DEPUTY DIRECTOR: LAND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

This is a senior management position within the Land Development Support component of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, based in Cape Town, Western Cape. The role is central to the department's land reform agenda, focusing specifically on the development of land and the provision of post-settlement support to beneficiaries. As a Deputy Director, the incumbent will operate at a strategic level, shaping policy, managing programmes, and ensuring that land reform initiatives translate into sustainable agricultural enterprises. The post carries an all-inclusive executive package aligned to the department's senior management structure and requires a leader capable of working independently, travelling extensively, and committing to extended hours when operational demands arise.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate along with a Bachelor's degree at NQF Level 7 in Agricultural Economics, Agri-Business, Agricultural Management, B-Com Agriculture, or a related equivalent qualification. A minimum of three years of relevant experience at junior management level is required, together with a valid driver's licence. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of departmental land reform policies, sector needs, and government development frameworks such as the National Development Plan and the National Growth Path. Expertise in policy development, monitoring and evaluation techniques, research methodology, and corporate governance is essential, as are strong skills in project management, communication, agricultural development, conflict management, stakeholder mobilisation, financial management, computer literacy, information management, and analytical thinking.

The core duties revolve around facilitating the development, review, and management of policies and programmes for land development and post-settlement support. This includes engaging with stakeholders on policy matters, identifying issues requiring policy review, participating in policy formulation forums, and conducting capacity-building sessions for officials and stakeholders. The Deputy Director will also develop and review standard operating procedures, manage the implementation of programmes aimed at commercialisation, and identify which procedures should be supported. Establishing partnerships between producers and development partners, organising training programmes for producers, and appointing strategic partners and service providers are key responsibilities. The role further involves resource mapping and mobilisation of farms in line with departmental priorities and the Annual Performance Plan, as well as developing and approving project registers.

A significant portion of the work centres on project preparation and oversight. This includes facilitating farm assessments and feasibility studies, compiling reports and business plans, coordinating approval processes, conducting quality assurance, and ensuring submissions comply with relevant policies and SOPs. The Deputy Director will present submissions to committees, manage the implementation of approved projects, and promote good corporate governance and compliance with financial and human resource prescripts. Ongoing monitoring, reporting, and mitigation of operational and fraud risks are also critical, alongside managing human and financial resources within the relevant legislative frameworks.

This post is advertised with employment equity targets that welcome African, Coloured, Indian, and White males and females, as well as persons with disabilities, encouraging suitably qualified individuals from all designated groups to apply.