SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER (X2 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced project management professional to contribute to agricultural development within the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government. Based at the Head Office in Cedara, the successful candidate will serve as a Senior Project Manager, one of two posts available, within a unit dedicated to the planning, coordination, and oversight of agricultural projects. The role operates within the broader framework of provincial and national agricultural policy, including the Agrarian Transformation strategy and the Agricultural Policy Action Plan, and requires a thorough understanding of the social dynamics of KZN communities and the legislative environment governing public service delivery.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma at NQF level 7, along with a SAQA-recognised qualification in Project Management. A valid driver’s licence is essential. In addition, the post requires at least three years of junior management experience within a project management environment. The role demands a wide-ranging knowledge base, including the RSA Constitution, the Public Service Act and Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act, the Labour Relations Act, Treasury Regulations, and the directive on human resource management for public service professionalisation. Familiarity with community development, public participation, service delivery frameworks, and the norms and standards for extension and advisory services is also expected. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong skills in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, project and people management, analytical thinking, report writing, communication, conflict management, and decision-making, while remaining self-disciplined and capable of working under pressure with minimal supervision.

The core duties of the role involve coordinating and facilitating the planning of all agricultural projects, including the approval process, and ensuring that projects are aligned with departmental policies and strategies. The Senior Project Manager will monitor, evaluate, and report on the implementation of these projects, ensuring that they meet their objectives and comply with relevant frameworks. The position also entails providing and coordinating administrative and related support services for projects, developing and implementing policies and strategies pertaining to agricultural projects, and managing the resources of the sub-directorate. This includes overseeing personnel, budgets, and other resources to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Candidates should note that this is a middle management service (MMS) level post with an all-inclusive salary package. Shortlisted candidates, including those at SMS level, will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise to determine technical and generic suitability for the post, and an integrity assessment to evaluate ethical conduct. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have any foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The department emphasises compliance with application instructions, as incomplete or late submissions may lead to disqualification. Those who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. This role is well suited to a proactive, results-driven project manager who is committed to advancing agricultural transformation and community development in KwaZulu-Natal.