURAL AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT REF NO: 189/2015
Directorate: Cooperatives and Enterprise Development
SALARY: R674 979 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor's degree in a Business-related discipline with Economics (you are required to furnish a credit certificate or statement of results). Extensive experience in SMME development including cooperatives. Knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation and regulations that govern the Public Service, including the Cooperatives Act, Public Finance Management Act 1999 (Act 1 of 1999) (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Public Service Act, 1994 (Act 103
of 1994), the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995). Good leadership, communication, project management, negotiation, planning and organising skills. Good problem-solving skills and good interpersonal relations. A valid driver's licence.
DUTIES: Coordinate the development and implementation of agricultural SMME programmes in the provinces. Assess the impact of SMME development programmes on the economic development of communities. Give advice and guidance to PDAs, Local Government, community structures, and nodal points on SMME's development in agriculture. Coordinate inter-departmental policies, strategies, inputs and programmes with regard to SMMEs in the sector. Coordinate the implementation of SMME policies, strategies and programmes in the agricultural sector. Maintain a database, communication programme and guidelines on SMME development in the agricultural sector. Manage the performance of staff, and implement performance management. Compile and manage Sub-directorate reports, budget and performance. Administer performance management and development in the Sub-directorate.
ENQUIRIES: Ms P. Skhosana, tel. (012) 319-8142
APPLICATIONS: daff2@humanjobs.co.za or fax: 086 762 2864
NOTE: Short-listed candidates will be required to undertake a pre-interview assessment
in computer literacy and presentation skills.
POST 34/03: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: PLANT HEALTH PROMOTION REF NO: 217/2015
Directorate: Food Import and Export Standards
SALARY: R361 659 per annum
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: A National Diploma/Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Natural Science with either one of the following as a major subject: Agronomy / Horticulture /Plant Pathology / Weed Science / Nematology / Plant Protection or Entomology (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and/or statement of results). Knowledge of Public Services Regulations. Extensive knowledge of the national, regional and global trade environment with regard to phytosanitary measures, World Trade Organisation-Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT), International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and other related agreements. Knowledge of relevant regulatory legislation e.g. Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act 36 of 1983), the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947), and other relevant legislation, guidelines and rules affecting plant health. Extensive experience in a managerial position and knowledge of relevant policies, procedures and prescripts for Human Resources Management, Finance and Procurement. Good planning and organising skills. Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to communicate effectively with different audiences and via different media. Good knowledge of the compilation of articles and other effective biosecurity promotion and awareness material including editing. Good typing skills and computer literacy in MS Office software. Excellent interpersonal skills. A valid driver's licence, the ability to drive and willingness to travel often on short notice.
DUTIES: Provide guidance and technical advice in the planning and development of promotion and awareness programmes and activities. Develop and implement action plans to ensure implementation of promotion and awareness programmes and activities. Evaluate the success of promotion and awareness programmes/activities using effective monitoring and evaluation tools and report accordingly. Coordinate the development and implementation of communication plans to foster effective communication with various stakeholders. Establish and maintain collaboration and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in all spheres of Government (national, provincial and local) and the industry to identify potential beneficiaries. Liaise with stakeholders in order to facilitate the identification of the information needs of beneficiaries (needs analysis). Manage the development of solutions to address the identified needs. Monitor the progress of the developed solutions. Ensure equitable access to information in accordance with the beneficiaries' needs. Participate in various internal and external forums. Coordinate the development and editing of relevant promotional material and information. Facilitate the dissemination of promotional material and information via the various media platforms. Evaluate communication media and tools for effective distribution and coverage of promotional material. Coordinate and facilitate information sessions and awareness campaigns relating to the promotional programmes and activities. Promote activities relating to the relevant legislation, international agreements, standards and protocols. Allocate and ensure quality of work. Ensure capacity and development of staff. Ensure proper utilisation of equipment. Assess staff performance. Apply discipline.
ENQUIRIES: Mr. M. Sekgala, tel. (012) 319-6295
APPLICATIONS: daff3@humanjobs.co.za or fax: 086 762 2894
POST 34/04: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT REF NO: 188/2015
Directorate: Cooperatives and Enterprise Development
SALARY: R289 761 per annum
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: A three-year tertiary qualification in a Business-related field with Economics, Business Economics or Agricultural Economics as a major subject (you are required to furnish your credit certificate or statement of results). Relevant experience in a similar environment. Knowledge of Public Service and Departmental prescripts or policies. Working knowledge of sector B-BBEE charters (Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). Computer literacy in MS Office software. Report-writing skills. Good communication skills. Good interpersonal relations. Planning and organising skills. Problem-solving skills. A valid driver's licence.
DUTIES: Coordinate processes towards the development and implementation of SMMEs support strategies and programmes in the sector. Coordinate needs analysis and capacity building of officials. Promote the development of entrepreneurship in the sector by encouraging consumption of SMME support intervention in terms of the strategic support requirements. Support processes towards identification, negotiations, establishment and implementation of partnerships for support of sector SMMEs. Promote the utilisation of the Agri-business Appraisal Tool (AAT) within the provinces and districts to support sector SMMEs through capacity building. Monitor the impact of SMMEs support programmes and compile a report thereof. Support the management and administration of the AgriBEE Fund. Interact with various stakeholders in order to strengthen and collaborate on efforts geared towards supporting SMMEs. Compile monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the implementation of SMME support programmes. Manage and supervise staff within the unit.
NOTE: Short-listed candidates will be required to undertake a pre-interview assessment in computer literacy and presentation skills.
ENQUIRIES: Ms P. Skhosana, tel. (012) 319-8142
APPLICATIONS: daff4@humanjobs.co.za or fax: 086 762 2910
POST 34/05: STRATEGIC PLANNING OFFICER 2 POSTS REF NO: 186/2015
Directorate: Strategic Planning
SALARY: R289 761 per annum
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: A National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Public Management/ Public Administration or Agriculture. Relevant experience in the field of strategic and operational planning, and project and programme management. Experience in the Government wide planning cycle and national outcomes, MTSF, MTEF, Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations. Working knowledge to facilitate the planning process and execution. Computer literacy in MS Office software. Report-writing, facilitation, good interpersonal relations, planning and organising and problem-solving skills. A valid driver's licence.
DUTIES: Coordinate and develop a planning calendar, facilitate the operational planning sessions with the directorates. Develop Technical Indicator Description aligned to annual performance plan. Provide support and participate in the development of planning guidelines and planning frameworks. Conduct research to inform the planning process and ensure alignment of Departmental plans to government wide planning frameworks. Monitor and review performance information in line with the government planning and reporting prescripts. Manage stakeholders relevant to the functional area. Support and guide implementation of operational plans and alignment of indicators to outputs.
ENQUIRIES: Ms M. Molotsi, tel. (012) 319-7951
APPLICATIONS: daff5@humanjobs.co.za or fax: 086 762 2920
POST 34/06: SENIOR FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER REF NO: 219/2015
Directorate: Forestry Management Limpopo Mpumalanga
SALARY: R243 747 per annum
CENTRE: Ermelo
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in
Forestry coupled with relevant experience in forestry and biodiversity. Experience in and knowledge of the National Forest Act, 1998 (Act 84 of 1998) (NFA) and National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act 101 of 1998) (NVFFA) as well as other environmental legislation and its practical application. Knowledge of forestry technical and business skills and forestry enterprise development strategy. An understanding of greening programmes, Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and departmental policies. Computer literacy in MS Office software. Good communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. Planning and organising skills. Problem-solving skills. A valid driver's licence.
DUTIES: Coordinate and facilitate Arbor week programmes. Provide technical support in the development of greening strategies, information communication and education awareness programmes in terms of the National Forest Act, 1998 (Act 84 of 1998) (NFA) and National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act 101 of 1998) (NVFFA). Monitor and evaluate the sustainability of projects during and after implementation. Give feedback and report on the status of the projects. Conduct needs analysis to identify greening projects such as the establishment of nurseries, green belts, orchards, etc. Participate in the eduplant with Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) during the workshops in the District. Keep abreast of the latest trends and research on greening issues e.g. climate change, land potential for afforestation in the Province, rules and regulations, etc. Perform and manage administrative functions which include compiling monthly and quarterly reports, managing and controlling assets, developing and maintaining databases and developing internal standards and guidelines.
ENQUIRIES: Mr B.S. Soyizwaphi, tel. (013) 754-0754
APPLICATIONS: daff6@humanjobs.co.za or fax: 086 762 2951
At the end of an interview:
You should be getting the opportunity to ask questions from your side at the end of the interview. Use this as an opportunity to show your interest in the company and the position. Develop your questions while you do your research on the company. Do not ask a question of which you should know the answer (e.g. what does your company do?) or anything that will be provided in future documentation (e.g. conditions of employment). Your questions need to make the interviewer sit up and realise what a brilliant candidate you are. You therefore need to focus on the role and not your own needs. Below is a selection of questions you could consider asking:
- What are some of the issues that will face the successful candidate in terms of improving the inter-personal relations in the department?
- What are the current vulnerabilities in terms of processes / people / technology / etc. within the organisation that need to be attended to?
- What are the most important key result areas that the successful candidate will have to meet in the first 6 months? How would these be measured?
- I read that market ABC or product ABC is very important to your company; how will this position be able to support the company in attaining this market or product?
Hopefully this got you thinking. Now, develop some of your own that you will also be able to link to the research that you have done.
However, if the position is very junior or entry level, then the following type of questions will be sufficient:
- Why did the previous incumbent leave?
- What does a typical day look like in this position?
- Could you give me more detail around the company structure?
- Is there any support for further education?
Under no circumstances should you even attempt to ask the following questions:
- How many days annual leave will I get?
- What is the earliest date for a possible promotion?
- When will I qualify for an increase?
- What is the earliest that employees are allowed to leave in the afternoon?
These and similar questions will raise serious concerns as to the value that you will be adding to the company. Most of these will be answered in the letter of offer once the interview process is finalised.