Deputy Director: Agri-Market Services

Reference Number: DARDLEA/2026/08/05

Department: Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA)

Job Type: Permanent

Directorate: Agricultural Economics Services

Chief Directorate: Agriculture Producer Support Services

Programme: Agricultural Economics Services

Salary Level: 12

Remuneration: R 1 101 481.00 per annum (All-inclusive package)

Location: Head Office

Closing Date: Friday, September 11, 2026

Job Description

Knowledge
and understanding on Financial Management legislation frameworks, policies,
practices and procedures. Knowledge and understanding of the Public Finance
Management Act (PFMA), Sound knowledge of the Marketing of Agricultural
Products Act (Act No. 47 of 1996), AgriBEE / B-BBEE Codes, and national
agricultural marketing policy directives; Knowledge of food safety, quality,
and grading standards (SAGAP, HACCP, GlobalGAP, etc.) and Familiarity with
statutory measures, industry trusts, and market information systems (e.g.,
MIS/SAGIS). Deep understanding of the Intergrated
Marketing Strategy. Report writing and good presentation skills. Ability
to liaise and create relationships with stakeholders. Understand and implement
Batho Pele principles. People and diversity management. Good communication
skills both verbal and written. Stakeholder and client liaison, innovative and
creative. Ability to work in a team and independently. Ability to operate
Microsoft Office effectively (MS Word, MS Excel and MS Power Point). Ability to
work under pressure. Ability to apply time management principles and adapt to
continuous changing environment.

Requirements

A four
years’ Bachelors’ Degree in Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness or relevant
at NQF level 7 as recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority
(SAQA). A Post Graduate Degree in agricultural economics will be an added
advantage. A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience at junior management
(Assistant Director) level. A valid driver’s license.

Duties

Successful candidates will be reporting to the Director and be
responsible for: Monotor and manage inter-institutional mechanisms to manage
agricultural marketing issues and operational synergies with the Mpumalanga
International Food Market, manage market access mechanisms and supply
agreements connecting local smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and commodity
groups directly to the market. Drive initiatives that link smallholder and
emerging farmers with markets and government procurement channels. Identify
agricultural market infrastructure gaps and coordinate investment in shared
marketing infrastructure, agri-hubs, cold storage and handling facilities.
Implement agro-logisticts strategies to resolve rural freight transport
challenges and ensure efficient product supply chains. Manage the provincial
expansion and management of the Agricultural Marketing Information System (MIS)
utilising modern digital, SMS, media and display channels. Monitor regular
compilation and dissemination of commodity marketing profiles, price trends and
demand-driven market intelligence to local producers. Coordinate funding
opportunities through DFIs, and internal support schemes like the CASP
marketing pillar, Agrofund and AgriBEE Fund. 
Develop policies, strategies and implementation of the integrated
marketing strategy. Foster partnerships with Development Finance Institutions
(DFIs), private sector and NGOs to fund agribusinesses; Develop and manage the
operational plan of the sub-directorate. Compile and submit all requires
administrative report and monitor continuous capacity and marketing skills
development.

More Information

Only shortlisted
candidates will be required to submit certified documents. Foreign
qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South
African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Emailed applications will not be
considered. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two
pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a
candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements
and the other will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Shortlisted
candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a
date and time to be determine by the Department. The first two recommended
candidates for Deputy Directors posts will be subjected to competency
assessment. All shortlisted
candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and
interview.  Following the technical
exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo
psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural
preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

Correspondence
will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. The successful candidate will
be expected to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement
within 3 months of appointment. Failure to comply with the above instructions
will result in your application being disqualified. Should you not be contacted
within 3 months of the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your
application to be unsuccessful. The successful candidate will be appointed
subject to positive results of the security clearance process. The Department
is committed to providing equal opportunities and adheres to the affirmative
action policy in line with Employment Equity Act, the SMS Handbook and all
relevant legislation applicable in the Public Service.

ENQUIRIES: Ms. SP Shongwe Tel
No: (013) 766 6003 or Mr. MG Ngwane Tel No: (013) 766 6110 or Ms. NF Mgiba Tel
No: (013) 766 6476