Deputy Director: Production Economics (Elsenburg), Ref No. AGR 59/2026

Job Purpose

The Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government has an opportunity for a suitably qualified and competent individual to manage the rendering of services in the agriculture and agribusiness sector in the field of Production/ Farm Management and Rural Development Economics. 

Tracking Number

Enquiries

Remuneration

All inclusive salary package of R 958 824 per annum (Salary Level 12).

Note on remuneration: Cost-to-employer (CTE) remuneration packages for certain occupation-specific dispensations (OSD), the middle-management service (MMS) and contract positions are inclusive of all costs related to service benefits or obligations including basic salary, medical assistance, housing assistance, pension-fund contributions, etc. MMS remuneration packages are flexible and may be individually structured as prescribed. 

Notes

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit documentation for verification purposes and criminal record vetting. These candidates will be required to attend interviews on a date and time determined by the department and may also be required to undergo competency assessments/proficiency tests. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department.

By applying for this position, you are consenting to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers/managers for an employment reference. Reference checks will include enquiries relating to your disciplinary records and reasons for leaving.

Should you experience difficulties with your online application, technical support is available from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16.00. Contact the helpline at 0861 370 214. For all other queries relating to the position, kindly contact the enquiries person as indicated in the advert. Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.

Continuous in-depth study/research of developments/patterns/trends in a specific agricultural environment (e.g. resources, production, marketing, reform, macro economics, farm management, agricultural business, international trade and investment, business support, rural development, agri-processing/value chain); Manage the analysis/identification of economic questions/challenges in a specific environment/situation (specific districts/areas, a specific industries, specific events/circumstances) pertaining to legislation/strategy/ policy/initiatives/interventions; Manage the application, adaptation and/or development of models in order to reflect the current situation and/or forecast/project possible scenarios; Plan and manage the work of and account for the overall performance of the Sub-directorate; People Management. 

Appropriate NQF level 8 qualification or equivalent with Economics and/or Agricultural Economics as major subjects; A minimum of 6 years relevant experience of which 3 years is managerial experience; A valid (Code B or higher) driving licence. NB: People with disabilities that restrict driving abilities, but who have reasonable access to transport, may also apply.

Working knowledge and understanding of the following: Agricultural sector; and working experience with the legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices that have a bearing on the line functions; Information systems that aid in the management of knowledge and information pertaining to the line function; Project management; Operational management practices; Procurement and tendering processes; Policy development, and operational management, monitoring and review processes; Modern systems of governance and administration; Public service procedures, processes and systems; Regional and local political, economic and social affairs impacting on the provincial government of the Western Cape; Constitutional, legal and institutional arrangements governing the South African public sector; Public finance, human resources and discourse management processes; Public Finance Management Act, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, other financial policies, prescripts, directives and collective agreements; Functioning of the province and the activities of sister departments/related functional areas; Policies of the government of the day; Labour Relations legislation and regulations; Performance management in general. Skills in the following: Numeracy; Computer Literacy; Language skills; Project Management; Accounting/ Finance/ Audit; Appropriate strategic management and leadership skills; Advance communication skills (written and verbal/presentation); Negotiation skills (advanced); Proven ability to conduct research; Analytical skills and to conceptualise policy; Ability to network.