Job Description

The Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government, has an exciting employment opportunity for a suitably qualified and competent individual on a Senior Management Services level to strategically manage agricultural research, technology, and development support services within the Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, to ensure an increase in agricultural production and competiveness of the agricultural sector in the Province. This salary level 14 post is based in Stellenbosch.
Minimum Requirements

• Masters in Agricultural Sciences (NQF 9);

• 5 years appropriate experience at senior management level;

• A valid unendorsed driver's license, or alternative mode of transport for people with disabilities; and

• The successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entryProgramme (see paragraph 4 in notes below).

Recommendation

• Ph.D in Agricultural Sciences;

• Extensive experience in strategic management at a senior management level, and in particular in the agricultural environment;

• Good knowledge of agricultural systems and important role players;

• Proficient in two of the official languages of the Western Cape.

Key Performance Areas

• Ability to function on a conceptual level;

• Strategic Management

Developing and ensuring implementation of plant science and animal science research, research support and information strategies taking provincial and departmental priorities into account, maintaining good relations with industry role players, clients and stakeholders, and provide strategic leadership to managers and other subordinates;

• Line Function Management

Manage plant science, animal science, research support and information strategies, manage the adaption of agricultural research and technology to client needs, support technology transfer, manage support functions pertaining to research and development, and liaison with industry role players to align research strategy to client driven research needs, promote integrated governance; and

• Administrative management

• Financial Management

Manage the budget and budgeting process within the framework of the PFMA, monitor and manage financial risks pertaining to the functions of the Programme, and lobby internally and externally (nationally and internationally for additional research and development funding).

• Personnel Management

Manage the human resources of the Programme against relevant policies and procedures, provide leadership to management team, ensure capacity development and career advancement of staff, ensure effective recruitment and retention processes, manage transformation initiatives, promote sound labour relations and performance management)

• Supply Chain Management

Exercise control over the provisioning and asset management function, ensure effective and economic utilisation of technology and equipment and exercise responsibility for strategically important needs with relation to infrastructure and facilities.
Competencies

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills;

• Computer skills;

• Good knowledge of project management and coordination;

• Strategic and management skills;

• Presentation skills;

• Financial management skills; and

• Advanced negotiation skills.

RemunerationAll-inclusive salary package of R 1, 371, 558. 00 per annum (Salary level 14). Please note that the remuneration package consists of a basic salary (70%) and the employers contribution to the Pension Fund. The remainder of the package may be structured according to your personal needs.
Notes1) Note: Only applications submitted online will be accepted.2) All shortlisted candidates must make themselves available to be interviewed at a date, time and place as decided by the selection panel.3) All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA directive on the implementation of competency based assessments). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS Competency Assessment tools.4) The nominated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme before they may be appointed in to this post. The purpose of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme, which is a public service specific training programme applicable to all applicants who aspire to join the SMS, is to ensure that potential SMS members have a background on processes and procedures linked to the SMS. The duration of the online Pre-Entry Programme is 120 notional hours (15days). Full details may be sourced by the following link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/5) Furthermore, thanks to the huge public interest we receive many applications for our positions, and as such will not be able to respond personally to all applications. Therefore, should you not hear from us within 10 weeks from close of advert please consider your application unsuccessful.6) Kindly note that technical support is only available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16.00. Should you experience any difficulties with your online application you may contact the helpline at 0861 370 214. Please ensure that you submit your application on or before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.

Western Cape Government