Director: Agro Processing & Textiles at Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

Overview:

• Manage the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes for the AgroProcessing 1 (Aquaculture, Rooibos, Sugar, Poultry, Citrus, Cannabis, Honey bush products and Red Meat)

Mandatory requirements:

• A qualification at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA in Agricultural Economics / Commerce / Development Studies or any other related field. 5 years’ relevant experience at a middle/senior managerial level in an Agriculture or Agro-Processing environment in both public or private sectors.

Key requirements:

• Experience in policy development, strategy formulation and implementation for agro-processing subsectors. Knowledge of industrial policy, trade policy, agricultural marketing legislation, and broader government economic policies. Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret sector performance data. Demonstrated stakeholder management skills, including the ability to liaise with all spheres of government, industry associations, organised labour and international bodies. Proven experience in managing people, budgets and assets at a directorate level. Competence in project management, planning, organising and monitoring programme implementation. Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, advocacy and negotiation skills. Computer literacy (MS Office packages).

Duties:

• Development of Agro-processing sector strategy: Build an understanding of the agro-processing institutional support system, and actively align and build the capacity of key stakeholders across the various spheres of government in order for the agro-processing system to work more effectively. Support the mature agro-processing subsectors to higher growth paths through critical interventions along the value chain. Identify and facilitate investments by the private sector and the state in critical market-enabling agri-infrastructure that unlocks opportunities for agglomeration and rural development. Facilitate the development of high opportunity/ high growth niche sectors that have significant export potential. Facilitate strategic mega-investments that are transformative to the sector, create jobs and unlock value chain potential. Develop high-potential food processing suppliers on scale through facilitating upgrading programmes in partnership with the retailers and large agri-business players. Manage the development andimplementation of Agro-Processing 1 sub-sectors programmeand strategies. Manage and direct the Industrial Policy Action Plan processes, including the development of the key Action Programmes and their implementation. Manage the development and maintenance of databases of key companies in the Agro-processing sector. Engage in continual policy advocacy and coordination in the Agro-Processing industry that has potential growth. Manage the development of the National Food Control Agency legislative framework. Research and analysis. Manage the quarterly analysis of the performance of the Agro-Processing Industry. Provide guidance in research related to the Agro-Processing programme, which underpins the policies and strategies of the programme. Manage analysis to formulate or review the Agro-Processing policies, procedures and strategies in line with Industrial Policy. Stakeholder management: Create platforms for continuous engagement with key stakeholders. Manage the stakeholders, including other Government departments to develop a supporting policy environment. Liaising, consulting and networking with appropriate and relevant stakeholders for developing joint programs aimed at improving the competitiveness of the Agro-Processing industry. Represent the department in all forums and focus groups, addressing the sector challenges. Initiate and provide inputs in meetings with industry associations and export councils to ensure alignment with the work of the unit. Directorate Management: Manage staff /personnel. Manage financial resources and assets of the unit. Manage the strategic planning of the unit. Monitoring and Evaluation. Manage the review of policies and methodologies and benchmark against international best practice. Provide support with the implementation of programmes. Develop and monitor corrective action to facilitate the implementation of the interventions.

Deadline:27th October,2025