SENIOR AGRICULTURAL REGISTRATION OFFICER:

This position is for a Senior Agricultural Registration Officer within the Agriculture Inputs Control directorate, based in Pretoria, Gauteng. The role is central to the regulatory administration of agricultural inputs in South Africa, ensuring that the registration of fertilizers, farm feeds, agricultural remedies and stock remedies is carried out in accordance with the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act No. 36 of 1947) and its associated regulations. As a senior officer, the incumbent will not only perform registration duties but also coordinate and oversee the administrative services of the unit, supervise staff, and act as a liaison between the directorate, stakeholders and the Registrar.

Candidates must have a Grade 12 certificate and a National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 6 in Public Management, Public Administration, Office Administration, Business Administration or Business Management. At least two years of relevant administrative experience in a regulatory environment is required. The role demands specific knowledge of the Act mentioned above, its regulations and standard operating procedures, as well as the Public Service Regulations, procurement procedures, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and DPSA HR policies. Familiarity with regulations relating to agricultural inputs, pest control operators and sterilising plants is also essential. In terms of skills, the successful applicant will need supervisory abilities, strong planning and execution skills, good interpersonal and problem-solving skills, computer literacy, report writing, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels. Customer service skills, telephonic etiquette, motivational skills, innovative thinking and strong verbal and written communication are also required. The candidate must be willing to work extended hours and hold a valid driver’s licence.

The duties are broad and include managing the registration of agricultural remedies applications, responding to routine enquiries from internal and external stakeholders, and developing and maintaining information databases and records management systems. The officer will verify the correctness of registration documents, compile correspondence and statistical reports, and liaise with Agricultural Management Advisors or the Registrar for processing applications. Representing the unit at stakeholder liaison meetings is another key responsibility. Financial administration also forms a major part of the role: overseeing financial administrative support, facilitating payments to service providers, ensuring prescribed registration application fees are paid, locating and verifying payments, reconciling revenue collected through ledger notices, supporting tariff reviews, facilitating refunds of overpayments or duplicate revenue, and assisting auditors during audit processes.

In addition, the officer will process minor agricultural inputs registration applications, such as renewals, product name changes and ownership changes. This involves receiving and verifying documentation, ensuring correct tariffs are paid, approving minor applications and issuing certificates. Staff supervision is a significant component, including allocating work, ensuring quality, developing staff capacity, ensuring proper utilisation of equipment, assessing performance and applying discipline.

This is a permanent post at salary level 08, and the employer has an equity target for African males, and African, Coloured and Indian females, as well as persons with disabilities. Applicants should note that the post is advertised in the Public Service Vacancy Circular and that applications must be submitted before the closing date via the specified channels. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to the integrity and safety of South Africa’s agricultural input regulatory system.