Job Description

Our client, South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for an Extension and Biosecurity Manager based in Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal.The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), conducts research, technology development and dissemination of outcomes to growers. To ensure successful adoption and use of SASRI's research outcomes an effective and efficient agricultural extension program is required. Currently, the link between research and extension is streamlined and highly efficient. This facilitates the effective flow of growers' needs to researchers and the related research outcomes in response to these needs, all managed in a full programme of work each year.To provide leadership for a successful extension service, SASRI is recruiting a seasoned agricultural professional to lead the industry-wide Extension and Biosecurity service. This requires an incumbent with a sound agricultural knowledge base. While this may involve other crops, knowledge of sugarcane will be advantageous. Your enthusiasm and experience working with growers will be essential to the success of the Extension and Biosecurity service.Further, the position will require considerable senior management experience. The successful applicant will ultimately be responsible for a service stretching across the whole sugar industry, a team of extension and biosecurity specialists, with no less than 140 biosecurity service staff, as well as associated resources (e.g. vehicles, budget). The position is actively supported by a strong administrative function and a regional management structure.With the inclusion of Biosecurity comes the need for knowledge of and participation in regulatory bodies, both at a national and international level.The incumbent reports to the Director of SASRI and applicants must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications, skills and attributes in order to be considered for this position:Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implementation of knowledge exchange interventions that inform, develop and or induce innovations to resolve issues related to sugarcane production
• Facilitation of interactions of growers with research scientists for knowledge exchange and to foster innovation
• Delivery of advisory services that support sustainable sugarcane production
• Ensuring the implementation and supervision of a Biosecurity service to sugarcane growers
• Providing education and training for development of knowledge and expertise on sugarcane
• Ensuring the provision of technical inputs and guidance to sugarcane industry structures, in particular, Local Pest & Disease as well as Variety Control Committees; and SRASA Committee
• Facilitating the establishment and functioning of seedcane schemes towards compliance with the 2028 seedcane deadline
• Fostering collaboration of the SASRI Extension and Biosecurity service with other organisations, particularly government departments of agriculture, SAFDA, SACGA for delivery of comprehensive advice to growers
• Providing strategic advice to the Director of SASRI regarding regulatory developments
• Ensuring the implementation of SASRI strategic plan outputs

These objectives can only be achieved through effective management of a large team of employees and resource control.Minimum Requirements:Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science, Natural Resources or Biological field
• Business Administration diploma/courses would be an advantage
• 5 years senior management experience
• At least 3 years' experience working in advisory or research capacity on agricultural pest and diseases
• Extensive agricultural Extension experience or as agricultural advisor, including the development of an area strategic plan and programme of work
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Word/Excel and PowerPoint

Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge of plant health and plant improvement regulatory requirements and risks
• Knowledge and application of biosecurity environmental and agro-chemical legislation, principles and practice in the agricultural sector
• Customer service focus
• Ability to network, build and maintain working relationships with people within SASRI and external to SASRI
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and influencing skills at a one-on-one, formal meeting and group presentation level
• Planning and co-ordinating skills and good knowledge of project management principles

This position offers growth and development challenges as the impact of functioning in this role is felt across the industry.Salary:

• Market related

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