Agriculture · Circular 31 of 2026

Scientific Manager Grade a – Agricultural Risk and

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Overview

Scientific Manager Grade a – Agricultural Risk and at Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Cedara.

Requirements

  • An M.Sc degree (NQF level 9) in Agricultural Disaster Management / Climate Change Adaptation / Environmental Sciences (Disaster Risk Science) and a valid driver’s licence.
  • Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
  • Experience: 6 years’ post qualification (M.Sc) natural scientific experience.
  • Knowledge: Sound knowledge of the Disaster Management Act, National Climate Change Act and related Policies, climate change adaptation frameworks, agricultural production systems, natural resource management principles, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations, research and scientific methodologies, GIS and spatial analysis applications, monitoring and evaluation systems.
  • Skills: Technical: Strategic planning and leadership, policy development and excellent report writing, research, project management and development, planning and execution of scientific projects, change management, budget planning and expenditure control, advanced scientific and technical knowledge in climate change and disaster risk management, excellent presentation skills, strong stakeholder management and negotiation, project and financial management, ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities, risk and vulnerability assessment, climate risk analysis, GIS and spatial planning, data management and interpretation, creating a high-performance culture, professional judgement, data analysis, policy development and analysis, scientific presentation, mentoring.
  • Generic: Strategic capability and leadership, decision making, team leadership, financial management, customer focus and responsiveness, communication, computer literacy, networking, planning, organizing and execution, conflict management, people management, change management, problem solving and analytical thinking.

Duties

  • Manage scientific research and development.
  • Manage policy, strategy development and stakeholders’ relations.
  • Manage Agricultural Disaster Risk Assessments and Funding Schemes.
  • Manage the implementation of Climate Change Programmes.
  • Manage Human Resources and Financial Resources of the Sub-Directorate.

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the online e-Recruitment system at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs. Applications submitted electronically will be taken as a final application and may not be amended or supplemented in any way after the closing date indicated in the advertisement. All applications must be addressed to the Acting Head of Department and for reference numbers starting with SSC may be hand delivered or couriered to 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245. All applications for reference numbers starting with NSC may be hand delivered or couriered to Lot no. 11634, Corner of Via Verbena and Loop Street, Veldenvlei, Richards Bay, 3900.

Enquiries: Mrs NZQ Pakkies Tel No: (033) 355 9148

Notes

Applicants using the manual application process must submit their applications on the prescribed form Z83 (Please Use The New Z83 Form Which Is Effective From 01 January 2021) obtainable from any Public Service Department or at www.dpsa.gov.za and all applications must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV. Applicants must ensure that the Z83 application form is completed in full, duly signed and initialled, as failure to do so may lead to disqualification of the application during the selection process. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related/supporting documents on or before the day of the interview following the communication from Human Resources. Applicants may also visit any one of our Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) where our friendly staff will assist you with applying online or receiving your hardcopy application. You can find the list of Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). No late applications will be accepted. Failure to comply with the above instructions will result in the disqualification of your application. 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. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. OTHER POSTS

Post 31/191, sourced from the DPSA Circular 31 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by 11 September 2026, quoting reference SSC14/2026. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.

Location
Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal
Salary
R1 143 468 p/a
Closing date
11 September 2026
Reference
SSC14/2026
How to apply →

Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.